How to Test Drive a Tesla

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 6, 2022

Tesla has been making strides to establish itself as a trendsetter in the automotive industry for years. Whether you are seriously thinking about purchasing a Tesla or are just curious to see how one drives, test driving is a good way to get a feel for the vehicle. Signing up for a test drive is an easy process, and you're bound to have a fun experience!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Scheduling the Appointment

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Go to https://www.tesla.com/drive to schedule an appointment. On the main page of the official Tesla website, there are several links across the page. One link option is “Test Drive.” ^{[1]
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Fill in your information. When you fill in your personal information, the accuracy of this information is important as it allows the company to find the closest match for Tesla dealerships. ^{[2]
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3
Click “Next” and chose a model from the given selection. The two models you can currently test drive are the Tesla S, which is the original sedan, and the Tesla X, which is Tesla’s new SUV-style vehicle. Both of these models have similar working characteristics, but the S has faster acceleration, whereas the X can accommodate more passengers; but has the disadvantage of a slightly shorter mileage. ^{[3]
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Choose a time and place to test drive. When you have finished filling in your information and selecting your model, click “next,” and you will be able to choose a date and time and a dealership that best suits you. If you would like to choose a time other than what is listed for a given date, you may request a call by clicking on the link below the time slot box.
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Confirm your appointment. Once you have scheduled an appointment, Tesla will contact you via email or your phone to confirm the appointment. Later, they will also remind you of the appointment via phone or email. ^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Test Driving the Tesla

1
Show up to your appointment 10 minutes early. Showing up on time is always a good idea, and due to the limited availability of the Tesla, showing up late may result in the Tesla dealership canceling your appointment. Tesla recommends being to the showroom 10 minutes in advance of your appointment to get checked in. ^{[5]
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2
Listen to the sales pitch to get a sense of what driving the car will be like. The salespeople know a lot about the vehicle you are about to drive, so listening to them can help you understand the features and nuances of the car before you test drive it. This will allow you to get the most out of your test drive.
3
Enjoy the ride! The test drive itself should take about 15 minutes, and it will allow you to experience firsthand the capabilities of the Tesla model you chose to drive. Like most test drives, you will be allowed to drive the Tesla yourself with a salesperson present.

Community Q&A

Question

How old do I have to be to test drive one?

Community Answer

The minimum age to test drive a Tesla is 21. For other vehicles, it is most likely 18.
Question

Where is the closest dealership?

Community Answer

This depends entirely on where you live. You can check the Tesla website for a current list of dealerships.
Question

I'm visiting my friends in LA, i.e. I don't live here in LA. Can I test drive?

Leonard Burca

Community Answer

Yes you can - however you need to book long in advance to make sure that your test drive is precisely in that period when you're visiting.