See Test Drive for the computer and video game.

A test drive is taking an automobile for a short drive to test its drivability and general operating state. It is a normal part of the purchasing process of a vehicle in the United States. Any other vehicle can be test driven as part of buying it. Test drives can also be taken after a vehicle repair to ensure that the work has been done properly or before a repair to assist in diagnosis. Driver certification sometimes includes a supervised test drive depending on the vehicle and the particular country or local statutes.

In a broader sense, one can "test drive" anything that is usable by an individual, such as a computer program, an idea or process, a pair of shoes, etc. This usage is more slang than the vehicle test drive which is a commonly used phrase in English.

In motor sports it is common to have one or more test drivers that work with the mechanics to help develop the vehicle by testing new systems on the track.