Do car dealers allow learners permit drivers to test drive a car?

Doubtfull, but worth a shot.

My dealership requires you be 18 or older because of the insurance they carry. It could vary dealer to dealer.

Would you put a $20,000 piece of shiny, brand new machinery in the hands of someone who does not know how to drive?

If you were a used-car dealer, would you put a shiny, refurbished car in the hands of someone who does not have a license?

If you were a dealer and you were financing your inventory by paying interest to a bank or to your manufacturer, like Toyota or Chrysler, would you take the risk that some unlicensed driver could hit someone and put that car that you are paying interest on every day in the repair shop for two weeks?

If you were a dealer would you take the risk that an amateur might have an accident with your car and if the cost of the damage exceeds 25% of the retail price, you will not be able to sell that car as new and you would take the financial loss, not your bank and not your insurance company?

Frankly I am surprised that they would let even an 18 year old, licensed or not, take a vehicle out, unless they are required by law to permit that.

Good points, srmorgan. I personally would not feel comfortable letting a new teen driver test drive my car. But I can also see salespeople agreeing to the test drive if the teen were accompanied by a rich daddy because they have a high chance of closing the deal.

Several years ago I agreed to let my 18 year old daughter use my 4-month old VW on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Somehow she managed to rear-end her best friend’s Jeep at 8 in the morning on New Year’s Day. “it doesn’t really look that bad, Daddy”””
Nine hundred dollars later…............
I began to reconsider my decision..

@jz, they cant discriminate based on if there is a “rich daddy” or not, you need to set out guidelines

@srmorgan idk why you say you wouldnt let a 18 year old because they are an adult and responsible to pay for damages just like anyone else. most dealerships make you sign a waiver saying u are responsible for damages

I don’t have an answer, but thanks for reminding me to move my car in off the street for the night. Wouldn’t want to get ticketed.

Hey srmorgan, not all people with permits don’t know how to drive. I mean a 15 year old maybe but I got my permit at 17 and drove since 14 just never enrolled in drivers Ed until 17. If the parent is in the car along with someone who works at the dealership there should be no problem with it especially if they’re looking for a car for the person with the permit. That person needs to be comfortable in the car. I cAme across this problem a lot when looking for a car at 17.