Tips And Works

Imagine for a moment, if you will, that your job meant getting paid to test-drive some of the world’s latest and greatest automobiles -- from Ferraris to Porsches, and from BMWs to Mercedes. Picture waking up in the morning, knowing you’ll be walking out the front door and into the plush, luxurious seats of some of the world’s most expensive and sought-after exotic rides. You’ll spend your day exploring the vehicle from top to bottom and testing its drivability on the manufacturer’s track; this is your nine to five job -- your daily grind.

For any automotive enthusiast this job seems like a fairytale wrapped in a dream -- an unattainable profession meant for the elite and extraordinarily lucky. Well, think again. While luck may play a role in landing this job, rare talent is not a requirement. However, a deep love of the automobile definitely is. While getting into this profession doesn’t require the schooling and training equivalent to law or medicine, it is marginally more difficult than applying for a part-time job at the local mall.

Unfortunately, there really is no predetermined set of steps needed to become a test driver; although exceptional driving techniques and a nerve to push a car to its limits are qualities that will certainly help further your career choice. Take into consideration the tips below and you could be on your way to a high-revved career as an automotive test driver.

Required background

Again, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to education and professional backgrounds for test drivers. But, remember: The more you know, the better off you are; so stock up on as much automotive information possible by taking a mechanic’s course, enrolling in go-karting classes to improve your driving skills, and getting your hands dirty exploring your own vehicle from the inside out.

Test driving isn’t all heated seats and smooth highway driving. Being a test driver means pushing the car to the limits and asking it to perform to its maximum. While this doesn’t mean wild and crazy driving, it does mean some serious concentration is needed, as well as some serious guts. That’s right; you must have the confidence to push a vehicle and the skill to properly control it in sticky situations. You have to understand the mechanics behind the gear changes and the power-to-weight ratio and all that other fun stuff that lies beneath the shiny surface. You need to know how things work and why the car is reacting the way it is.

Your professional career as a test driver for a manufacturer may just begin on the sidelines of the track as a vehicle sales representative or researcher. By doing such a job for the automotive manufacturer you are gaining invaluable background knowledge about the vehicles you will one day be testing and driving.

Salary

for a living just isn’t reward enough for you, don’t worry: Being a test driver means you bring in a salary like the rest of those office-dwelling folk. Payment may come in the form of an hourly rate or a yearly salary, depending on the company you become involved with. A simple online search for “automotive test driver” will bring up companies willing to pay hourly wages for testers. Manufacturers may also pay to have a test driver visit a foreign factory or invite testers for week-long testing periods where an entire fleet of vehicles may be tested, all paid for at the expense of the manufacturer.

Other than driving, what else does a test driver need to do?

Job description

Contacts

riding the track