Frequently asked questions

Who is this marketplace for?

For anyone evaluating a used car purchase who wants to test drive it properly: a mainstream model from a private seller, a discontinued trim or an enthusiast classic.

How is the owner compensated?

Each offer has a fixed test-drive fee. The visitor pays that amount to the owner for the agreed slot.

Can owners define rules?

Yes. Owners define availability, driver requirements, weather restrictions and briefing notes before every booking.

What kinds of vehicles work best?

Any used car that is no longer available for a test drive at a dealer: recent models from private sellers, discontinued trims, last-generation versions, youngtimers and enthusiast classics.

Is the owner present during the test drive?

Yes, owner presence is required on every test drive. This is not just a safety rule: it meaningfully reduces legal and insurance risk. Standard Kfz-Haftpflicht policies often restrict or exclude 'Überlassung' (handing the car over) to a third party. When the owner stays in the vehicle and accompanies the driver, the arrangement is no longer an Überlassung in the relevant legal sense; it becomes a jointly experienced drive. Many insurers will not apply the third-party exclusion in this scenario. Additionally, the owner can verify the driver's license on the spot, observe driving behavior, and intervene immediately if needed.

Is my insurance valid for paid test drives?

Most private Kfz-Haftpflicht policies exclude 'gewerbliche Nutzung' (commercial use) or 'Überlassung' to third parties. You MUST contact your insurer and confirm that paid accompanied test drives (Begleitfahrten) are covered before listing. Because the owner is always present, the arrangement is typically viewed as an accompanied shared drive rather than a vehicle rental, which improves the insurer's risk assessment. Many insurers offer peer-to-peer carsharing policies that explicitly cover this.

What vehicle documentation is required?

Your vehicle must have a valid TÜV/HU (Hauptuntersuchung) inspection, proper registration (Zulassung) with valid license plates, and valid Kfz-Haftpflicht insurance. All documents must be current. Vehicles without valid TÜV cannot participate (FZV regulations).

What happens if there's an accident or damage?

Under German law (StVG § 7), the vehicle owner bears strict liability for third-party damages. Because the owner is present in the vehicle, they can observe driving behavior directly, stop the drive early if something goes wrong, and provide an eyewitness account of any incident, which strengthens the owner's position in any dispute. Damage to your own vehicle is your responsibility unless comprehensive insurance covers it. Always document vehicle condition before and after each drive with photos and a signed Übergabeprotokoll.

What are the legal requirements for test drivers?

Test drivers must have a valid driver's license (Fahrerlaubnis Klasse B), be at least 18 years old, and have no active driving ban. False information is a criminal offense. Allowing an unlicensed driver is a criminal offense (up to 1 year imprisonment for the vehicle owner).

Do I need to sign an agreement for each test drive?

Yes, we strongly recommend a written agreement (Probefahrtvereinbarung) documenting the vehicle condition, driver license verification, agreed route/duration, liability terms, and any damage found. See our Terms of Service for required components.

What about privacy and my driver's license data?

We verify your driver's license for validity (Fahrerlaubnis check) as required by German traffic law (StVG § 21). We do not store your full license number; only verification status is retained for legal compliance. All data is protected under DSGVO (GDPR).