How to become a Test Driver

[Zonda]

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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
Unfortunately, there is no “test driver” BA program in college; however, there are degrees in mechanical engineering that could greatly improve your qualifications for becoming a test driver. While it is not a prerequisite for the job, holding a degree in mechanical engineering -- preferably one that includes coursework in automotive design and manufacturing -- will provide you with the background knowledge needed to truly understand the vehicle you are test-driving.

So, exactly how much money does a test driver make?

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
If driving luxury vehicles 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
More than making sure the radio is sufficient and the seats are comfortable, a test driver is there to work with the company's engineers to make sure the car truly works properly. From the tip of the exhaust to the front air intake, you are there to make sure every spark plug does its job, every sensor is functioning properly and all the bits and pieces that make up the car are working together harmoniously. Sometimes it’s not the finished product that is being brought out on the track but a prototype of sorts, so it’s important that you, as a tester, know how the car should be performing and what needs to be improved upon. This is where a background in mechanics and mechanical engineering will benefit most.

Contacts
Companies such as McLaren, Ferrari and Porsche all offer “job opportunity” sections on their websites that allow you to apply online and search their company job postings. Unless you are already part of the automotive industry, it is best to approach this job like any other and apply. However, having an insider or knowing someone in the business is, undoubtedly, beneficial to you and your career advancement. Of course, if you are already employed with a manufacturer such as BMW or Mercedes, it might be somewhat easier for you to move up the ranks than an outsider.

Riding the track
Don’t be discouraged by this little insight into the behind-the-scenes making of a test driver. Childhood dreams often become much more complicated and intricate as we age. If becoming a test driver for a company like Ferrari or Jaguar is something you’ve always wanted, then make it happen. It’s obviously not impossible; it just takes a little elbow grease, a lot of ambition and superior driving skills. Having personally experienced speeds in excess of 200mph in a Ford GT on a race track with a professional driver, I can attest to the fact that it is definitely a serious job that requires training, skill and enough courage to push the vehicular envelope.

[Centurion]

A few months I actually sent in an application here in Sweden for a test driver job for Ford and their other car brands. The requirements were pertty low. Extensive language skills in English was a must and that you have had a drivers licence for a minimum of 4 years.
Since they received applications from alot of qualified people the person who got the job probably had an unbeatable background. The job involved testing in northan Sweden, England and california*If I remember the job description correctly.

[The Artist]

wow i would love such a job.. but at BMW audi or MB..not Volvo or saab wich is the only possible in sweden

[kovachian]

This is kinda weird to me because with any "regular" job, salary is a huge determining factor, usually THE biggest factor. With a job as a test driver I honestly couldn't care less how much I'd make!

[Centurion]

Originally Posted by kovachian

This is kinda weird to me because with any "regular" job, salary is a huge determining factor, usually THE biggest factor. With a job as a test driver I honestly couldn't care less how much I'd make!

Exactly. The most rewarding jobs aren't those with the highest sallary but those which pay you with joy and happieness.

[cawimmer430]

Originally Posted by Luwalira

A few months I actually sent in an application here in Sweden for a test driver job for Ford and their other car brands. The requirements were pertty low. Extensive language skills in English was a must and that you have had a drivers licence for a minimum of 4 years.
Since they received applications from alot of qualified people the person who got the job probably had an unbeatable background. The job involved testing in northan Sweden, England and california*If I remember the job description correctly.

Good luck in that.