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Freelance Vehicle Test Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gatik AI

Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver

Denison, TX · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

In this role, you will operate CDL or box trucks while working alongside advanced vehicle ... Perform test runs, document unusual behavior, and provide clear, actionable feedback * Stay highly ...

TELUS Digital

Vehicle Test Driver (Temporary)

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

The Contract Driver - Vehicle Testing Operations role is responsible for safely operating vehicles in support of testing, validation, and operational activities across a variety of routes, schedules ...

Lucid Motors

Prototype Driver, Vehicle Test

Wittmann, AZ

$15 - $18.75/hr

We are currently seeking a Prototype Driver, Vehicle Test. You will be responsible for driving prototype and pre-production vehicles and documenting vehicle behavior in support of departmental ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Chicago, IL

La Grange, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona, CA

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Chicago, IL

La Grange, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona, CA

Corona, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Phoenix, AZ

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona, CA

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Phoenix, AZ

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona, CA

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona, CA

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment. * Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends. * Possess a valid driver's license and clean vehicle driving ...

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Freelance Vehicle Test Driver information

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How much do freelance vehicle test driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance vehicle test driver in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Vehicle Test Driver vs Vehicle Development Engineer?

AspectFreelance Vehicle Test DriverVehicle Development Engineer
CredentialsValid driver's license, driving experienceEngineering degree, technical expertise
Work EnvironmentOn-road testing, track, or test facilitiesDesign labs, R&D centers, testing facilities
Employer & IndustryAutomotive manufacturers, testing companiesAutomotive OEMs, suppliers, R&D firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding testing roles, freelance opportunitiesEngineering roles, vehicle development processes

The main difference is that Freelance Vehicle Test Drivers focus on executing test drives and providing feedback without extensive technical design responsibilities, while Vehicle Development Engineers are involved in designing, developing, and testing vehicle systems. Freelance drivers typically work independently or with testing companies, whereas engineers are employed by manufacturers or R&D organizations.

What are some typical challenges faced by freelance vehicle test drivers, and how can they prepare for them?

Freelance vehicle test drivers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new vehicle technologies quickly, working in varying weather conditions, and maintaining consistent communication with engineering teams. Since assignments may vary, flexibility and strong observational skills are essential. Preparing by staying updated on automotive trends, honing technical driving skills, and being proactive with safety protocols can help drivers overcome these challenges and deliver valuable feedback to manufacturers.

What is a Freelance Vehicle Test Driver?

A Freelance Vehicle Test Driver is a professional who is contracted on a temporary or project basis to test drive vehicles for manufacturers, automotive companies, or research organizations. Their main responsibility is to evaluate a vehicle’s performance, safety, and handling in various conditions, and report on their findings. They may test new models, prototypes, or vehicles undergoing quality assurance. The role often requires a clean driving record, attention to detail, and sometimes specialized licenses. Unlike full-time test drivers, freelancers work per assignment and may collaborate with multiple clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Vehicle Test Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Vehicle Test Driver, you need a valid driver's license, strong driving skills, and a good understanding of vehicle mechanics and safety protocols. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data logging systems, and sometimes specialized certifications (such as advanced driving courses) are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for accurately reporting results and collaborating with engineering teams. These skills ensure accurate testing, maintain safety standards, and support the development of reliable vehicles.
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Freelance Vehicle Test Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Vehicle Test Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,807 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver

Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver

Gatik AI

Denison, TX • On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

 Who we are

Gatik, the leader in autonomous middle-mile logistics, is revolutionizing the B2B supply chain with its autonomous transportation-as-a-service (ATaaS) solution and prioritizing safe, consistent deliveries while streamlining freight movement by reducing congestion. The company focuses on short-haul, B2B logistics for Fortune 500 retailers and in 2021 launched the world's first fully driverless commercial transportation service with Walmart. Gatik's Class 3-7 autonomous trucks are commercially deployed across major markets, including Texas, Arkansas, and Ontario, Canada, driving innovation in freight transportation. 

The company's proprietary Level 4 autonomous technology, Gatik Carrier, is custom-built to transport freight safely and efficiently between pick-up and drop-off locations on the middle mile. With robust capabilities in both highway and urban environments, Gatik Carrier serves as an all-encompassing solution that integrates advanced software and hardware powering the fleet, facilitating effortless integration into customers' logistics operations. 

About the role

Join Gatik in Denison, TX and help support the future of autonomous trucking. In this role, you will operate CDL or box trucks while working alongside advanced vehicle technology that powers Gatik's middle-mile logistics network.

We're looking for experienced, safety-focused drivers who are comfortable with new technology and excited to be part of the next generation of freight transportation.

What You'll Do

  • Operate 26-30 ft box trucks in manual mode while supervising onboard autonomous driving systems
  • Work closely with engineering teams to test, evaluate, and refine our self-driving technology
  • Use onboard screens, diagnostic tools, and software to monitor system performance
  • Perform test runs, document unusual behavior, and provide clear, actionable feedback
  • Stay highly alert and safety-focused, stepping in as needed while following DOT and company safety guidelines

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years of professional truckdriving experience, including 1 year operating 26-30 ft box trucks (Required) 
  • Valid CDL (Required)
  • Clean MVR (Required)
  • Comfortable with technology and ability to learn new applications
  • Ability to pass a background check and drug screen
  • Flexible availability (rotating or variable shifts)
  • Excellent judgment under pressure
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to write clear, simple reports
  • A natural problem-solver with a curious, "inventor" mindset

Why You'll Love Working With Us

  • Local routes - home daily
  • Weekly pay
  • Competitive wages
  • Solid benefits package
  • Unlimited opportunities for growth
  • Be part of cutting-edge autonomous vehicle innovation

Interested in Shaping the Future of Freight?

Apply today and bring your driving expertise to the world of autonomous technology. Gatik is growing rapidly, and this is an opportunity to grow your career with us.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.00 - $31.00 per hour

Application Questions:

  • Do you have at least 3 + years of professional truckdriving experience, including 1 year operating 26-30 ft box trucks?

  • Do you have a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)?

  • Are you comfortable with technology and ability to learn new applications

  • Are you able to work night shifts (7:30 PM - 6:30 AM), 5 days per week, including weekends?

More about Gatik

Founded in 2017 by experts in autonomous vehicle technology, Gatik has rapidly expanded its presence to Mountain View, Dallas-Fort Worth, Arkansas, and Toronto. As the first and only company to achieve fully driverless middle-mile commercial deliveries, Gatik holds a unique and defensible position in the AV industry, with a clear trajectory toward sustainable growth and profitability.

We have delivered complete, proprietary AV technology - an integration of software and hardware - to enable earlier successes for our clients in constrained Level 4 autonomy.  By choosing the middle mile - with defined point-to-point delivery, we have simplified some of the more complex AV challenges, enabling us to achieve full autonomy ahead of competitors. Given extensive knowledge of Gatik's well-defined, fixed route ODDs and hybrid architecture, we are able to hyper-optimize our models with exponentially less data, establish gate-keeping mechanisms to maintain explainability, and ensure continued safety of the system for unmanned operations.

Visit us at Gatik for more company information and Careers at Gatik for more open roles.

Notable News
  • Bloomberg: Autonomous Trucking Firm Gatik Inks Contracts Worth $600 Million
  • Forbes: Hundreds' Of Gatik Robot Delivery Trucks Headed For U.S. Roads
  • Forbes:Gatik And Loblaw Announce Largest Commercial Deployment Of AV Trucks
  • Forbes: Forget robotaxis. Upstart Gatik sees middle-mile deliveries as the path to profitable AVs
  • Tech Brew: Gatik AI exec unpacks the regulations that could shape the AV industry
  • Business Wire: Gatik Paves the Way for Safe Driverless Operations ('Freight-Only') at Scale with Industry-First Third-Party Safety Assessment Framework
  • Auto Futures: Autonomous Trucking Group Gatik Secures Investment From NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS
  • Automotive News: Gatik foresees hundreds of self-driving trucks on road soon, and that's just the beginning
  • Forbes: Isuzu And Gatik Go All In To Scale Up Driverless Freight Services
  • Bloomberg: Autonomous Vehicle Startup Takes Off by Picking Off Easier Routes
  • Reuters: Driverless vehicles on limited routes bump along despite US robotaxi scrutiny
Taking care of our team

At Gatik, we connect people of extraordinary talent and experience to an opportunity to create a more resilient supply chain and contribute to our environment's sustainability. We are diverse in our backgrounds and perspectives yet united by a bold vision and shared commitment to our values. Our culture emphasizes the importance of collaboration, respect and agility.

We at Gatik strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels they have opportunities to succeed and grow because we know that together we can do great things. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse team. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any legally protected status.

 

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