How to Handle Viewings and Test Drives Safely When Selling a Car Privately in the UK

A serious buyer will usually want to see the car before paying for it.

They may also want a test drive.

That is normal.

But a private car viewing combines several risks at once:

• a stranger knows where the vehicle is,
• the seller may be carrying keys and documents,
• the buyer may ask to drive the car,
• and the transaction can involve thousands of pounds.

Most viewings are straightforward.

The sensible approach is to prepare the process before the buyer arrives rather than making decisions under pressure.

Speak to the Buyer Before the Viewing

Do not arrange a viewing from a one-word message if you know nothing about the person.

Have a short conversation first.

Confirm:

• their name,
• phone number,
• which vehicle they are interested in,
• when they want to view,
• whether they want a test drive,
• and whether they understand the advertised price and condition.

A genuine buyer should normally be comfortable discussing basic arrangements.

Choose a Sensible Viewing Location

If the vehicle is at your home, try to arrange the viewing:

• during daylight,
• when another adult is present,
• with the car in an open area,
• and with valuables removed.

If practical, some sellers prefer a safe public location.

But make sure the location is suitable for:

• inspecting the vehicle,
• checking documents,
• and beginning a lawful test drive.

Avoid isolated areas.

Tell Someone About the Viewing

Even if you plan to conduct the viewing yourself, tell another person:

• who is coming,
• what time,
• and where you will be.

If possible, have somebody else nearby.

This is a simple precaution that costs nothing.

Remove Personal Items

Before the buyer arrives, remove:

• house keys,
• garage remotes,
• personal post,
• bank paperwork,
• receipts showing unnecessary personal details,
• children's items with names,
• and valuables.

A viewing should show the car, not your private life.

Keep Control of the Keys

Do not hand the buyer the keys and walk away.

RAC's current private-selling guidance advises sellers not to leave a potential buyer alone with the vehicle or keys.

If the buyer wants to start the car, remain with them.

If they want to inspect the boot or engine bay, stay nearby.

This is not about treating every buyer with suspicion.

It is about maintaining control of a valuable asset.

Do Not Leave the Engine Running Unattended

A common theft opportunity occurs when a vehicle is:

• started,
• keys are inside,
• and the seller steps away.

Stay with the car.

If you need to retrieve paperwork from the house, switch the vehicle off and take the keys with you.

Protect the V5C

A genuine buyer may reasonably want to see the V5C so they can check:

• registration,
• VIN details,
• keeper information,
• and whether the document matches the vehicle.

But GOV.UK specifically warns sellers not to share:

• the V5C document reference number,
• pictures of the log book,
• or copies of the log book.

Those details can be misused to obtain a fraudulent replacement document.

Show the document during the viewing if appropriate.

Do not send a full photograph of it to an unknown buyer beforehand.

Test Drives Require Insurance

A prospective buyer must be properly insured to drive the car on the road.

Do not assume that because they have insurance on their own vehicle they can automatically drive yours.

Some policies include a "driving other cars" extension.

Some do not.

Where it exists, the cover may be limited.

RAC's 2026 private-selling guidance recommends asking for proof of insurance before a test drive, and temporary test-drive insurance is also available in the UK.

The safest rule is:

verify the actual cover before handing over the driver's seat.

Ask to See the Driving Licence

Before allowing a buyer to drive, ask to see a valid driving licence.

Check that:

• the name matches the person,
• the photograph appears to match,
• and the licence category is appropriate for the vehicle.

For unusual vehicle categories or licence restrictions, do not guess.

If you are not satisfied, do not allow them to drive.

What If the Buyer Says Their Insurance Covers Any Car?

Ask for proof.

Do not rely on:

My policy covers everything.

Insurance terms vary.

The buyer may be able to:

• show policy documentation,
• confirm temporary cover,
• or arrange specific short-term test-drive insurance.

If you cannot verify that the buyer is insured, you can drive the car yourself with the buyer as passenger instead, provided your own insurance and the vehicle's road status allow it.

Check the Vehicle Is Road-Legal for the Test Drive

The vehicle should be suitable for lawful road use.

Consider:

• insurance,
• tax,
• MOT where required,
• tyres,
• lights,
• and general roadworthiness.

A test drive is not an excuse to use an unsafe or unlawfully used vehicle on the road.

If the car is SORN and kept off-road, do not simply take it onto public roads for a viewing without understanding the legal requirements.

Go With the Buyer

For a private test drive, do not normally let a stranger drive away alone.

Sit in the passenger seat where appropriate.

Keep control of:

• spare keys,
• documents,
• and personal belongings.

If you feel unsafe at any point, end the test drive.

Plan the Route

Choose a route that gives the buyer enough information without turning the test drive into an open-ended trip.

A sensible route can include:

• low-speed local roads,
• a faster road where legal,
• junctions,
• braking,
• parking,
• and a short section where gearbox and steering behaviour can be assessed.

RAC suggests around 20 minutes can be enough for a useful private-sale test drive, depending on the location.

You do not need to allow a long unsupervised drive.

Do Not Carry Large Amounts of Cash Around

If the buyer intends to pay in cash, decide in advance how you will handle it.

For larger transactions, bank transfer may be more practical.

Whatever method you use:

• confirm the payment yourself,
• do not rely on the buyer's screenshot,
• and do not release the vehicle until you are satisfied the funds are genuine and cleared.

A fake banking screen can look convincing.

Check through your own bank.

Be Careful With "Overpayment" Scams

A buyer who claims to have accidentally sent too much money and asks you to refund the difference should be treated cautiously.

Do not refund money that has not genuinely cleared.

Likewise, be careful with:

• courier stories,
• third-party payment agents,
• requests to pay a transport fee upfront,
• or buyers who refuse normal verification.

A legitimate transaction should not require the seller to send money to receive money.

Keep the Second Key Secure

If the car has two keys, do not hand both over during the viewing.

Use one key for the inspection and test drive.

Keep the spare secure until the sale is complete.

The same applies to:

• locking-wheel-nut key,
• charging cards,
• garage remotes,
• and other access devices.

Independent Inspections Are Reasonable

A genuine buyer may want an independent inspection.

That can be sensible.

But agree the process clearly.

The inspector should not take control of:

• the vehicle,
• keys,
• or documents

beyond what is required for the agreed inspection.

CarMazium users can also request an inspection through TradeXchange Vehicle Inspection.

Do Not Be Pressured Into an Immediate Decision

Some buyers use pressure tactics:

• "I only have five minutes."
• "Take this deposit now."
• "Give me the keys while my friend transfers the money."
• "I already sent it — check later."
• "Sign the log book and I will pay outside."

Slow the process down.

A genuine sale can survive a few minutes of careful verification.

Agree the Price Before Handover

Once the buyer has inspected and test-driven the car, confirm the final agreed price.

Avoid ambiguity.

If there are conditions, put them in writing.

For example:

• price agreed subject to cleared bank transfer,
• vehicle collected today,
• spare key included,
• private plate retained separately,
• or known fault acknowledged.

A simple written receipt can help both parties record what was agreed.

Confirm Payment Before Releasing the Vehicle

This deserves repeating.

Do not release:

• car,
• keys,
• V5C new-keeper details,
• or included documents

until the payment arrangement is complete and you are satisfied.

For bank transfer, check your own banking app or online banking.

Do not rely solely on an email or screenshot.

Complete the DVLA Process

When the vehicle is sold and staying in the UK, GOV.UK says the seller must tell DVLA and provide the buyer's full name and address.

The buyer receives the green "new keeper" slip from the V5C.

Current official guidance is available on GOV.UK Selling a Vehicle.

Do not delay the DVLA notification unnecessarily.

It helps establish that you are no longer the keeper.

Vehicle Tax Does Not Transfer to the Buyer

When a vehicle changes keeper, the seller's tax does not simply become the buyer's tax.

The buyer is responsible for taxing the vehicle as required after purchase.

The seller may receive a refund for full remaining months, depending on the DVLA record.

Make sure the buyer understands they need to deal with their own tax position.

Tell Your Insurer After the Sale

Once the sale is complete, contact your insurer.

Do not cancel the policy before the vehicle has been handed over if you still need cover for viewings or test drives.

After completion, update or cancel the policy as appropriate.

Private Plate? Deal With It Before the Sale

If you want to keep a personalised registration, GOV.UK says you should apply to remove it before selling the vehicle.

Do not assume you can easily recover it after the sale has already been completed.

See our guide to selling a car with a private number plate.

A Safe Viewing Checklist

Before the buyer arrives:

• confirm their name and number,
• arrange daylight where possible,
• tell somebody about the viewing,
• remove valuables,
• prepare one key,
• have documents ready but protected,
• agree test-drive expectations.

Before the test drive:

• check the licence,
• verify insurance,
• confirm the vehicle is legal and roadworthy,
• sit in the car with the buyer where appropriate,
• use a planned route.

Before handover:

• agree final price,
• confirm genuine cleared payment,
• complete receipt,
• complete DVLA keeper notification,
• give the correct new-keeper documentation,
• then release all agreed keys and items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Buyer Test Drive My Car on Their Own Insurance?

Possibly, but do not assume. Check the actual policy or temporary cover before they drive.

Should I Go With the Buyer?

For a private sale, accompanying the buyer is a sensible way to maintain control of the vehicle.

Can I Send the Buyer a Photo of My V5C?

GOV.UK advises against sharing pictures or copies of the log book and specifically warns sellers to protect the document reference number.

When Should I Give the Buyer the Keys?

After you are satisfied with the agreed payment and the sale is ready to complete.

Should I Accept a Screenshot of a Bank Transfer?

No. Check the payment independently through your own banking channel.

What Do I Tell DVLA?

For a UK sale, tell DVLA the vehicle has been sold and provide the buyer's full name and address.

The Bottom Line

A private car viewing should be friendly but controlled.

Know who is coming.

Keep the keys with you.

Protect the V5C.

Verify insurance before any test drive.

Accompany the buyer where appropriate.

Confirm payment yourself.

Then complete the DVLA process promptly.

Most buyers are genuine.

A simple, consistent process protects both the seller and the serious buyer.

If you prefer to reduce the number of private viewings altogether, CarMazium also offers a free 24-hour verified-trader auction alongside its retail marketplace.