Test drives are a normal and expected part of selling a car privately. Most serious buyers will want to drive the car before committing to a purchase, and refusing test drives altogether will significantly reduce your chances of selling.
But letting a complete stranger drive your car carries real risks — from insurance issues and accidents to outright theft. This guide covers everything you need to do before, during, and after a test drive to protect yourself, your car, and your insurance.
1. Check Their Driving Licence
Before anyone gets behind the wheel, ask to see their photocard driving licence. This is non-negotiable.
Check the following:
- Photo matches the person. Look carefully — compare the face on the licence to the person in front of you
- Licence hasn't expired. Check the expiry date on the front of the card. An expired licence means they are not legally entitled to drive
- Correct category. For a standard car, they need category B. This is shown on the back of the licence
- Provisional vs full. A provisional licence holder cannot legally drive without L-plates and a supervising driver. For a test drive, insist on a full licence
If someone refuses to show their driving licence or claims they don't have it with them, do not allow the test drive. This is a major red flag.
2. Sort Out Insurance
This is the most commonly overlooked aspect of test drives, and it's potentially the most expensive mistake you can make.
The key question: Is the test driver covered by insurance?
| Scenario | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your fully comp policy with "any driver" cover | Likely yes | Check your policy wording. Some exclude drivers under 25 or over 75 |
| Your standard comprehensive policy | Probably not | Most policies only cover named drivers. A test driver is not a named driver |
| Buyer's own "drive other cars" cover | Sometimes | Only some comprehensive policies include this, and it typically provides third-party only cover |
| Buyer arranges temporary insurance | Yes | Short-term cover (1–28 days) can be arranged online in minutes from providers like Tempcover or Cuvva |
Our recommendation: Ask the buyer to arrange temporary insurance before the test drive. It costs around £10–£30 for a day's cover and protects both parties. If they won't do this, it raises questions about how serious they are.
- If the test driver has an accident while uninsured, you could be personally liable for the damage to your car, their injuries, and third-party damage
- Driving without insurance is a criminal offence. The driver could face a £300 fixed penalty and 6 points, or unlimited fine and disqualification if taken to court
- Your own insurer may refuse to pay out if an uninsured driver was behind the wheel with your knowledge
3. Always Go With Them
This is the simplest and most important safety rule: never let a potential buyer drive your car without you in the passenger seat.
- Prevents theft. If you're not in the car, there's nothing stopping them from driving away and never coming back
- You maintain control. You can guide the route, monitor their driving, and intervene if needed
- You can answer questions. Buyers often ask about the car's behaviour while driving — how the gearbox feels, whether a noise is normal, etc.
- Insurance may require it. Some insurance policies stipulate that the policyholder must be present in the vehicle
If a buyer insists on driving alone or suggests taking it for a "quick spin around the block" without you, decline. A genuine buyer will understand why you need to be in the car.
4. Plan a Safe Route
Have a test drive route planned before the buyer arrives. This gives you control over the situation and ensures the buyer gets a proper feel for the car.
A good test drive route should include:
- Residential streets — for low-speed manoeuvring, steering feel, and visibility
- A stretch of A-road or dual carriageway — for acceleration, cruising comfort, and wind noise at speed
- A few roundabouts and junctions — for gearbox feel and braking
- A hill if possible — tests clutch and engine under load
Avoid:
- Motorways (too fast, harder to stop if there's a problem)
- Very busy roads (stressful for both parties)
- Routes that take you far from home (limits your options if something goes wrong)
Keep the test drive to 10–15 minutes. That's enough for the buyer to form an impression without excessive risk.
List your car on SortedCars
Reach verified UK buyers with a free listing.
5. Secure Your Valuables
Before the buyer arrives, remove anything from the car and your home that could be stolen or misused:
- House keys and garage remote — if these are on the car's keyring, remove them. A dishonest buyer could note your address from the V5C and use copied keys later
- Personal documents — remove any post, insurance documents, or paperwork that shows your address
- Spare car key — keep the spare key inside your house, not in the car. If someone steals the car, you still have a key and the car's immobiliser code
- Dashcam SD card — if your dashcam records your regular routes, remove the SD card before the viewing
6. Photograph Their Licence
Before handing over the keys, take a clear photo of the buyer's driving licence with your phone. Both sides if possible.
- This gives you a record of who drove your car if anything goes wrong
- It acts as a strong deterrent — someone planning to steal your car is far less likely to go through with it if you have a photo of their ID
- If there's an accident or incident, you have their full details for insurance and police purposes
- Most genuine buyers won't object to this. If someone refuses, that's a red flag
7. Have Someone Else Present
Whenever possible, have a friend, family member, or partner present during viewings and test drives.
- Safety in numbers. Having two people present deters opportunistic crime
- A witness. If anything goes wrong, you have someone who can corroborate your account
- Someone stays at the house. While you're in the car on the test drive, someone remains at your property. There have been cases where accomplices burgle the house while the seller is out on a test drive
- Emotional support. Negotiations can be stressful. Having someone there helps you stay calm and make better decisions
If you can't have someone physically present, at minimum tell someone what's happening: who's coming, when, and what car they're looking at. Share the buyer's phone number with them.
8. What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Despite all precautions, things can occasionally go wrong during a test drive. Here's what to do:
If there's an accident:
- Stay calm and check everyone is okay
- Call 999 if anyone is injured
- Exchange details with any other parties involved
- Take photos of the damage and the scene
- Report to your insurance company as soon as possible
- If the test driver was uninsured, report the accident to the police
If the buyer drives off:
- Call 999 immediately and report the car as stolen
- Give the police the photo of their driving licence
- Contact your insurance company
- If you have a tracker fitted, share the data with police
If you feel unsafe at any point:
- Trust your instincts. Ask them to stop the car and end the test drive
- You are under no obligation to continue if you feel uncomfortable
- If you feel threatened, call 999
- Won't show driving licence — no licence, no test drive. No exceptions
- Wants to drive alone — always accompany them
- Arrives with multiple people — a buyer and one companion is normal. Three or more people can be intimidating and is unusual
- Excessive interest in your house/routine — a buyer should be interested in the car, not your property
- Pressures you to skip safety steps — "don't worry about insurance, I'll be careful" is not acceptable
- Wants to meet at an unusual time or location — daytime at your address is standard. Late evening at a remote car park is not
Final Thoughts
Test drives are a necessary part of selling a car privately, and with the right precautions, they're perfectly safe. Check the licence, sort out insurance, always go with them, plan the route, photograph their ID, and have someone else present if possible.
The vast majority of buyers are genuine people who just want to make sure the car feels right before committing. Your safety measures protect both parties and make the whole process smoother.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Check your specific insurance policy or contact your insurer for guidance on test drive cover.
Related reading: How to Sell Your Used Car | Safe Payment Methods