How Old Do You Have To Be To Test Drive A Car?
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For teens and young adults, test driving a car is one of those rights of passage in today’s world; it’s the first step of car ownership. Before getting behind the wheel, there are fundamental questions to consider, including “How old do you have to be to test drive a car?” Let’s explore the answers and look at other test drive essentials for young drivers.
Test Drive Age Requirements
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer when asking, “How old do you have to be to test drive a car?” One thing is for sure, though. To take any vehicle on a public road, you must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit (and be accompanied by a qualified adult). From here, things get a bit complicated.
First, no laws mandate a minimum age for test driving a vehicle other than state driver’s license requirements. Second, age restrictions for a test drive are set by a dealership.
These requirements may be established by corporate policy if the dealer is part of a chain or at a local level if the dealership is a single location operation. You may even run across a situation where age requirements are determined at the discretion of a salesperson or manager. In other words, don’t be surprised to come across different standards as you deal with different dealers.
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18 Is the Magic Age For Test Drives
Many dealers will allow a test drive for individuals as young as 18. This age threshold is important for two reasons.
Unrestricted Driver’s License: Most states grant an unrestricted driver’s license to people at age 18. This means there are no limitations on when or where they can drive or who can or cannot be in the car.
Some states allow younger drivers to receive a full license, but no state mandates the minimum age for an unrestricted license beyond 18.
Capacity to Contract: If you’re car shopping on your own, a dealer needs the purchaser to be able to buy a car legally. An individual under 18 (a minor) cannot enter into a contract for non-essential items in most states. Things like food, clothing, and lodging are essential goods and services.
So, a minor lacks the “capacity to contract” for a car. To be blunt, if you can’t legally buy the vehicle, the dealership doesn’t want you test-driving its vehicles. In addition, if a minor does buy a car, the contract can be voided. Check with an attorney for specifics in your state.
What About Test Drives with a Learner’s Permit?
Having only a learner’s permit doesn’t automatically disqualify a younger driver from test-driving a car. Bringing along a parent can help.
In these situations, the dealer would consider Mom or Dad to be the responsible party. This is important because if an accident happens during the test drive, then an adult, not a minor, could be liable for damages.
Being able to test drive with just a learner’s permit will depend on the dealer’s policies, a parent’s participation in the test-drive process, how much the dealer wants to do business, and how the dealer perceives your seriousness about buying a car.
In some cases, the answer is less than 18 when asking, “How old do you have to be to test drive a car?”
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What to Expect on a Test Drive
If a test drive is a new experience, then here’s what’s likely to happen.
Preparation: A salesperson will make a copy of your driver’s license to confirm your identity (you will be driving someone else’s cars after all).
You may also be asked for information about your car insurance. Before driving off, be sure to walk around the car and look for any pre-existing problems like dents or paint damage. Ask the salesperson to write down any issues.
At the same time, make sure the tires appear inflated and that there is no unusual noise coming from the engine compartment or under the car. In addition, the salesperson should go over the basic operation of the vehicle (turn signals, gear shifter, etc.) before you get underway.
During the drive: There’s no rule, but some dealerships require a salesperson to accompany customers on a test drive, and other dealerships don’t.
Be prepared for either situation. Regardless of who else might be in the car, keep conversation to a minimum so you can focus on distraction-free driving. This is particularly important as you’ll be unfamiliar with the vehicle you’re driving. Similarly, avoid further diversions by keeping the radio off (plus, this helps you listen for any unusual car noises).
Additionally, the dealer may have a set direction to take for the test drive. It’s OK to follow this guideline, but don’t hesitate to ask for additional driving time or an alternative route. Also, when you’re behind the wheel, check out:
- Transmission: During the drive, did the transmission shift smoothly and need minimal effort to use? Be on the alert for a “clunking” sound.
- Brakes: Do the brakes effectively give you confidence for stopping the car? When applied, do the brakes emit any squeals or other loud noise?
- Engine: Did the car start smoothly? Did you hear any abnormal sounds coming from under the hood?
- Suspension: Ideally, drive the car over a few speed bumps to check out that the suspension smooths out uneven road surfaces.
- Visibility: When behind the wheel, look to see if you have a clear view of the areas in front of, next to, and behind the car. You want to avoid vehicles with large blind spots that affect safe driving.
- Maneuverability: How does the car handle? Is the vehicle easy to manage around corners? What about during highway acceleration? Be sure to try parallel parking and parking in a tight space.
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Final Thoughts on How Old Do You Have to Be to Test Drive A car
For younger drivers, shopping for a first car can be an exciting and overwhelming process. A test drive can go a long way in helping you select that first set of wheels. Keep in mind that there are plenty of car dealerships around. So, if one dealer doesn’t offer a test drive, keep looking for one that does.
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