The test drive: contract, insurance and matching license plate
If you want to sell a used car, you have to be prepared for a test drive with potential buyers - because no one spends a lot of money without knowing what they are getting. But a test drive has its pitfalls: We tell you what to consider and whether a test drive contract is really necessary.
Test drive checklist - What do you need to pay attention to?
Whether you want to buy a car or sell your used car - a test drive is important for both sides. If you are a buyer, you naturally want to make sure that your potential new car works perfectly. If you want to sell your car, the test drive is a good way to show your car from the best side and give the buyer security.
This is definitely one of the most important tips for buying a used car.
The vehicle should be in good condition according to its age. As a seller, it is best to take a test drive yourself in advance and put yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer. Here we have summarized the most important points:
Checks before the test drive
- Are all lights, windshield wipers and window regulators in working order?
- Can the seats and steering wheel be adjusted without any problems?
- Do the tires still have enough tread and are not over 8 years old?
- Are the materials in the interior in good condition for their age?
- Is liquid dripping from the vehicle somewhere?
- How long ago was the last technical inspection (general inspection)?
Checks during the test drive
- Does the car brake, clutch, steer and accelerate without any problems?
- Do heated seats and air conditioning work?
- Does the engine noise sound normal?
- Are all the instruments, infotainment system and on-board computer working?
- Do doors or panels rattle?
- Do all assistance systems work?
If you can tick off all these points during your own test drive, then a buyer should have nothing to complain about. If you are unsure, you may want to have the car checked again.
How long should a test drive take?
Anyone who signs up for a test drive naturally wants to drive the car, but a viewing and a few tests are also common. You should plan about an hour for the entire appointment. Usually you start with the inspection, here you take a close look at the vehicle from the inside and outside, test the light and some adjustment options, even a look under the hood can't hurt.
Then it's time to get down to business. Normally, a time of about 30 minutes is sufficient for the pure test drive. It is best to choose a suitable route in advance, which includes sections on country roads, motorways and city traffic.
And an urgent piece of advice: Ride along! This way, you can keep an eye on the person during the ride and don't risk theft – the insurance company wouldn't cover this during a test drive. A GPS tracker could also provide security here.
A trip to a parking lot or other suitable area is advisable, because here a few braking or steering exercises can be carried out outside of public road traffic without endangering others.
Even if you buy an e-car for seniors, a test drive is highly recommended so that everything fits in the end.
Experten-Check sollte möglich sein
Es kann sein, dass der oder die potentielle Käufer:in das Fahrzeug zu einer Überprüfung in eine nahegelegene Werkstatt bringen möchte. Am besten klärst du das schon vorab, damit auch ein entsprechender Termin vereinbart werden kann. Wenn du mit einem Experten-Check einverstanden bist, dann macht das einen guten Eindruck – denn dann hast du sicher auch nichts zu verbergen.
Da so eine Überprüfung optional ist, trägt die Kosten natürlich der oder die Interessent:in.
Test drive contract: Necessary or excessive?
Before you start, it is important to present an agreement that will be signed by you and the potential buyer. It is a so-called test drive contract that includes all eventualities. This is especially important because as the vehicle owner, you are liable for all damages even during a test drive. To ensure that the insurance pays out in the event of any damage occurring during the journey, ask to be shown the driver's license and ID of the interested person before you start your journey.
In addition, the following points should be included in the test drive contract:
- Information about the vehicle (license plate, manufacturer, previous damage or scratches, etc.)
- Insurance details (how is the vehicle insured?)
- Duration of the test drive and mileage (start and end time and max. kilometers)
- Deposit or deposit (what/how much is paid during the trip?)
- Liability Agreement
Sample test drive contract
A model agreement from the ADAC shows what a test drive contract can look like. Also, if you want to buy a used camper, you should take a test drive. If your vehicle is insured with a deductible, then in the event of damage, this should be covered by the test driver. This must also be regulated in the contract.
Do you only need the contract for a test drive for private sales?
Important: A dealer is not obliged to offer a test drive. Especially if you have provided false information, an agreed appointment can also be cancelled. If the test drive takes place, you will have to sign a document before the ride. It tells you which car you are driving, how long you can be on the road and whether the car was already damaged when you took it over. The dealer will also make a copy of your ID card.
With your signature, you then confirm that all data is correct and that you comply with the requirements.
Is there also a verbal agreement on a test drive?
From a legal point of view, verbal agreements are just as binding as a written contract. Nevertheless, you literally have nothing in your hands – to be really on the safe side, you should draw up a written document (or have it drawn up).
What license plates do you need for a test drive?
Wenn du dein Auto verkaufen willst, dann brauchst du auf jeden Fall ein angemeldetes Auto. Wenn du ein abgemeldetes Auto hast, dann musst du dich um Kennzeichen für die Probefahrt kümmern.
Ist eine Probefahrt mit einem abgemeldeten Auto möglich?
Wenn das Auto abgemeldet ist, dann muss es entweder ordnungsgemäß angemeldet werden oder du besorgst dir Kurzzeitkennzeichen.
Ist eine Probefahrt mit roten Kennzeichen erlaubt?
Rote Kennzeichen bekommst du als Privatperson wahrscheinlich eher schwierig aber ein Händler kriegt sie einfach. Wenn du also eine Probefahrt beim Händler machst, dann könnte er ein nicht angemeldetes Auto mit roten Kennzeichen versehen und dir die Probefahrt damit ermöglichen.
Ist eine Probefahrt ohne Kennzeichen erlaubt?
Nein, ohne Kennzeichen darfst du mit keinem Auto auf einer öffentlichen Straße fahren.
Gelten Kurzzeitkennzeichen für eine Probefahrt?
Ja, Kurzzeitkennzeichen werden im Normalfall bei Probefahrten genutzt, wenn du das Auto schon abgemeldet hast.
Unfall während der Probefahrt: Vorgehen & Haftung
Egal wie viel man aufpasst, ein kleiner unachtsamer Moment reicht oftmals aus, und ein Reh überquert die Straße, das Stoppschild wird übersehen oder man muss plötzlich bremsen und der darauffolgende Wagen kommt zu spät zum Stehen. Ein Unfall während der Probefahrt ist für alle Beteiligten der worst case Szenario – denn im Zweifel geht es um viel Geld. Auch bei einem Unfall mit einem Leasingfahrzeug solltest du einige Schritte befolgen.
Wichtige Schritte beim Unfall während der Probefahrt:
1. Unfallstelle sichern
Ist es zum Unfall gekommen, leg eine Warnweste an, aktiviere die Warnblinker und stelle das Warndreieck auf.
2. Erste Hilfe leisten / Rettungswagen rufen
Gibt es Verletzte? Wenn ja, leiste erste Hilfe – setze einen Notruf ab, prüfe, ob die verletze/n Person/en noch atmen, ergreife eventuell lebensrettende Sofortmaßnahmen oder bringe die Betroffenen in stabile Seitenlage. Es schadet also nicht, den Erste-Hilfe-Kurs vorab mal aufzufrischen.
3. Notify vehicle owners
Of course, in the event of an accident, you must inform the current vehicle owner or vehicle owners that there has been a crash. After all, the car with which the test drive is being taken still belongs to vehicle owners from a purely legal point of view.
4. Inform the police
Report to the police for accident recording and accident site security.
Test drive insurance: Who is liable for damage during the test drive?
A test drive can only take place if the vehicle is still registered – and that is still the case for the seller at that time. Now it depends on which insurance was taken out for the car.
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- Liability insurance: Only the damage to third parties is settled, damage to one's own vehicle must be borne by the vehicle owner. Damage caused by the downgrading of the insurance class and a loss of value of the vehicle must be paid by the person who test drives.
- Partial comprehensive insurance: If the vehicle is stolen during the test drive, this is covered by partial casco. In case of doubt, only the deductible must be paid. In the event of an accident, what is paid depends on the individual insurance conditions.
- Fully comprehensive insurance: If damage occurs to your own vehicle, the fully comprehensive insurance pays for it.
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In principle, it is important to check in advance whether damage during a test drive has been ruled out in principle, whether there are any special conditions - for example, an age limit for other people - and how high the deductible is.
To ensure that you as a vehicle owner are not left with the costs in the end, the aforementioned test drive contract is an absolute must. Everything that has already been written down in advance and signed by all parties does not lead to quarrels in the end.
How to book a test drive with the different manufacturers
You have to arrange a test drive at the dealership in advance, each manufacturer does it a little differently.
Book a Tesla test drive: Perfectly prepared
Tesla points out that there are only limited test drive dates available, so online booking is required. There are even videos to prepare for the test drive at Tesla. The test drive lasts 30 minutes and of course a valid driver's license is required. Only the person who booked the test drive is authorized to drive the Tesla.
If you don't live near a Tesla Store, you can also schedule a self-serve test drive. You can find all more information on the Tesla website.
Book a Mercedes test drive: No problem
You can also arrange a test drive online at Mercedes. You must be at least 18 years old, and at least 21 years old to drive an AMG or Maybach model. The test drive is free of charge, but refuelling and charging costs are to be borne by yourself. In total, a test drive takes a full three hours.
BMW Probefahrt buchen: Recht individuell
Du kannst online ganz einfach einen Termin für eine BMW Probefahrt vereinbaren. Einfach das gewünschte Modell auswählen und alle notwendigen Daten eingeben. Wie lange die Probefahrt dauert kann man individuell vereinbaren.
Porsche Probefahrt buchen: Wenig Information
Für eine Porsche Probefahrt suchst du dir das Porschezentrum in deiner Nähe und füllst online die Anfrage aus. Mehr Informationen sind erstmal nicht zu finden, das erfährst du dann wohl in einer nächsten Mail.
Audi Probefahrt buchen: Wenig Aufwand
Eine Audi Probefahrt kannst du ganz einfach auf der Audi Webseite buchen. Such dir das Modell und deinen gewünschten Audi-Partner aus und warte auf Rückmeldung.
Polestar Probefahrt buchen: Gute Infos
Auf der Polestar Webseite gibt es FAQs zum Thema Probefahrt und dort kannst du auch gleich einen Termin vereinbaren. Alle weiteren Infos klärst du dann mit deinem Berater.
After the test drive: Getting the best price
The test drive and the vehicle check have been positive, the prospective buyer wants to buy your car. Now it's all about getting the best possible price – because there is always trading. It is best to get information about the value of your vehicle before you list your car for sale. For this purpose, carwow also offers a free car valuation, with which you can quickly and easily get a realistic value for your used car.
Also, before completing the purchase, clarify who is deregistering the car and make a note of this. If you want to sell a car without a TÜV, then a test drive is only possible on your own property. The price will also be lower.