Are you considering getting a Tesla and wondering if you can test drive one? Well, you are in the right place if you looking to get this question answered. We will show you where you can get a test drive as well as how to book one.
In short, yes, you can test drive a Tesla. Depending on your location, you should either be over 18 to get approved for a test drive. During the Covid lockdowns, Tesla introduced touchless test drives where you could test drive a Tesla without the need of interacting with a human being.
Where Can You Test Drive a Tesla?
There are several ways of getting a Tesla test drive. You can do it through a dealership by calling/walking in and requesting a test drive.
This is the most common way of getting one that has generally been around for as long as test drives have been a thing. When it comes to Tesla though, innovation is their middle name.
You can book a test drive through their website or scan a QR code on their designated test vehicles. If you are booking a test drive from within a dealership, you can get a booking either within minutes or will be given an available slot on another day.
Alternatively, you can make your booking on their website at www.tesla.com/drive. You will be asked to fill in some details and then given a date and location of your test vehicle.
When you get to the vehicle, it will automatically open for you once you submit your verification information on their website. When inside, the Tesla will be activated using keyless start and you can then go on your test drive.
Another way to test drive a Tesla is to go to a dealership car lot where the test vehicles are located and scan a QR code on the vehicle. You will be taken to a form where you will be requested to fill in some information. It will usually take a few minutes for you to be approved for the test drive.
Once this happens, the Tesla will unlock and allow you to enter the vehicle and take it for a test drive. As a precautionary measure, there will be wipes and face masks.
You can then take the Tesla for a test drive and once done, you return it to the same spot that you got it from. This will all be done without the need for interacting with a single human being.
This is a great model for test drives of the future. It allows potential customers to test the vehicles without feeling pressured into a purchasing decision. The other, less common way of getting to test drive a Tesla, if you don’t have a dealership in your area, is to attend motor shows.
Motor shows are a good place to not only test drive Teslas or any other vehicle for that matter. Car dealers get to showcase their best and car enthusiasts have the opportunity to get behind some of these vehicles.
With many more players coming into the space that Tesla has dominated, they are getting more innovative in how they can win more customers. Considering that Teslas are high-quality vehicles, what better way to do this than to allow people to test drive Teslas?
How to Go about Test Driving a Tesla
There are different ways to test drive a Tesla, including borrowing one from a friend, renting one, or taking advantage of Tesla drive tests.
If you choose the last option, here is what you need to do;
Schedule an appointment
First, you need to understand which model you will choose for the test drive. You can then schedule an appointment online.
A Tesla employee will ask you to fill in details about yourself such as your name. The next step will be to find a Tesla showroom near where you live.
Tesla’s website will use your phone location to notify you of the nearest showroom. Once you have chosen a location, you can then pick a day and time that will be convenient for you.
Tesla then assigns you an adviser that will confirm your appointment and address any concerns you may be having.
After the confirmation, you must have a valid driver’s license and insurance to take a Tesla test drive. Once your appointment is confirmed, you will meet with your Tesla adviser, who will unlock your car remotely.
Once you enter the Tesla, check the touchscreen, as this is where the instructions and tutorial videos are located. These instructions will teach you how various functions of the Tesla work.
Tesla test drives usually last for 30 minutes because you are required not to exceed 20 miles. Once your test drive is over, you are supposed to return the car and park. You will then speak to a Tesla representative about your experience and have your questions answered.
What if I can’t find a showroom near me?
Tesla is very considerate of people like you, so you should not worry. Tesla regularly hosts events in areas with no showrooms. You can test drive a Tesla during these events. Your other available options are listed below:
Rent a Tesla
You can rent a Tesla online because it is very convenient. In this instance, you can use the Turo app, which is a company that allows car owners to make money from renting out their cars. This app is available in 56 countries, and if you are among them, then you can go for a test drive.
All you need to do is download the app and then select the model of Tesla that you want. You can then pick up the Tesla or have it delivered to your location.
The best aspect of using this app is that there is roadside help available in case you run into any issues. As for your safety, you don’t have to stress because all car owners on the Turo app have been thoroughly screened.
The best merit you can enjoy from choosing to test drive a Tesla on the Turo app is that all Tesla models are available, and you will have a wide variety of cars to choose from. Again, renting a Tesla on Turo ensures that you have more time to get an extensive experience of the car, which differs from the 30 minutes offered by Tesla.
Rent a Tesla at a major car agency
If you live in a major city, you can also rent a Tesla from a reliable car agency. In this case, make sure you identify the reputable car agencies in your area.
For instance, Hertz, Avis, and Sixt are some of the major agencies you can rent a Tesla from. Rent a Tesla at a local rental car company Tesla test drives can be completed by people that live in small cities as well. Find the local companies in your area that offer test drives for Teslas.
The best aspect of choosing these agencies is that they offer more affordable rates. Also, you can test drive the Tesla by yourself, or you can be driven by their employee. This is great if you have issues with driving, like anxiety.
Borrow a Tesla from a friend
Another way you can test drive a Tesla is by borrowing it from a friend that owns one. This is probably the cheapest and most reliable option out there because you don’t have to spend any money.
Your friend can answer any questions you have about Tesla, especially if they have owned it for a long time. Again, they can go on the test drive with you if you don’t know how to maneuver around one.
Therefore, if you want to know what it’s like to drive a Tesla, ask your friend to take you on a test drive or give you their Tesla for a few minutes.
Tesla test drive events Tesla also hosts test drive events for drivers who want to purchase a Tesla. Tesla posts these events on its website, and you can check them out. You can even register to receive notifications about test drive events in the future.
This option is very convenient for people who don’t live near showrooms. Check the events page on Tesla’s website to find out when regional rest drive tours will be held in your area.
During these events, Tesla focuses on maintaining the safety of their staff and customers, meaning you will only focus on enjoying the driving experience.
How Long Can You Test Drive a Tesla?
When you arrange a test drive, a Tesla representative will meet you at the location of your choice. The test drive is designed to last 20-30 minutes, but we recommend you tell the representative when booking if you would like to have it extended.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Test Drive a Tesla?
How old do you have to be to be allowed to test drive a Tesla vehicle? You’ll be pleased to hear that Tesla has very flexible requirements as far as getting behind the wheel of one. You need to be at least 18 years of age and be the holder of a valid driver’s license. If you satisfy these requirements, you will be well on your way to getting your first test drive of a Tesla.
Tesla Test Drive Requirements
All you need to test drive a Tesla is a valid driver’s license and a few minutes of your time for the test drive. You’ll need to be over 18 years old, but there’s no additional paperwork or deposit required.
Conclusion
So, as you can see, it’s quite simple to secure a test drive on a Tesla. Simply follow the steps in this post and you will be test driving one within as little as a few minutes.
