Automotive Test Driver
じどうしゃしけんうんてんしゅ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialized technical job that involves actually driving and evaluating vehicles such as new or improved cars to confirm performance, safety, and durability.
Description
Automotive test drivers drive prototype vehicles or pre-production models during new car development or improvements, comprehensively evaluating and verifying performance, handling stability, durability, safety, and more. They conduct various tests on test courses, public roads, and environmental test facilities, acquire and analyze test results using measuring instruments and sensors, and report to the development team. They formulate test plans considering weather conditions and road surfaces, and proceed with work while thoroughly managing safety.
Future Outlook
With the electrification of automobiles and the spread of autonomous driving technology, there will be a need for more diverse road tests and environmental evaluations, so the demand for test drivers with advanced evaluation skills and the ability to handle new technologies is expected to increase steadily.
Personality Traits
Cautious / Good Team Player / Sharp Observation Skills / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Business Trips / Outdoor Work / Shift Work / Test Course
Career Path
Junior Test Driver → Senior Test Driver → Test Coordinator → Quality Assurance Engineer → Automotive Development Engineer
Required Skills
Basic Knowledge of Vehicle Structure / Driving Skills / Measurement Instrument Operation and Data Acquisition / Test Plan Development
Recommended Skills
Data Analysis / Knowledge of Safety Standards / Reading English Technical Documents / Utilization of Assessment Tools
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Necessary for analyzing test data and safety evaluations. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Required due to the need for caution to not miss minor abnormalities. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Required to endure long hours of driving and tests in harsh environments. |
| Problem Solving | Necessary for identifying the causes of issues that occur during tests. |
Related Qualifications
- Standard Automobile Driver's License
Aliases
- Test Driver
- Vehicle Test Driver
Related Jobs
- Automotive Development Engineer
- Automotive Mechanic
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Test Engineer