High School

Taking auto mechanics courses is a great way to prepare for a career in test driving. It's important to know the mechanics of a car before pushing it to its limits. Be sure to do well in the driver's education program as test drivers put safety and rules of the road before speed during any driving test.

Test drivers need strong communication skills to be able to convey their test data and observations to team members after every test. Hone these skills by taking speech and writing classes. Take writing class or any classes that require writing projects—especially if you want to work on the editorial side of auto test driving.

Postsecondary Training

Many successful test drivers are mechanical engineers with a background in automotive engineering. Others have degrees in automotive technology. Additional classes in auto design or manufacturing will also be helpful. If you aspire to write for an industry trade magazine, a degree in journalism, while not necessary, will give you an edge over other employment candidates.

Other Education or Training

Test drivers stay up to date on current automotive trends and issues through workshops, courses, and conferences. SAE International offers a variety of automotive-related continuing education classes, workshops, and webinars.

Certification or Licensing

A valid driver's license is a prerequisite for employment in this field, as well as a clean driving record. Automotive manufacturers may also offer in-house certification programs for test drivers.

Many test drivers are mechanical engineers with a background in automotive engineering; others have degrees in automotive technology.

A good test driver will know the mechanics of a car—its power-to-weight ratio, how quickly it changes gears, and how an engine reacts and sounds at various levels of performance. This knowledge is essential in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a car's design. Test drivers must have a high tolerance for long periods behind the wheel. They often spend many hours driving their assigned cars in difficult situations and at top speeds. Drivers need to stay focused, have presence of mind, and have excellent reflexes to avoid potentially dangerous accidents and crashes

A passion for cars and expert driving abilities are not the only skills needed for this career. Test drivers working on the editorial side must have, along with automotive expertise, the ability to write proficiently. While a journalism background is not a prerequisite for this job, candidates with a writing background will certainly have an edge.