Taking a Test Drive with Kids: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

There are few moments more exciting than getting ready to buy a family car. But there’s one big, overarching requirement in the selection process – a thumbs-up from the kids. The best and easiest way to get your kids’ approval on the family car you choose, is to take them on the test drive with you. Not only will this help you make the best decision for your family, but they get to be part of the selection process. It’s an important bonding moment. 

In this comprehensive guide for parents, we will explain the benefits of taking your kids on a test drive and provide you with tips and tricks to make the experience as enjoyable and safe as possible.

 

Understanding Car Test Drives

Before you make the decision to buy the car you want, you should ideally take it for a test drive. While doing a test drive isn’t compulsory, it does provide you with clarity and a chance to experience the power behind the wheels. A test drive is a fantastic opportunity to feel the power, acceleration, comfort, how it drives and detect any potential issues before signing any papers. When you book a test drive with Subaru, you can expect a hassle-free experience and nothing but friendly, helpful service from our team of experts. 

As long as you’re 18 years and older with a driver’s license, anyone can test drive a car. And the great thing about test drives is that they are completely free, unless the dealership stipulates otherwise. At Subaru, we make it easy for you to book a test drive through our website and ensure that you meet all the requirements before the test drive.

 

Requirements for Test Driving a Car

The second to last step in your car purchasing journey is booking a test drive on the car model that you want. Booking a test drive is easy, but not just anyone can actually do the test drive. There are some rules to get familiarised with before test driving a car. 

-You need to have a valid and up-to-date driver’s license with you.

-You need to be over the age of 18 years in order to test drive the car.

-You will need to represent some kind of insurance to the dealership.

-You need to make a valid appointment with the dealership so that the team can arrange the car for you.

 

Once you have the above sorted, the real fun begins. Before you begin your test drive, here’s some car requirements you need to do first:

 

-Fill out some paperwork containing basic personal information as well as proof of insurance.

-Make sure to do a quick inspection of the vehicle to ensure that it’s safe for you and your family to drive. 

-Ensure everyone has their seatbelts on before the drive begins.

-During the test drive, test the acceleration and brakes, try out the safety features, and assess whether the car is comfortable or spacious enough for the entire family. 

-Ask as many questions as possible along the way so that you understand everything there is to know about the car.

 

Test Driving with Kids

Test driving a car with kids doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. Keeping them safe is obviously your main concern, but don’t forget to have a little fun along the way and enjoy the ride. Before you all get into the car you plan to test drive, explain to your children what a test drive is and what they can expect from it. Make it sound fun and exciting and say that the one they enjoy the most, could become the new family car! 

 

Here are Subaru’s top tips for taking kids on test drives and how you can prepare:

-Plan ahead and let the dealership know that you’ll be bringing the kids along for the test drive. 

-Make sure that you choose the right vehicle to accommodate your family’s needs.

-If your child requires a car seat, bring it with you to the dealership. Familiarise yourself with the car seat installation instructions to ensure a secure fit.

-Do a pre-test safety check. Make sure all the windows are closed and locked, child-lock is on and the wheels are good. Don’t allow your children to sit on your lap or stand up while the car is moving.

-Bring some entertainment for the kids, such as books, tablets and treats to keep them occupied along the test drive.

-Test drives typically last around 30 minutes. Try to keep the test drive short and sweet so that your kids don’t get too restless or bored

 

Benefits of Test Driving with Kids

Test driving a car with kids may not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for a new vehicle, but it can actually be a valuable experience for both parents and children. Below are some of the benefits of bringing your family along for a fun test drive:

 

• Family-Friendly Features: A test drive with your kids can help you determine whether a car has family-friendly features that will make your life easier. For example, you can see how easy it is to install a car seat, whether there’s enough space for a stroller or sports equipment, and if there are features like rear-seat entertainment or climate control.
• Safety: Test driving with kids can also help you assess the safety of a car. You can see how easy it is to buckle your child into their car seat, check if there’s enough visibility when reversing, and see how the car performs during emergency manoeuvres.
• Comfort: Long car journeys can be uncomfortable for both adults and children. A test drive can give you a sense of how comfortable the car is for longer trips. You can check the legroom, seat comfort, and suspension.
• Entertainment: Keeping kids entertained during a long drive can be challenging. A test drive can help you assess the entertainment options available, such as built-in DVD players, Wi-Fi connectivity, or sound systems.
• Involving the Kids: Bringing your kids along for a test drive can also help involve them in the decision-making process. By including them in the car buying process, you can help them feel more invested in the purchase and can give them a sense of responsibility for the car.
• Fun: Test driving with kids can also be a fun experience for the whole family. Kids can enjoy the novelty of being in a new car, and you can take the opportunity to go on a little adventure together.

 

Can You Test Drive a Car without Insurance?

It is not possible to test drive a car without insurance. The dealership will require proof of insurance before you begin your test drive. This is to protect both you and the dealership in case of an accident during the test drive.

 

Taking a test drive with your kids can be a fun and great way to ensure that you are making the right decision when buying a new car. By following the tips and tricks provided in this guide, you can make the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. If you’re interested in booking a test drive, visit Subaru’s website to learn more about our test drive service and book your appointment today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How long does a typical test drive last?

A: A typical test drive can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the dealership and the car that you are interested in.

 

Q: Can I bring my own car seat for my child during the test drive?

A: Yes, you can bring your own car seat for your child during the test drive to ensure their safety and comfort.

 

Q: Can I test drive more than one car in a single visit?

A: Yes, you can definitely test drive more than one car in a visit. Just make that known when you make an appointment.

 

Q: What should I do if my child has motion sickness during the test drive?

A: Keep the car well-ventilated by opening up the windows – fresh air can help alleviate nausea and motion sickness symptoms. It might also be worth taking a break and avoiding heavy meals and snacks.

 

Q: How soon should I book a test drive before purchasing a car?

A: As soon as you would like to. Once you make an appointment, the sales rep will advise you on what day you can come in.