Test drive insurance

Test it, buy it, drive it away – simples

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What is test drive insurance and why do you need it?

Test driving, buying or collecting a car? Test drive insurance is a short-term car insurance policy that can cover you while you're on the road.

You'll need valid insurance before driving any car on UK roads – even if you're only taking it for a short test drive.

The good news is that you can take out temporary insurance for as little as an hour at a time.

Having insurance in place:

  • Offers short-term cover without committing to an annual policy

  • Gives you time to assess the car before deciding whether to buy it

  • Legally protects you in case of an accident or damage during the drive.

Stock image of a woman sat in a car whilst a man in a tie explains the steering wheel controls

When do I need test drive insurance?

Here are some common situations where you may need to arrange cover before getting behind the wheel.

You're buying from a private seller

If you're viewing a car advertised privately, the seller's insurance is unlikely to cover you during a test drive.

If your existing car insurance doesn't allow you to drive other cars, temporary car insurance could be an option.

You're buying a car from a friend or family member

It can be easy to assume you're covered when test driving a vehicle owned by someone you know.

However, their insurance policy may not allow other drivers to use the car.

You're test driving a car from a dealership

Many dealerships arrange insurance for customers during test drives, but this isn't guaranteed. Always check before getting behind the wheel.

You're relying on driving other cars cover (DOC)

Most comprehensive car insurance policies don’t include driving other cars (DOC) cover.

If it is included, DOC cover often comes with restrictions and may only offer third-party protection.

Test drive insurance: private seller vs dealership

Whether you need to arrange your own cover depends on who you're buying the vehicle from and what insurance arrangements are already in place.

Private seller

Dealership

Is insurance needed?

Yes – you'll need valid insurance before driving

Yes – insurance is still needed, but the dealership may arrange it

Who usually provides the insurance?

You'll normally need to sort out your own cover

The dealership often offers cover through its motor trade insurance

Can I assume I'm covered?

No – always check before driving

No – always confirm what cover the dealership provides

Could temporary car insurance help?

Yes – temporary car insurance may be an option if you need short-term cover for a test drive

Usually not required if the dealership offers cover, but check first

Do I need to check my existing policy?

Yes – some policies may include driving other cars cover (DOC), although restrictions often apply

Not usually, if the dealership has confirmed you're covered

What should I ask before driving?

Whether you're insured to drive the vehicle and what cover applies

Whether insurance is included, the level of cover on offer and whether any restrictions apply

What documents might I need?

Typically, your driving licence and any documents asked for by the seller or insurer

Usually your driving licence, and sometimes proof of identity or address

What happens if I'm not insured?

You shouldn't drive the vehicle until suitable cover is in place

The dealership should not allow the test drive to happen until insurance arrangements have been confirmed

Get a quote

What does test drive insurance cover?

Temporary insurance for test driving a car is usually comprehensive, but the exact cover, exclusions and optional extras can vary by insurer.

What’s typically included

  • Comprehensive cover for accidental damage to the car you’re test driving

  • Fire and theft cover while the temporary policy is active

  • Third-party liability if you injure someone or damage another person’s vehicle or property

  • Flexible cover for the agreed policy period, which could be from one hour to 28 days

  • Some policies may include or offer optional extras such as breakdown, windscreen, legal assistance or lost key cover

What typically isn’t included

  • Wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns or existing faults with the car

  • Driving outside the use, driver, location or time limits shown on the policy

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Track days, racing, hire and reward, or other commercial use unless the policy specifically says it’s covered

  • Optional extras such as breakdown or windscreen cover, unless they’re included in the policy or added for an extra cost

How to get insurance for a test drive

Get a quote

Check who is providing the cover

Ask the dealership or seller if insurance is included

Review your existing policy

Check whether your current car insurance covers you driving another vehicle and whether any restrictions apply

Arrange temporary insurance if needed

If you aren't covered, compare temporary car insurance quotes and buy a policy that insures you for the amount of time you'll need.

Get a quote

Quick tip

To arrange cover, make sure you have your driving licence and any documents asked for by the seller or dealership.

Amy Rootham

What our expert says...

“When you’re arranging test drive insurance, think about how long you’ll realistically need behind the wheel, plus a little breathing room if you’re planning to buy the car and drive it home. Temporary cover can be flexible, so you can choose the amount of insurance that fits your plans rather than paying for more time than you need.”

Amy Rootham, Insurance expert

Test drive checklist: what to check and ask

Before you set off

  • If possible, start the car from cold and listen for any unusual noises

  • Ask the salesperson or private seller to show you how the car’s key features and controls work

  • Test the lights, windows, central locking, indicators, wipers, air conditioning, infotainment system and other electrics

  • Is there air conditioning and, more importantly, does it work?

  • If you’re getting a used car, find out how many previous owners it has

  • Confirm whether it has a full service history and ask to see any paperwork such as repair bills to spot potential issues.

  • Ask about how the car normally handles and performs

While driving

  • Make sure the car pulls away smoothly, with no clutch slip or excessive exhaust smoke

  • Make sure the brakes work efficiently and aren’t spongy

  • Make sure gear changes are smooth and listen out for unusual noises

  • Check the car handles well and doesn’t pull to one side or the other

  • Look out for a bumpy ride or noises when driving over uneven surfaces which could suggest suspension issues

After the drive

  • See if you can have the vehicle checked by a mechanic (you’ll likely have to pay extra for this)

  • Talk over any concerns or observations from the drive with the salesperson or private seller – this could lead to negotiating a better deal

  • Most importantly of all, give yourself time to think it over before making a decision.

Bear in mind...

If a seller won't allow a test drive or vehicle inspection, it could be a warning sign that something isn't right, and you need to walk away.

Planning your test drive

What roads should I drive on?

  • Try to test the car in a range of conditions, including:

    • Local roads to assess comfort and visibility

    • Dual carriageways or motorways to check performance at higher speeds

    • Junctions and stop-start traffic to see how the car responds

    • Parking, reversing and three-point turns.

How long should I test drive?

    • Aim for at least 30 minutes to get a feel for the car but take as long as you need

    • An hour gives you more time to test different road types and driving conditions

    • Some dealerships offer extended or 24-hour test drives.

How far can I test drive?

    • Test drive routes are often set by the dealership and typically last 30–60 minutes

    • A salesperson may accompany you during the drive

    • If you'd like more time behind the wheel, ask to book a 24-hour test drive

    • Always check for any mileage limits or driving restrictions before setting off.

Test driving an electric car

When you’re preparing to test drive an electric car, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure it’s right for you:

Location pin icon

Range

Test the car on different road types to get a feel for its real-world range

Pound sign in circle icon

Energy use

Keep an eye on how the car uses its battery to get an idea of future running costs

Car battery icon

Battery health and charging

Ask about battery health, warranty cover, availability of nearby charging stations and whether the battery is owned or leased

Car with tick icon

Comfort and practicality

Make sure the space, climate control, technology and driving position suit your needs

More on temporary cover

From insuring a car you don't own to choosing the right cover type, here's what to check before you take the wheel

Row of houses with cars
Borrowing & sharing
Insuring a car you don't own
Check how the process works so you're covered to borrow a car
Borrowing & sharing
Driving someone else’s car
Learn how insurance works when driving a family member's car
Policy & cover
Types of car insurance explained
Get the basics on cover options, inclusions and exclusions
Car ownership
Buying a used car: what to check
Important questions to ask about the car's condition and documentation
All temporary car insurance guides

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Check your car's insurance group and how it could affect your premium

FAQs

What to consider before buying a car

Before making a decision on buying a car, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs: 

  • Family needs: if you have a young family, check if the car can accommodate all necessary car seats and if there's enough space for a buggy and shopping. 

  • Space and comfort: consider the headspace and legroom for taller passengers. 

  • Technology and connectivity: ensure there are enough USB ports for charging gadgets, which can be crucial for long journeys. 

  • Pet-friendly features: if you have a dog, assess how easy it would be for it to get in and out of the car. 

  • Lifestyle suitability: think about how the car fits into your daily routine and whether it can handle your typical driving patterns. 

  • Insurance and running costs: consider the insurance costs and other running expenses to ensure they fit within your budget. 

How old do I have to be to test-drive a car?

Although you can hold a full UK driving licence from age 17, many dealerships need drivers to be at least 18 to take a test drive.

Age restrictions can vary between dealers and may be higher for unaccompanied, 24-hour or 48-hour test drives, so it's worth checking before you book.

Can I test-drive a car alone?

On most test drives, you’ll be accompanied by someone from the dealership, who’ll discuss the car’s features as you drive.

You could request to drive the car alone – an increasing number of dealers will let you do this, although you may need to meet some further criteria.

If you’re buying a used car from a private seller, they may well want to come with you. You're free to ask, but it's ultimately up to them whether they allow you to drive the car alone.

Do I need to test-drive a used car?

It’s arguably even more important to test drive a used car. It may be more likely to throw up issues than a new car, especially if it’s an older vehicle.

If the seller refuses to let you test drive it, it’s usually a sign that something’s wrong.

And don’t forget: always make sure you have the appropriate cover in place before you go out on any test drive.

Sam Wilson
Reviewed 28 Jul 2026 by Sam Wilson Insurance expert

Sam Wilson is Head of Commercial Finance at Compare the Market and one of our core insurance experts on motor, home, van, motorbike and pet insurance products.

With over seven years at Compare the Market, Sam has a detailed understanding of how customers shop for insurance, what drives differences in premiums, and how small changes — such as shopping around at renewal or reviewing cover — can make a meaningful difference to what people pay.

Sam regularly comments in national and trade media on insurance costs, value for money and consumer savings, helping people understand how to get a good deal without focusing on price alone.

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1 Based on Trustpilot ratings (July 2026).