Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a structured, safety-first approach to conducting test drives in Australian workplaces, whether on public roads, private yards or workshop environments. It provides clear, defensible procedures that protect drivers, other road users, customers and your business while ensuring vehicles are assessed consistently and compliantly.

Systematic test driving is a critical activity across dealerships, service centres, fleet operations and mechanical workshops, yet it is often carried out informally and without a documented risk-based process. This SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning, conducting and documenting test drives so that staff know exactly what is expected of them before turning the key. It covers everything from licence and insurance checks and pre-drive vehicle inspections, through to route selection, communication with customers, and post-drive reporting of defects.

By implementing this procedure, your organisation can significantly reduce the risk of collisions, near misses, customer complaints and damage to vehicles during test drives. The SOP supports compliance with Australian WHS laws and road rules by embedding hazard identification, risk controls and behavioural expectations into everyday practice. It also standardises the way vehicles are evaluated, ensuring consistent, high-quality feedback to technicians, sales teams and fleet owners, while providing documented evidence of due diligence if an incident does occur.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of collisions, near misses and on-road incidents during test drives.
• Ensure consistent pre-drive safety checks and defect identification across all drivers and locations.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations and road traffic requirements for work-related driving.
• Improve customer confidence and professionalism through clear communication and safe driving conduct.
• Standardise documentation and reporting of test drive findings to support maintenance and sales decisions.

Who is this for?

• Service Managers
• Workshop Controllers
• Automotive Technicians and Mechanics
• Vehicle Sales Consultants
• Fleet Managers
• Used Car Managers
• WHS Managers and Safety Officers
• Driving Assessors and Trainers
• Yard Supervisors
• Valet and Vehicle Movements Staff

Hazards Addressed

• Vehicle collisions with other road users, pedestrians or fixed objects
• Loss of control due to mechanical defects identified during the drive
• Driver distraction when explaining vehicle features to customers
• Unlicensed or unauthorised persons operating vehicles
• Fatigue and impairment (alcohol, drugs, medication) affecting driving performance
• Manual handling strains when adjusting seats, loading items or moving vehicles in confined yards
• Slips, trips and falls in workshops or yards when entering or exiting vehicles
• Exposure to traffic hazards when conducting roadside checks or route changes
• Psychosocial risks arising from aggressive customers or high-pressure sales environments during test drives

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Work Environments
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Managers, Drivers, Sales Staff, Technicians)
• 4.0 Competency, Licensing and Authorisation Requirements
• 5.0 Pre-Drive Planning and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Vehicle Pre-Drive Safety Inspection Checklist
• 7.0 Customer Briefing and Consent (Including Test Drive Terms)
• 8.0 Route Selection, Traffic Conditions and Environmental Considerations
• 9.0 Safe Driving Conduct and Behavioural Expectations
• 10.0 Procedures for Test Drives with Customers vs Staff-Only Drives
• 11.0 Managing High-Risk Conditions (Night, Wet Weather, Peak Traffic, Off-Road)
• 12.0 Communication Protocols and Use of Mobile Devices or In-Vehicle Technology
• 13.0 Post-Drive Inspection, Defect Reporting and Documentation
• 14.0 Incident, Near Miss and Damage Reporting Procedures
• 15.0 Integration with WHS Risk Management and Training Programs
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Privacy and Insurance Considerations
• 17.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Test Driving Procedures

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Guide: Managing the risks of work-related vehicle crashes
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS/NZS 4024.1901: Safety of machinery – Principles for risk assessment (for workshop-related vehicle movement)
• Relevant state and territory road rules and driver licensing laws (e.g. Road Rules 2014 (NSW))