Estimating Test Drive and Pre-Delivery Labor Times in Today's Tech-Heavy Vehicles

As vehicle technology has become increasingly complex, the post-repair test drive has transformed from a quick lap around the block into a structured, multi-step verification process. For collision repairers, that complexity creates a direct billing opportunity — but only for shops that document and estimate the work properly.

P&L Consultants co-owner Larry Montanez III walked through suggested labor times for test-drive and pre-delivery operations during a Collision Hub "Virtual 20 Group," offering practical guidance for estimators trying to capture the full scope of work performed after a repair.

Two Estimating Formats

Montanez presented two approaches to capturing these operations on an estimate:

Itemized format: Each test-drive operation appears as a separate line item with its own associated labor time.

Catchall format: A single, broader "Test Drive Vehicle" line item covers multiple operations, accompanied by a detailed note listing the included procedures.

Both are valid, but as Collision Hub CEO Kristen Felder pointed out, itemized entries tend to be easier to defend. A single 4–5 hour "test drive car" block can trigger skepticism from reviewers who assume the vehicle isn't literally being driven for hours. Breaking operations out individually reduces that friction and makes the estimate more defensible.

Suggested Labor Times by Operation

The following are the suggested times Montanez shared during the webinar, classified as mechanical labor:

Pre-test drive checks and engine run test — 0.0 hours
This step verifies the vehicle is driveable before anything else begins. Montanez considers it part of overhead rather than a billable operation, similar to a departmental quality control checklist.

Pre-wheel alignment test drive — 0.3 hours
Comparable to what a dealership would charge before performing an alignment, including verifying tire pressure and checking for any pre-existing drivability issues.

Post-alignment test drive — 0.2 hours
Even when a dealer performs the alignment and conducts their own test drive, the collision shop still needs to run its own verification. The dealer is checking the alignment they were hired to perform — not wind noise, ADAS performance, or other repair-related concerns. The repairer, as lead contractor, also carries responsibility for verifying sublet work quality.

Hybrid system test drive — 0.5 hours, multiplied by two for a second technician
Hybrid systems require variable speeds and road conditions, including hilly terrain to test regenerative braking function. This operation typically requires two technicians: one to drive and one to monitor a diagnostic screen. When a second tech is required, Montanez doubles the applicable labor time.

Compass reset — 0.2–0.3 hours
Signs a compass needs recalibration include displaying an incorrect direction, failing to update during turns, or intermittent display. The reset procedure typically involves driving in slow circles (approximately 3–6 mph) in an area clear of large metal objects or power lines.

Post-test drive wheel torquing — 0.2–0.3 hours
A separate operation from the torquing performed during the repair itself. This operation verifies that nothing has loosened after actual road use.

ADAS checks — 0.5–0.8 hours
All customer-facing advanced driver assistance systems need to be verified under real-world road conditions. This isn't just about scan results — it's about confirming that systems like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring function correctly on the road. Montanez noted that a Minnesota MSO had flagged a case where a scanned and calibrated vehicle still had a malfunctioning adaptive cruise control system during a test drive. The culprit was a slightly misaligned radar mounting bracket. A second technician may be needed for certain ADAS verifications, such as blind-spot monitoring.

Parking sensors and backup camera tests — 0.3 hours

Self-parking test — 0.2 hours
Montanez suggested using boxes or cones to simulate the solid structures around a parking space for this test.

Restore presets and check radio — 0.1 hours
Returning customer radio presets is a customer-satisfaction priority. Some vehicles carry six presets; others, like Montanez's own Dodge, offer 18 per radio band. Montanez acknowledged the 0.1-hour figure is a suggestion and that more complex setups may require additional time. His guidance: time the operation yourself if you're unsure, and charge accordingly.

Drive cycles — 1.0–3.0 hours
OEM-specified drive cycles to clear diagnostic codes or reset system monitors can involve dozens of key cycles and variable driving conditions. Montanez cited clearing a fuel cap error code from a check engine light — the kind of issue that can require extensive cycling — as a frustrating but legitimate billable item.

Notes on the Catchall Approach

For shops that prefer a single line item, Montanez suggested documenting 1.0–2.0 hours for "Test Drive Vehicle" with an accompanying note listing specific operations: "Time for test drive includes the following operations, but not limited to, pre- and post wheel alignment checks, wind noise, driveability, hybrid system operation, compass reset, navigation, ADAS check, parking sensor, back up camera."

Even with a catchall format, post-test drive wheel torquing, radio preset restoration, and drive cycles should still appear as separate line items.

He also noted that navigation reset operations can often be built into the test drive itself. If a technician knows they're driving 3 miles to check everything, setting a navigation destination at the 1.5-mile mark validates the system without requiring a separate operation.

What This Means for Estimators

The consistent takeaway from Montanez's session: these are not padding items. They reflect real labor performed to verify that a collision repair meets its obligations to the customer and to OEM standards.

As technology continues to advance — more ADAS systems, more integrated electronics, more calibration requirements — the importance of capturing these post-repair operations on every estimate will only grow. The shop that documents and charges for this work protects its liability position and its bottom line. The shop that skips it is absorbing the cost and the risk.