# Used Car Test Drive Checklist: What to Check and Listen For

Published 27 September 2026. CarCheckUp guide: https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/used-car-test-drive-checklist-what-to-check-and-listen-for/

> A test drive is your best chance to find faults before you buy. Here is a simple checklist of what to check before, during and after driving a used car.

Never buy a used car without driving it. A 20-minute test drive on different roads can reveal problems that no photo or advert will. Use this checklist.

## Before you set off

- **Make sure you're insured.** Don't assume your own policy covers you to drive other cars; many don't, or only for third-party damage. A dealer usually has trade insurance for test drives.
- **Ask for a cold start.** Tell the seller not to run the engine before you arrive. A warm engine can hide starting problems and smoke. Feel the bonnet when you arrive.
- **Watch the dashboard as you start it.** Warning lights should come on and then go out within a few seconds. A light that never comes on may have had its bulb removed.
- **Look at the exhaust.** A little vapour on a cold day is normal; blue smoke (burning oil) or thick white smoke that doesn't clear are not.

## On the road

- **Clutch and gears:** gear changes should be smooth. A clutch that bites very high may be worn. Listen for crunching when changing gear.
- **Automatic gearbox:** changes should be smooth, without jerks, slipping or delays.
- **Brakes:** the car should stop straight, without pulling to one side, vibrating or squealing.
- **Steering:** it shouldn't pull to one side on a straight road or vibrate at speed.
- **Suspension:** listen for knocks and clunks over bumps and when turning at low speed.
- **Engine:** it should pull smoothly without hesitation. Listen for rattles, whining or knocking.
- **Try different roads:** town driving, a faster road if possible, and reversing and parking.

## After the drive

- Check for new warning lights and any smell of burning or coolant.
- Look under the car for fresh drips.
- Test everything electric: windows, mirrors, air conditioning (it should blow cold), heater, lights, wipers, infotainment and parking sensors.
- Check the tyres, including the spare or repair kit, and that both keys work.

## Check the paperwork too

A car that drives well can still have hidden history. Compare the VIN on the car with the V5C (see [where to find the VIN](https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/where-to-find-the-vin-on-a-car-and-check-it-matches-the-v5c/)), read the [MOT advisories](https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/mot-advisories-explained-what-they-mean-for-a-used-car/), and run a [history check](https://carcheckup.co.uk/) before you pay.

## Key points

- Be insured, ask for a cold start and watch the warning lights.
- Test the clutch, gears, brakes, steering and suspension on different roads.
- Take our [used car checklist](https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/what-to-check-while-buying-used-car-2nd-hand-car-checklist/) with you.