Tesla Test Drives: What To Know & How To Schedule One


in Dealerships 101
Tesla charging station

Source: Pixabay

Over the past decade, no car manufacturer has lit the industry on fire better than Tesla Motors. While almost all car brands have their EV lineups, one could say that Tesla single-handedly ushered in the rise of electric vehicles and made them more mainstream. Nowadays, driving on the freeway is relatively hard without seeing a Tesla model or three.

With that said, if you’re interested in buying a Tesla or electric vehicles in general, you’re probably wondering what it’s like to drive one. Well, there’s no need to wonder because if you have a dealership within a reasonable distance, you can schedule Tesla test drives and find out for yourself.

For today’s post, we will walk you through the process of scheduling Tesla test drives, what you can expect from the experience and everything else you need to know. Let’s get to it!


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How to Test Drive a Tesla

The best way to test drive a Tesla is from the company itself. Fortunately, you can conveniently schedule an appointment for a test drive over the web. Although some Tesla dealerships can accommodate walk-ins, the EV company encourages patrons to plan in advance since appointments are limited.

Requirements:

  • A valid U.S. driver’s license
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

How to Schedule a Tesla Test Drive

Follow the steps below to schedule a test drive for a Tesla:

  1. Visit https://www.tesla.com/drive to schedule an appointment. This will take you to a page where you can select which model to test drive. You can choose from Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.
  2. Complete the form below with your personal information, including name, contact number, email address, country, and zip code.
  3. Once you complete the form, click “Submit and Continue.”
  4. Next, you select the nearest Tesla dealership by clicking “choose a Tesla test drive near me.” The site will now use your location data to determine the closest Tesla showroom.
  5. After choosing your preferred Tesla location, pick a date and time for your test drive.
  6. Afterward, Tesla will assign a representative who will reach out to you via email or phone to confirm your appointment and answer other questions. The representative will also remind you of your upcoming appointment once your preferred date closes in.

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Tesla Test Drives: What to Expect

Keep in mind that you need a valid driver’s license to participate in the test drive. Also, you can sign and complete all the paperwork digitally, so you may not even have to enter the showroom. You may even bring a passenger to experience the Tesla with you. Below are some key steps for Tesla test drives:

  • Tesla encourages drivers to show up 10 minutes before their drive. Test drives are limited but are in high demand, so showing up late will likely result in the cancellation of your appointment. Show up early and check in to be verified.
  • Upon checking in with a Tesla advisor, they will walk you through the car with a sales pitch. The salesperson will provide you with everything you need to know about the Tesla vehicle you’re about to drive. Get the most out of your test drive experience by paying close attention to the pitch.
  • You will have 30 minutes to test drive the Tesla. Get behind the wheel and check out the interior design and features. Look into the touchscreen at the center of the dash for instructions, tutorials, and functions you need to know before you depart.

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  • Enjoy the test drive and get a feel for how to drive a Tesla. Make a mental note if you have questions. NOTE: Since we’re emerging from the pandemic with loosened regulations, the advisor will likely be with you in the car, unlike during the pandemic, when you only drive alone.
  • Once the 30 minutes are up, return the Tesla to the dealership, and the advisor will follow up with your driving experience. If you have questions about the drive or the vehicle in general, feel free to ask your Tesla advisor. 
  • If the test drive is enough to make up your mind and buy a Tesla, your advisor will walk you through the process of designing and ordering your electric vehicle.

What If There’s No Tesla Showroom Near You?

Not a problem since several alternatives will let you get behind the wheel of a Tesla.

  • Test Drive Events: Tesla often holds test drive events in locations with no showrooms nearby. Check out this page for upcoming Tesla events in your area: https://www.tesla.com/events.
  • Rent a Tesla Using the Turo App: If you live in California, you can use the Turo rental service to rent a Tesla. Depending on the model, you could spend as much as $47 to $225 daily to drive a Tesla. This is a great way to have a more in-depth driving experience with a Tesla since a 30-min demo is not exactly ideal.
  • Rent One Via Major Rental Companies: Teslas are so prevalent nowadays that even the largest rental companies, such as Hertz and Enterprise, have them on their fleet. However, expect that daily rates are more expensive than your typical rental.
  • Borrow From a Friend or Relative: One of the better ways to drive a Tesla is to ask a friend or relative who owns one. Tesla owners can be very passionate about their shiny, electric vehicles and will be more than happy to share what it’s like to drive one. Conversely, many wouldn’t be so thrilled to lend you the key especially considering the high price tags of these vehicles.

While Teslas can help you get from point A to B, they offer a unique driving experience, unlike their gas-guzzling counterparts. One of the most common feedback about driving a Tesla is its blazing acceleration. Another widespread comment is that Teslas offer a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Fortunately, it’s now easier than ever to book Tesla test drives. Considering how expensive these electric vehicles are, it’s always good if you can take them out for a spin first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I schedule a Tesla test drive?

A: You can schedule a Tesla test drive by visiting Tesla’s official website and filling out a form with your personal information. Booking in advance is recommended due to the high demand for test drives.

Q: What should I expect during a Tesla test drive?

A: You’ll have 30 minutes to drive the Tesla, during which you can explore its features and performance. Tesla advises arriving 10 minutes early to check in and suggests you may bring a passenger to share the experience.

Q: Can I test drive a Tesla if there’s no showroom nearby?

A: Yes, Tesla hosts test drive events in areas without showrooms. You can also consider renting a Tesla through services like Turo or major rental companies or borrowing one from a friend or relative.

Q: What models are available for a Tesla test drive?

A: Typically, Tesla offers test drives for their current lineup, including Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. Availability can vary based on the dealership’s inventory.

Q: Can I test drive more than one Tesla model in a single visit?

A: This depends on the dealership’s availability and policies. You may be able to test drive different models back-to-back, but it’s best to confirm this when scheduling your appointment.


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