Test drives are one of the most important steps in the car-buying journey. They turn casual interest into real buying intent. But for dealerships, they also present one of the riskiest points in the sales process. Vehicle theft, identity fraud, and false customer data are becoming more common during test drives, leaving dealers exposed to losses and compliance risks.

The good news? New digital identity verification tools are making test drives safer and more efficient. With solutions like AVA™ Drive, you can reduce fraud, streamline scheduling, and generate more high-intent leads, all while giving customers a better experience.

The Growing Problem of Test Drive Fraud

In today’s retail environment, fraud is rising fast. Recent data shows that auto retail fraud is up more than 28% year-over-year. And test drives are one of the easiest opportunities for fraudsters:

• Customers provide fake or stolen IDs at the dealership
• Salespeople miss red flags during manual ID checks
• Vehicles are taken on test drives and never returned

For dealerships, even one incident can mean massive losses and reputational damage. Manual ID checks are no longer enough to protect your inventory or your customers.

Why Traditional Test Drive Processes Fall Short

Most dealerships still rely on outdated methods for verifying test drive customers:

• Photocopying or visually checking driver’s licenses
• Relying on sales staff to “trust their gut”
• Collecting incomplete customer data before handing over the keys

These methods are slow, inconsistent, and prone to human error. Worse, they put your dealership at risk of fraud, compliance violations, and lost revenue.

How AVA™ Drive Works

AVA™ Drive transforms how dealerships handle test drives by combining digital identity verification with online booking. Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Customer Requests a Test Drive
   From your website, a landing page, or in-store, the customer submits a request to book a test drive.
2. Instant ID Verification
   The customer receives a secure text message prompting them to verify their identity. They scan their driver’s license and take a quick selfie using their phone.
3. Fraud Check & Verification
   AVA™ Drive instantly checks the ID for authenticity, ensuring the person matches the document. This eliminates fake IDs or impersonators.
4. Dealer Gets Notified
   Once verified, your team receives an alert that the customer is legitimate and the test drive is scheduled.
5. High-Intent Lead Captured
   You now have verified, accurate lead data tied to the appointment, no guesswork or wasted time.

Benefits of Using AVA™ Drive

• Reduce Fraud Risk: Instantly confirm that a customer is who they say they are before handing over the keys.
• Save Time: Automate ID verification and scheduling, freeing up staff to focus on selling.
• Build Customer Trust: Offer a frictionless, modern process that shows buyers you value security and convenience.
• Increase High-Intent Leads: Verified customers are more serious buyers, helping your team close more deals.
• Stay Compliant: Meet evolving FINTRAC KYC requirements in Canada and U.S. ID verification standards.

Why Test Drive Fraud Prevention Matters More in 2025

With more buyers starting their journey online, dealerships can no longer rely on in-person manual ID checks alone. Digital fraudsters are more sophisticated, and customer expectations for convenience are higher than ever. AVA™ Drive gives you both, security for your dealership and a seamless experience for your buyers.

Final Thoughts

Test drives don’t need to be a point of risk for your dealership. By adopting tools like AVA™ Drive, you can prevent fraud, protect your inventory, and create a more trustworthy buying journey.

Want to see how AVA™ Drive can transform your test drive process?

‍
👉 Book a Demo Today and discover how easy it is to protect your dealership while generating higher-quality leads.