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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7543

Automotive test driver

An automotive test driver is a person who drives prototype and pre-production vehicles and assesses their performance, safety and comfort. The vehicles are tested in a range of driving situations, and the driver writes the reports that help engineers improve the design and identify what is wrong with it.

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Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

control the performance of the vehicle

drive vehicles

record test data

perform test run

wear appropriate protective gear

About automotive test driver

Driving here is a measurement rather than a journey. The driver performs test runs to a defined programme, repeats the same manoeuvre until the behaviour can be separated from the conditions, and records the data obtained during testing. Reporting is the key output: an engineer cannot act on the statement that a car feels wrong, so the driver has to say at what speed, on what surface, in what gear and after how long.

Technical knowledge is what makes the report usable. The driver works from mechanics, motor vehicle mechanics and automotive diagnostics, and checks the vehicle's roadworthiness before taking it out.

Safety governs the whole activity. The driver applies the health and safety measures that apply in transport and works in an ergonomic way across long periods at the wheel. The employer may be a manufacturer, an independent vehicle testing organisation or a motoring publication, and the purpose of the test changes with it.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

car controlscar controlsThe functioning of specific car equipment such as how to operate and handle the clutch, throttle, lighting, instrumentation, transmission and the brakes.types of vehiclestypes of vehiclesField of information which distinguishes rental agency classification systems, containing types and classes of vehicles and their functioning and components.health and safety measures in transportationhealth and safety measures in transportationThe body of rules, procedures and regulations related to health and safety measures intended to prevent accidents or incidents in transportation.mechanics of motor vehiclesmechanics of motor vehiclesThe way energy forces interact and affect components in motor vehicles such as cars, buses, invalid carriages and other motorised vehicles.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.control the performance of the vehiclecontrol the performance of the vehicleUnderstand and anticipate the performance and behaviour of a vehicle. Comprehend concepts such as lateral stability, acceleration, and braking distance.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.drive vehiclesdrive vehiclesBe able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...perform test runperform test runPerform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, ...wear appropriate protective gearwear appropriate protective gearWear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.liaise with engineersliaise with engineersCollaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
Optional (13) — show
aerodynamicsaerodynamicsThe scientific field that deals with the way gases interact with moving bodies. As we usually deal with atmospheric air, aerodynamics is primarily concerned with the forces of drag and lift, which are...vehicle type-approvalvehicle type-approvalThe process for certifying that a vehicle or its systems and components meet the requirements set by the applicable environmental, administrative and technical standards and regulations.ergonomicsergonomicsThe science of designing systems, processes and products that complement the strengths of people so that they can use them easily and safely.execute vehicle maintenanceexecute vehicle maintenanceExecute vehicle maintenance based on supplier or manufacturer instructions. This might include cleaning vehicle engine, cleaning vehicle interior and exterior, maintaining mileage and fuel records, pe...maintain records related to vehicle operationmaintain records related to vehicle operationKeep up-to-date records of passengers, mileage, gasoline use, destination address and trip purpose.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.conduct performance measurementconduct performance measurementGather, assess and interpret data concerning the performance of a system, component, group of people or organisation.use testing equipmentuse testing equipmentUse equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.drive motor vehicle prototypesdrive motor vehicle prototypesDrive experimental or prototypes of motor vehicles to acquire information on performance.conduct performance testsconduct performance testsConduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditi...test motor vehicles under demanding conditionstest motor vehicles under demanding conditionsTest the steering, braking and handling abilities of motor vehicles to see how they operate under demanding and extreme conditions such as on sloops, in winding bends and on ice.present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.drive at high speedsdrive at high speedsDrive motorised vehicles at high speeds in a safe manner.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an automotive test driver do?

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.

What skills does an automotive test driver need?

An automotive test driver needs 12 essential skills, including car controls, types of vehicles, health and safety measures in transportation, mechanics of motor vehicles, mechanics.

Will AI replace automotive test driver jobs?

The AI disruption score for automotive test driver is 49/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: maintain records related to vehicle operation, record test data, car controls. Most resilient: work ergonomically, execute vehicle maintenance, wear appropriate protective gear.

Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupFood processing, wood working, garment and other craft workers
Essential Skills12

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