Test Driver
てすとどらいばー
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A job that involves actually driving new vehicles or prototype vehicles to evaluate their performance, safety, durability, comfort, etc., and providing feedback to engineers.
Description
Test drivers are specialists at automobile manufacturers or parts manufacturers who verify the performance and quality of new vehicles, prototypes, and improved models. They drive under various conditions such as road tests, durability tests, and environmental tests, checking brake performance, handling, engine characteristics, vibration, and noise. They collect and analyze test data, and report abnormalities and improvement points to the development team as reports. They also handle evaluations of safety, compliance with legal regulations, fuel efficiency, and emissions performance, requiring high driving skills, attention to detail for detecting subtle anomalies, and communication skills.
Future Outlook
With the advancement of vehicle electrification and autonomous driving technology, the importance of vehicle testing increases, and demand rises for personnel with skills in sensor evaluation and software testing.
Personality Traits
Calm and Composed / Cautious / Sharp Observation Skills / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Test Driver → Senior Test Driver → Test Leader → Development Engineer → Test Manager
Required Skills
High-Precision Driving Operation / Knowledge of Test Run Programs / Operation of Measurement and Analysis Equipment / Test Data Recording
Recommended Skills
Automotive Engineering Basics / Reading English Documents / Telemetry System Operation / Understanding of Vehicle Dynamics
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | The ability to quickly adapt to various driving conditions and vehicle types is necessary. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to detail is required to not miss subtle abnormalities or changes in behavior. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | A desire to learn is required to quickly grasp the characteristics of new or high-performance vehicles. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical stamina is needed for long-duration road tests and tests in harsh environments. |
Related Qualifications
- Standard Passenger Car Class 1 Driver's License
Aliases
- Automotive Test Driver
- Test Run Driver
Related Jobs
- Auto Mechanic
- Quality Control Engineer
- Racing Driver