You can now test drive a Tesla without having any human contact at all. The company has launched ‘remote test drives’ in the UK with the first location situated near Perth, Scotland. 

Tesla uses the connected tech of its cars to allow drivers access to the demonstrator. The test drive is booked online, with the ‘paperwork’ completed in advance over email. The car is then remotely unlocked when you arrive. 

When you arrive on site for your appointment, your identity is confirmed through the vehicle’s cameras. If needed, a local Tesla advisor will be in touch to guide you through the new driving process and offer you a virtual consultation prior to driving. This will cover driving controls, product features and purchase options. 

Once ready, you are given approximately 30 minutes of driving time. When you have finished, the car is returned to an allocated parking space with a charger. 

The first site is at Taste Perthshire, in Bankfoot, which also has a restaurant, gift shop, food shop and eight electric vehicle charging stalls. 

Other remote sites are expected to follow, although Tesla declined to offer any more details of where and when.

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Taste Perthshire, in Bankfoot, Scotland, is the site of the first remote test drives