Many people who are considering getting a Tesla often wonder, can you test drive a Tesla? The company will sometimes allow walk-ins. When it comes to test drives, however, these are strictly regulated and limited.
Anyone who wants to test drive a Tesla needs to book in advance. One way that you can test drive a Tesla is through an online touchless test drive. When you make your appointment, an Advisor will contact you for confirmation.
You should ensure that you have a valid driver’s license when doing so.
Note that as per company requirements, you should arrive 10 minutes in advance before starting your test drive. Once you arrive, a Tesla Advisor will immediately direct you to your vehicle.
The duration of a Tesla test drive will often take 30 minutes maximum and allows you to experience the car’s unique capabilities and enjoy its performance of the Tesla.
Occasionally, Tesla will hold events on test drives for customers who live far away from any showroom. According to Tesla, they place great emphasis on the safety of both customers as well as staff. If the company views like there is a reason to end the test drive, they will do so quickly.
For easier navigation throughout our post, please feel free to use the table of contents below.
- Model Y Test Drive
- Model X Test Drive
- Model S Test Drive
- Overnight Test Drive
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tesla Model Y Test Drive
The Tesla Model Y ranks among the most sought-after models that the company produces. Fewer models have gained more popularity apart from the Tesla Cybertruck.
After Model Y started rolling out of the production line, many people wanted to get their hands on it. Bookings went through the roof. For anyone who is just wondering what driving a Tesla Model Y feels like, read on to find out.
One thing to note is that driving a Tesla Model Y feels just like you are in a Tesla Model 3. The only major difference is that you will likely feel higher due to the higher seating position.
If you have never driven a Model 3 or even any Tesla at all and the Model Y is your first introduction to EVs, then it feels smooth and comfortable driving in the Model Y.
Can you test drive a Tesla? One thing to keep in mind is that the Tesla Model Y is much bigger than the Tesla Model 3, and is also much slower. This however is exactly what customers wanted and were expecting with the Model Y.
You can find this out for yourself even through a simple analysis of market data. Customers continue to prefer SUVs to smaller-sized sedans. While many customers initially went for the Model 3, the company expected that the Model Y would quickly overtake the Model 3 in popularity and sales.
While Tesla didn’t start off by revealing how many of the Model Y it would produce, the initial speculation was at least 12000 units. Of course, these would go up even higher.
So let’s get down to the meat of it and find out how the model Y feels behind the steering wheel, shall we?
How The Model Y Drives
First is the size. The Model Y is basically longer than the Model 3 and its wheelbase is also slightly longer. It is also slightly wider while also being much higher. The Model Y also features a higher ground clearance. All this size naturally translates to a more spacious interior.
For instance, while Model 3 has a trunk space of 542 liters, the Model Y has a trunk space of 853 liters. The Model Y, therefore, offers plenty of space for a family. Its turning circle is also larger.
Can you test drive a Tesla? If you have driven the model 3 before, you will notice that the Tesla Model Y is slower. This can be seen in the numbers. The Model 3 can reach 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds. The Model Y on the other hand can do so in 6.9 seconds.
Let’s talk about the higher riding position. Once you get inside the Model Y and start driving, you will be in the same sitting position as the other SUV drivers. Simply put, the vehicle feels large and heavy despite it being an EV.
But what does the driving experience feel like? Well, when it comes to corners, the Model Y does exceptionally well. It offers a smooth and fun ride. This is all thanks to the torque and the slow ride. One of the major things that you are bound to notice is how smooth and quiet the driving experience is.
Some Cool Features
For drivers who are very partial to a car’s performance, then there is the option of the AWD trim. There is also the long-range version.
By adding in an extra $5100, you can add more features and capabilities such as Autopilot. Furthermore, you can get full self-drive with an extra $10,000.
The rear-wheel drive version of the Tesla Model Y comes with a 60Kwh battery which allows it to do 282 miles on a full charge. However, it’s probably best to note at this point that the real-world range is less than the advertised range. This one comes down to 248 miles.
A Comfortable Drive
Remember what we said about the Tesla Model Y having significantly more space that the Model 3? Well, this one is hard to miss. The rear seats for one will fold down completely flat. The glass roof panels allow for an interesting way to spend the evenings.
One thing is for sure, the Tesla Model Y offers drivers something that they don’t get every day. It is smooth, quiet, has excellent handling, and is quite fast. Not to mention that the Model Y has quite a nice-looking interior with plush materials like you would find in a Buick.
The wide dashboard and the center console make the Model Y feel futuristic. There are also only a few buttons on the steering wheels which allow you to control the indicators, Autopilot, gears, audio, and voice commands.
While there are many EVs that have been built on existing gas platforms such as the Volvo XC40, the best way for any car enthusiast to truly appreciate electric driving is to get inside vehicles that have been designed on electric platforms. This is the case with the Tesla Model Y or the Hyundai Ioniq 5. There is no doubt that the Tesla Model Y is quite an impressive car.
A Few Cons
The only thing that the Tesla Model Y doesn’t excel at is the vehicle to-load option which allows you to plug in other accessories and charge them.
As much however as the Tesla was a fun drive, there are a few drawbacks. Firstly, the company has not been able to figure out the floor mat.
This is because the arm that gets up on the left-hand side often flaps about The Tesla also has a random-sounding voice command especially when it comes to making calls. Whenever the car hits a pothole, the driver-assist tends to freak out. This also happens whenever you are trying to avoid potholes.
Tesla Model X Test Drive
Have you been wanting to test drive a Tesla Model X after seeing one drive past you on the road? Well, if you are close to a Tesla dealership, and have been wondering if can you test drive a Tesla, you can schedule a test drive in advance.
All you will need to do is to schedule a test drive by accessing the Tesla website. You also have the option of a contactless test drive at the Tesla dealership.
Just as we saw with the Model Y above, there are a couple of things that you will need. First off you need a valid driver’s license as well as insurance. Having added your personal information all you need to do now is press submit.
Can You Test Drive A Tesla – Where To Begin
You will be contacted by a Tesla Advisor where then you can add in the specifics. The advisor will then offer you a test drive. At this point, you can also choose a day and a time which will suit you best and you can go ahead and test drive your Model X for 30 minutes.
According to Tesla, you shouldn’t add more than 20 miles to the test drive. Having completed the test drive you will have the option of trading in your current car in case you want to do this.
So How Does Driving A Tesla Model X Feel Like?
Now let’s get down to actually test driving the Tesla Model X. often you will have a staff member with you when test driving the Tesla Model X. However, this wasn’t always the case during the Covid 19 pandemic. During this time you were on your own.
The first thing that you will notice is the large screen. This acts as both the control center and the car’s infotainment unit. You can control the side mirrors, the AC the braking as well as many other features of the Tesla Model X from here.
An interesting thing with the Tesla Model X control unit is that you are also able to shift gears using the touch screen. This is a feature that is available in the Model X and the Model S. At first you may find the screen a bit intimidating but it is very much similar to trying to figure out your new smartphone. Eventually, you will figure it out.
Reversing is made easier with the cameras which are located at the back of the Tesla Model X as well as on the two side mirrors. This allows you to see everything that is around you. This makes reversing and getting out of tight spots very easy.
You will also notice how smooth accelerating in the Tesla Model X is. There is no jerking as you will get with internal combustion engines with hydraulic clutch systems. You can imagine riding in a spaceship. That’s what it feels like.
Considering how fun and easy the drive is, the 30 minutes that you have will likely run out very fast.
Takes Some Getting Used To
With the Tesla Model X, you will likely have a hard time trying out the Tesla brakes whenever your foot is off the gas pedal. This causes the car to slow down significantly and is called regenerative braking. Remember what we said about controlling the braking from the screen? You can change the settings from standard to low.
Other than that, driving the Model X is very similar to a normal automatic car. Still, it takes time to get used to driving an EV if you have spent the majority of your recent driving with a gasoline-powered car. However, with a bit of practice, you will get used to it.
Tesla Model S Test Drive
For an EV that costs over $100,000, it is critical to be sure that this is what you want before committing to pay that kind of money. The Tesla Model S has been around for a while now and many more models are getting their inspiration from the Model S.
To test a Tesla Model S you will need to book an appointment through the company website and a company Advisor will get back to you within a short time.
An Excellent Family Car
At first glance, the Tesla Model S is a spacious sedan with plenty of sitting space for up to five individuals. There is ample leg room and knee room and the car doesn’t at all feel cramped.
If you are searching for a family sedan, then the Tesla Model S can prove a great choice. There is plenty of cargo space both at the rear trunk and at the front trunk. This is not a car for off-roading though!
First off, let’s talk about that steering wheel. If you are through with the conventional circular steering and want the feel of being inside a spaceship, or a jet plane, then you will certainly enjoy the yoke-style steering of the Tesla Model S.
The interior is plush and comfortable. However, other electric vehicles in the same category boast better quality interior styling and materials such as the Porsche Taycan.
Powerful And Fast
That said, the Plaid model of the Tesla Model S has over 1020 horsepower. This makes it blindingly quick and can move from 0-60 in less than 2.2 seconds. And all this coming from a 5-seater family sedan car is quite impressive. It’s quicker than the quickest Mustang.
You can feel the power as soon as you hit the gas pedal as the Model S responds smoothly and quickly. This power comes from the motors available for each wheel axle and the extra motor that pushes up the power to over a thousand horsepower.
Of course, when test driving the tesla, it is best not to push your luck by seeing how fast the Tesla Model S will go. That said, the plan is to use those 30 minutes and find out as much as you can about the Tesla and whether it is the right cab for you.
So How Does The Model S Feel When Driving?
Driving feels very stable which can be attributed to a low center of gravity. This is partly because the battery pack is placed in a way that evenly distributes the weight of the car and ensures that the car is not back or front-heavy.
This makes handling feel smooth, especially when taking those tight turns. The acceleration is very smooth also and whenever you press on the gas pedal, the car doesn’t jerk but seamlessly and quickly picks up speed. You would be forgiven for thinking that you were in a plane.
The Model S is also super quiet as can be expected from an EV of this caliber.
The dashboard is plain and simple featuring only the large screen at the center. The Tesla Model S gives one a minimalist vibe yet the center console that allows the driver to make plenty of selections provides a futuristic feel. This screen serves as both the infotainment system and control center.
Tesla Overnight Test Drive
Have you been wondering if can you test drive a Tesla? Other than test driving a Tesla during the day, you can also do so during the night.
The great thing is that Tesla will not limit the night test drive based on the weather conditions though it is best to do so in clear weather.
That said, driving in certain weather conditions can be a great thing as you’ll get to test out the Tesla and see how it performs.
Something to take note of is that Tesla makes it possible for you to make a night drive test when you tell them that it’s all part of making the final choice.
You will also likely enjoy how durable the Autopilot is. Even in rainy weather and in nighttime darkness, the Autopilot does a great job of keeping the car in the right lane.
The Autopilot
That said, the Autopilot system could struggle in sections of the highway that do not have the right paint. But in The defense of a Tesla, even humans would struggle to keep the car on the road in such an instance. In this case, you may want to keep your hands on the steering wheel until you can reach a painted road.
In the case of bumper-to-bumper driving, the Autopilot does quite well and takes away a lot of the driving stresses.
Keep in mind also that the Autopilot is going to disengage when you are changing lanes. However, even while making a tight turn, Autopilot doesn’t have any issues.
You will get four modes with the wipers. These include modes 1, 2, 3, and auto. You will not get any sensitivity controls when it comes to using the auto wipers. You can activate the wipers either through voice control or through the large touch screen.
Furthermore, you can get heated seats which you can also control using voice control. Not to mention that you can also control the internal temperature using voice control.
However, you will not be able to use voice control with the radio. While the ride is super smooth on good roads and tarmac, you will feel the potholes and the rough roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old Do You Have To Be To Test Drive A Car
You need to be 18 years and older to test drive a car. You also need to have a driving license. Keep in mind that it is this license that lets you drive legally on the road. That said, check with your dealership to be able to find out what is acceptable as well as what is not acceptable.
Can You Test Drive A Car With A Permit
It is possible to test drive a car using just a permit provided that one of your parents is in the passenger seat. This is great news for someone who hasn’t received their license but still wants to test drive a car. That said, always check the laws and regulations in your state to ensure that you comply.
What Do You Need To Test Drive A Car
There are two main documents that you need to test drive a car. The first is a photocopy of your driving license. Secondly, you will also need insurance. You will leave these documents with the salesperson as you take the car out for a test drive. You can get them back when you return the car.
How Long Can You Test Drive A Car
Often car test drives are short. However, if you are able to prove to the dealership that you are actually planning on leaving with a car, then the dealership may allow a 24-hour test drive. If you find that the dealership doesn’t let you make extended test drives or they don’t allow night drives, then you can rent a car of the same make and model and take a long drive.
What Happens If You Crash During A Test Drive
If you were in an accident or crash the car during a test drive, and it was the driver’s fault, then the driver’s insurance would cater to the medical bills and would also cater to the vehicle’s damage. If it wasn’t the fault of the driver then it is the dealership that would cater to the damage to the vehicle as they often carry insurance to cover all of their vehicles.