With online car sales increasing it seems that more and more people are choosing to buy a car without physically seeing or driving it. However, a test drive is a really important step in the process of buying a new car and could ensure you don't end up disappointed with your purchase.

Getting behind the wheel of a car before you buy it is important. You will never really get an idea of the "feel" of a car, the way it drives and the comfort it offers without taking a test drive. Imagine if you handed over the money for your car only to find that the driving position is incredibly uncomfortable, or the clutch is too heavy for your journey type. You may quickly find yourself falling out of love with your new purchase.

All reputable garages will offer you a test drive of the car or cars you are interested in buying. Even if you are buying from a private individual you should request a test drive. It may be worth contacting your insurance company first to tell them what you are planning to do and check if your existing policy will cover you during a test drive.

So, you know you should take a test drive but are there any other tips to follow?

Multiple test-drives of an assortment of vehicles
If you cannot decide which car is for you then try to arrange multiple test drives back-to-back. Stepping out of one car and immediately into another will keep your mind fresh and make comparisons easier. If you do have a number of cars you wish to test drive it might be a good idea to ring the dealer beforehand so they can make the necessary arrangements.

Length of test drive
To get a good feel for a car you need to drive it for at least 15 minutes. A quick drive down the road won't do. A good dealer will be aware of this and will probably have a route in mind for you to take to allow you to get a good feel for the car - after all they want you to buy!

Where to drive?
Bear in mind the type of journey you will be making commonly in the car. If your daily journey often includes the motorway ask to take the car on the motorway. Likewise if you often drive in the city in periods of stop-start traffic you should try and encounter this during your test drive. This way you get a really good impression of how the car will respond to your everyday routine.

Remember your passengers and your lifestyle!
A test drive doesn't have to include simply driving. For example, if you have a young family ask the dealer if you can load your pram into the boot to check it fits. Do the same if you have a hobby such as golf, which requires you to transport your golf clubs. Ask if you can install your child's or children's car seat(s) into the back of the car. Check how easy it is to seat your children and look at the space they are provided with. Also, how comfortable is the front passenger seat? The passenger may not be doing the driving but they do need to be comfortable.

At the end of the test drive you will be better equipped to make a decision on your purchase and will make you much more likely to buy a car that not only looks good but also drives well and suits your needs.