Do dealers have test drive insurance?

Dealers will have special cover in place but there’s a good chance you won’t be covered if you test drive a car sold privately. Check your own car insurance – you are looking for the words on the policy that says you can ‘drive another car with the owner’s permission’. This is known as DOC or Driving Other Cars cover.

Is car insured for driving test?

You’ll need to have valid insurance for the car you’re taking your test in. If you’re only planning to drive with a professional driving instructor, or are taking your test through a driving school programme, you won’t need to worry about car insurance until after you pass your test.

Is it OK to test drive a car without buying?

You can go to a dealership just to test drive a car without buying it. However, you need not inform the dealership that you would be visiting for a test drive. A dealership will not deny you a test drive, especially if you give the impression that you would buy the car.

Are test drives legal?

While test drives are now allowed, car buyers must place a deposit with the dealer either online and over the phone to be able to drive a car legitimately. Drives also must be carried out away from the dealership, such as being dropped off from the customers’ home.

Can you get car insurance before you pass your test?

You don’t need to worry about getting insurance until you pass your test. Be aware that it’s illegal for someone to charge for driving lessons if they aren’t qualified or registered, or don’t have a trainee driving instructor licence.

Do I need an extra mirror for my driving test?

It is not essential to purchase an internal mirror for the driving test as the examiner should have a spare if needed. The extra interior mirror only has value during driving lessons and the driving test and has no use once the driving test has been passed.

How far should you test drive a car?

You should drive all of the vehicles you’re considering on the same day so that you can compare them more easily. Drive them as long as possible—at least 30 minutes—and over different types of road surfaces and in various driving conditions.

Should you buy a car without test driving it?

Probably not, reports Autotrader. And for a pretty important reason too. Buy a car without going to the dealership first, and odds are you won’t get the opportunity to test drive it before finalizing your purchase. Unfortunately, Autotrader reports, this could make for a costly mistake.

What happens to car insurance when you pass your test?

Insurance companies will tell you that once you have passed the test, you can drive independently and are therefore a much higher risk – hence the huge increase. After passing the driving test, some insurance companies who cover the learner driver will more than quadruple the policy price when fully qualified.

What happens if you drive without insurance?

If you are caught driving without insurance, you can face fines, license suspension, registration suspension and even jail time. Be sure to find an insurance policy right away if you own a car and are currently uninsured. Coverage can be expensive, but a lapse in coverage can be more expensive in the long run.

Can you use a hire car for driving test?

Yes, you are permitted to use rental cars for the driving test. A rental / hire car must be fitted with dual controls if you wish to use it for the driving test. Typical hire cars however do not have dual controls and a specialised hire company may need to be located.

Do you need insurance to test drive a car at the dealership?

The dealer will hold your license, provide a waiver, and tell you how to get a test drive at a dealership. The best thing to do to avoid any problems is to have proof of insurance to test drive a car with no issues.

Do you need insurance to test drive a car at surface value?

At surface value, the dealer’s insurance will be considered the primary coverage if you need to file a claim. Unfortunately, every state has a different rule and there may be times where you can be held liable for damages to the dealer’s vehicle while it’s in the client’s custody.

Can you test drive a car on a private lot?

Both employees and customers who are test driving cars on the lot are covered for liability and for physical damage claims. When you are buying a car from a private seller, you still do not have an interest in the car.

Do you take test drives at car showrooms?

Whenever you visit showrooms to look at new cars, do so with the expectation that you may be taking one or two test drives while you are there. You do not want to let proven sales techniques influence you into purchasing a car that is not necessarily right for you.