What is a "test drive"?
A test drive is very important in the sales process because that is the time when you're going to get to know the vehicle. The skills and information that the salesperson has is important, the presentation is important, but you need to take a test drive of the vehicle and drive it in the ways that you're going to actually be using the vehicle. Don't just follow the salesman's process on the little roads he takes you on. Quite often there will be quieter roads with few imperfections in the road. You want to really want to drive the car on a test drive like you will when you own it. Get it out on the highway, get in the hills and get in some breaking situations. That's what test driving is: testing the vehicle. It means more than just the actual driving dynamics. Also, test the interior. The dash is where you're going to be living with the vehicle so make sure that you're able to reach the controls that are important to you easily. Make sure that the air conditioner and the radio work to your satisfaction. This is the part of the car that you're going to be establishing the relationship with, so make sure you test it out thoroughly. In order to go through the test drive process you need to only provide a valid drivers license. Expect that in most cases the car dealer, representative or salesperson is going to join you on that test drive. Obviously they're making sure that you don't take off of the vehicle. However, there are exceptions. If you're driving maybe just a two seat sports car, and you really wanted to bring along your spouse, or a friend you usually can negotiate something. They're going to keep your drivers license so that they have a little bit of collateral on you and know though you'll be coming back. However, in most cases the dealer goes with you on a test drive, because he wants to be able to explain features to you while you're out on the road.
