Automotive test driver

About this occupation

Automotive test drivers drive prototype and pre-production vehicles and assess their performance, safety and comfort. They test the models in various driving situations and prepare reports to help engineers improve their designs and identify problems. They can work for manufacturers, independent vehicle test organisations or automotive magazines.

• Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
• Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
• Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
• Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
• Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.

Typical education (US)

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Realistic, Investigative, Conventional

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Complex Problem Solving

US median pay: US$74,510 a year (2025), 36,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.2)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.1)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.9)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.8)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
• PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.7)
• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.