road test
noun
a check of an automobile's performance in actual operation on the road.
road test
1 Americannoun
-
a check of an automobile's performance in actual operation on the road.
-
an examination of a person's driving skill, conducted in normal traffic, especially as a requirement for an automobile driver's license.
road-test
2
American
[rohd-test]
/ ˈroʊdˌtɛst /
verb (used with object)
road test
British
noun
-
a test to ensure that a vehicle is roadworthy, esp after repair or servicing, by driving it on roads
-
a test of something in actual use
verb
-
to test (a vehicle) in this way
-
to test (something) in a real and appropriate context
Etymology
Origin of road test
First recorded in 1905–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
But it also true that Burnham's time as the Mayor of Greater Manchester has allowed him to develop and road test a political outlook he now wants to extend to the UK as a whole.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
The Rams will rack up nearly 35,000 miles road trip miles this season, with their first big road test coming in Week 3 against the Super Bowl champion Eagles.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2025
Washington State will also be missing two edge rushers for Saturday’s road test at Arizona State: Quinn Roff and Raam Stevenson.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 23, 2023
Both quarterbacks are first-year starters, but for Penn State sophomore Drew Allar this will be his first big road test.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 18, 2023
She was excited about her road test, and so happy with her bracelet.
From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman
I did not, so I arranged to road-test the Breville Oracle Jet—a foolproof Cadillac for cappuccino lovers, I was told.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 7, 2025
Katie's even built a custom DJ rack to make the transitions smoother - with Spice Girl Mel C asking to road-test the equipment for her own sets.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2025
The piecemeal bills have tried to address issues like emissions standards and road-test permits.
From Washington Times ● May 4, 2022
Tesla dropped seven spots to No. 23, mostly because of its “difficult-to-use” yoke steering wheel added to the Model S and Model X, which lowered their road-test scores, Consumer Reports said.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 17, 2022
Toyota’s Cyber Ninjas are currently auditing road-test results.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 6, 2021
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