Car test driver

What does a Vehicle Test Driver do? – tasks and work environment

A Vehicle Test Driver works by test-driving and evaluating vehicles under various conditions and environments. The profession involves analyzing car performance, safety, and functionality, often according to carefully designed test protocols. Tasks can range from driving long distances under extreme weather conditions to documenting perceived deficiencies and reporting these to technicians and engineers. The work takes place both indoors at test facilities and outdoors on roads, sometimes in remote areas, which requires flexibility and adaptability. Safety is a central part of the work environment, as many tests are performed under challenging and sometimes risky circumstances.

Salary development over time

Vehicle Test Drivers have experienced a slight downward trend in salaries over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,900 SEK per month, which decreased to 29 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, salaries continued to decline to 28 200 SEK, representing a total decrease of approximately 5.7% during this period. This trend can partly be explained by an increased supply of labor in the profession and a forecasted unchanged demand nationally, according to the Swedish Employment Service. Salary development is also influenced by the fact that the profession often requires practical experience rather than formal education, which may dampen salary increases over time. Despite a broad work field, there is visible stagnation or even a slight decrease in salary growth, which is important to consider for those contemplating the profession.

Vehicle Test Driver salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 28 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,600 SEK/month (men), 25,400 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (men), 35,500 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 169 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 104% of what men do (men 28 100 SEK, women 29 100 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data is missing, but salary ranges may vary depending on employer and location

Education and qualifications

To work as a Vehicle Test Driver, usually no higher formal education is required, but a high school diploma in vehicle technology, transportation, or mechanics is a major advantage. Practical experience from the automotive industry, good driving skills, and sometimes special licenses or certifications are often requested. Many employers also value problem-solving skills and technical interest, as the work involves identifying and reporting faults or deviations in vehicle performance.

• High school education: Automotive and transportation programs, 3 years
• Special licenses: B driver's license, sometimes C/D depending on test vehicles
• Internship/trainee: Practical experience from car workshops or testing environments is meritorious
• Courses/certifications: Safety training for testing environments may be required
• Prerequisites: Good driving skills and technical interest

Common benefits and compensations

Vehicle Test Drivers often have access to benefits such as per diems for travel, overtime pay, and sometimes company cars or service vehicles. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, work clothing, and additional insurance due to the specific risks that may occur in the profession. Shift work and inconvenient working hours can occur, sometimes compensated with extra allowances.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Vehicle Test Driver is considered relatively high nationally, with a surplus of labor within the profession. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecast, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, meaning the number of available jobs is unlikely to increase significantly. Challenges in the profession include not only competition for positions but also a demanding work environment with long shifts, travel, and sometimes monotonous tasks. Vehicle Test Drivers must also handle rapid technological changes and safety requirements, which demands continuous skills development.

Tips for those who want to become a Vehicle Test Driver

To succeed as a Vehicle Test Driver, it’s good to have a strong technical interest and a high safety awareness. Precision is crucial, as each observation must be documented and fed back to the development team. Flexibility and endurance are needed since the work environment often involves long days and quick adjustments. It’s also valuable to demonstrate initiative by staying updated on new vehicle technologies and testing methods. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with engineers, mechanics, and other team members. Building a network within the automotive industry and actively seeking internships can increase chances of employment. Finally, it’s wise to show responsibility and the ability to work independently, as many tests are performed alone.

Key facts about Vehicle Test Drivers

• Education level: High school diploma, often Automotive and Transportation programs
• Work environment: Varies between outdoor and test facilities
• Typical work form: Full-time, sometimes shift work
• Demand: Small opportunities, unchanged forecast over five years
• Number of available jobs: 412 within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, a Vehicle Test Driver can advance to more specialized roles, such as test leader, technical test analyst, or development tester within the automotive industry. Some choose to further their education in vehicle technology or quality assurance to broaden their career opportunities. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecast, the opportunities for employment are small nationwide, and competition is high with a surplus of labor. The forecast indicates that demand will remain unchanged over the next five years, so it may be wise to supplement with additional education or experience to improve future prospects in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Vehicle Test Drivers

• What is the average salary of a Vehicle Test Driver?
  - The average salary for a Vehicle Test Driver is 28 200 SEK per month.
• What do gender differences look like in the profession?
  - Women earn an average of 29 100 SEK while men earn 28 100 SEK, which means women earn 104% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Vehicle Test Driver?
  - Most commonly, a high school education in automotive or transportation programs, along with a B driver's license and practical experience.
• Are there opportunities for career development?
  - Yes, experienced Vehicle Test Drivers can advance to test leader or technical specialist roles within the automotive industry.
• What is the job market like for Vehicle Test Drivers?
  - Opportunities are limited and competition is high, with a forecast of unchanged demand in the coming years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 36,300 SEK (men) and 35,500 SEK (women), while the lowest is 23,600 SEK (men) and 25,400 SEK (women).
• What personal qualities are important for a Vehicle Test Driver?
  - Technical interest, accuracy, safety awareness, and flexibility are key qualities.