How to Become a Test Driver: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you passionate about cars and eager to turn your love into a profession? Consider becoming a test driver. This article will guide you through the process, providing insights into the education, experience, and skills required to embark on this exciting career path.

Education and Preparation

To become a test driver, you should start with a solid educational foundation. A degree in Automotive Engineering is highly recommended. This degree will provide the necessary technical knowledge and skills. Additionally, experience in electronics can be beneficial, as modern vehicles are increasingly complex with numerous electronic systems.

Starting with a position in a major automotive development company in a junior role is a practical approach. You can then move to specialized areas such as Ride Handling or Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH). These areas are particularly relevant for test driving, as they involve evaluating a vehicle's performance under various conditions.

Variety of Test Driving Roles

Test driving is not confined to just supercars and race tracks. The role can extend to a variety of vehicles and industries, including Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs). You might also be involved in performance testing related to load carrying, fuel consumption, and engine development.

It's important to be specific about the type of test driving you are interested in. Some jobs involve test driving as part of a broader role such as a vehicle development engineer. In these roles, the test driver might spend more time in engineering meetings, planning experiments, and analyzing data rather than just driving the car.

Types of Test Drivers

There are many types of test drivers, and the most glamorous version often portrayed in media—test driving supercars and being on TV with famous people—doesn’t exactly exist. In reality, the roles can range widely, from low hourly paid contractors to chassis development jobs for supercar companies.

Real manufacturer test drivers can be involved in various activities:

Low hourly paid contractor: Responsible for delivering cars from one location to another. Chassis development jobs for supercar companies: Usually former race drivers with extensive knowledge, experience, and contacts within the manufacturer and their products.

Most test drivers are automotive engineers who test specific features within the vehicle. They spend a significant portion of their workweek in engineering meetings, planning tests, analyzing results, and presenting information to improve components. This involves a deep understanding of the systems they are testing, often trying to make them function optimally or even break to gather data for improvements.

For instance, a test driver might focus on:

Navigation system testing to ensure accurate and reliable operation in various conditions. Suspension setup testing to optimize ride quality and performance.

Sometimes, they also get to take cars on track for performance evaluation, but this is not the norm. Instead, they often attend meetings and gather extensive data to enhance the overall vehicle performance.

Conclusion

Becoming a test driver is a rewarding career that combines technical expertise with a love for driving. Whether you aspire to test supercars or heavy trucks, the path to becoming a test driver involves a combination of education, experience, and continuous learning. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can pave your way into this exciting and dynamic field.