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Car Test Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FleetLogix, Inc.

Rental Car Driver

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.70/hr

RENTAL CAR DRIVER SAN JOSE, CA FleetLogix is the premier provider of fleet management and ... Must pass a background check, drug screening and driver safety skills test. * Ideal applicants have ...

FleetLogix

Rental Car Driver

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.70/hr

RENTAL CAR DRIVER SAN JOSE, CA FleetLogix is the premier provider of fleet management and ... Must pass a background check, drug screening and driver safety skills test. * Ideal applicants have ...

FleetLogix, Inc.

Rental Car Driver

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.15/hr

RENTAL CAR DRIVER FleetLogix is the premier provider of fleet management and transportation ... Meet hiring standards of background check, drug screening and driver safety skills test. * Ideal ...

FleetLogix

Rental Car Driver

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.15/hr

RENTAL CAR DRIVER FleetLogix is the premier provider of fleet management and transportation ... Meet hiring standards of background check, drug screening and driver safety skills test. * Ideal ...

FleetLogix, Inc.

Rental Car Driver

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

Drive rental car returns to the car wash or "quick turn area" usually on the same lot, but ... Meet hiring standards of background check, drug screening and driver safety skills test. * Ideal ...

FleetLogix, Inc.

Rental Car Driver

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

Drive rental car returns to the car wash or "quick turn area" usually on the same lot, but ... Meet hiring standards of background check, drug screening and driver safety skills test. * Ideal ...

FleetLogix

Rental Car Driver

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

Drive rental car returns to the car wash or "quick turn area" usually on the same lot, but ... Meet hiring standards of background check, drug screening and driver safety skills test. * Ideal ...

Midway Car Rental

Driver

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$18.62 - $20.12/hr

Midway Car Rental is a privately-owned company which has been in business for over 50 years. Our ... Pass background; inclusive of Pre-Employment Drug Test, SSN Validation, and Criminal Record * Clean ...

Midway Car Rental

Driver

North Hollywood, CA · On-site

$18.62 - $20.12/hr

Midway Car Rental is a privately-owned company which has been in business for over 50 years. Our ... Pass background; inclusive of Pre-Employment Drug Test, SSN Validation, and Criminal Record * Clean ...

NextNav LLC

Field Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... driver license required to facilitate driving/testing at field locations. * Required to spend time outside the office driving to test locations, driving test routes, moving equipment from the car to ...

Carvana

Car Detailer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

... drivability test and proper display of all company and state disclosures * Maintain positive ... Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record for the past 3 years * Must be able to ...

Carvana

Car Detailer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

... drivability test and proper display of all company and state disclosures * Maintain positive ... Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record for the past 3 years * Must be able to ...

Carvana

Car Detailer

Westminster, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

... drivability test and proper display of all company and state disclosures * Maintain positive ... Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record for the past 3 years * Must be able to ...

Carvana

Car Detailer

Westminster, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

... drivability test and proper display of all company and state disclosures * Maintain positive ... Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record for the past 3 years * Must be able to ...

Carvana

Car Detailer

Westminster, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

... drivability test and proper display of all company and state disclosures * Maintain positive ... Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record for the past 3 years * Must be able to ...

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Car Test Driver information

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How much do car test driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for car test driver in California is $18.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a car test driver?

Car test drivers are professionals who evaluate vehicles by driving them under various conditions to assess performance, safety, handling, and comfort. They work for automotive manufacturers, testing facilities, or independent organizations, providing detailed feedback that helps improve vehicle design and quality. Their work often involves testing prototypes, new models, or modified vehicles, and may require documenting findings and collaborating closely with engineers. This role demands careful attention to detail, strong driving skills, and a deep understanding of automotive systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a car test driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Car Test Driver, you need advanced driving skills, a solid understanding of automotive mechanics, and often a valid professional driver’s license. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data-logging systems, and sometimes specialized certification courses in vehicle testing are typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and clear communication help drivers provide accurate feedback and collaborate with engineering teams. These competencies are vital to ensure vehicles meet safety, performance, and quality standards before reaching consumers.

What are some common challenges faced by car test drivers during vehicle evaluation?

Car test drivers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing test conditions, strictly adhering to safety protocols, and providing detailed feedback on vehicle performance. The role demands keen observation skills to detect subtle issues, and drivers must communicate effectively with engineering teams to relay technical observations. Additionally, test drivers may need to adjust to varying schedules, since prototype testing can require early mornings, late nights, or travel to remote proving grounds.

What is the difference between Car Test Driver vs Car Quality Inspector?

AspectCar Test DriverCar Quality Inspector
CredentialsDriving licenses, automotive knowledgeQuality assurance certifications, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentTest tracks, vehicle testing facilitiesManufacturing plants, inspection stations
Industry UsageAutomotive testing, product developmentManufacturing quality control, compliance checks

While both roles involve working with vehicles, a Car Test Driver focuses on evaluating vehicle performance and handling during testing, whereas a Car Quality Inspector concentrates on inspecting vehicles for defects and ensuring quality standards are met. The roles often overlap in automotive settings but serve different purposes in the vehicle development and manufacturing process.

How do you become a car test driver?

To become a car test driver, candidates typically need a background in automotive engineering, mechanical or automotive technology, and a valid driver's license. Experience in vehicle handling, safety testing, and familiarity with testing protocols are also important, along with strong communication skills and attention to detail.

How much does a car test driver earn?

Car test drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some may also receive additional compensation such as bonuses or per-mile pay, especially when testing prototypes or new vehicle models.

Is there a job where you test drive cars?

A car test driver is a professional who evaluates vehicles by driving them to assess performance, safety, and comfort. This role often requires a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and knowledge of vehicle mechanics. Test drivers typically work for automotive manufacturers, testing prototypes or new models under various conditions.

What cities in California are hiring for Car Test Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Car Test Driver job openings:

Car Test Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Test Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,286 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Rental Car Driver

San Jose, CA • On-site

FleetLogix, Inc.
Transportation and Warehousing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about FleetLogix, Inc.external

$18.70/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

FleetLogix rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

RENTAL CAR DRIVER
SAN JOSE, CA
FleetLogix is the premier provider of fleet management and transportation services. Our goal is to deliver the highest quality service, safety, and customer satisfaction. If you would like to join a winning team, work outside, and have room for advancement please apply. We offer competitive pay, part-time/full-time employment, and health benefits when eligible. We look forward to you joining our team!
Pay: $18.70/hour
Qualifications:
  • Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid state issued Driver's License with satisfactory driving record.
  • Must pass a background check, drug screening and driver safety skills test.
  • Ideal applicants have open availability, a great work ethic, and are dependable.
Drivers are responsible for moving customer fleet vehicles from point A to point B according to company and customer requirements.
Responsibilities:
  • Drive cars from one location to another on the rental car lot premises.
  • Drive rental car returns to the car wash or “quick turn area” usually on the same lot, but occasionally off site, for cleaning and then transport back to the customer site for re-renting.
  • Operate the motor vehicle in accordance with all company and customer policies and adhere to state motor vehicle laws.
  • Respond to directions given by dispatch to deliver vehicles to the appropriate location.
  • Maintain strong customer service, both internally and externally.
  • Follow specific customer policies for preparing vehicles for rental.
  • Meet productivity standards and benchmarks in assigned location.
  • When necessary, move vehicles that are out of service to an outside facility.
  • Other duties as assigned. This description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to get in and out of various size cars up to 200 times throughout the day, as well as walking areas exceeding 100 yards multiple times per day.
  • The employee is also frequently required to stand for long periods; bend/hunch over; climb; stoop; kneel; crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee is consistently required to use hands; fingers and arms to grasp, reach, carry, or lift.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Must follow restrictions placed by the DMV for vehicle operation (i.e.: wear corrective lenses while driving).
FleetLogix, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We promote a workplace that is free of drugs and alcohol. All employment is contingent upon completion of drug and background screenings.

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