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.
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
to test (a vehicle) in this way
to test (something) in a real and appropriate context
First recorded in 1905–10
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
In this study, researchers examined the ability of the VDA, delivered at the time of the licensing road test, to predict crash risk in the first year after obtaining licensure in the state of Ohio.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2023
TEMPE, Ariz. — Southern California stumbled through its first road test, laboring long enough to allow a beleaguered and battered underdog to hang around.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 24, 2023
In framing UW’s looming road test at Michigan State, Husky coaches point their players to a football metaphor.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 15, 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
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
States should get the chance to road-test their preferred methods within days.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 7, 2020
Pop artists don't usually get to road-test their music, but you've played these songs all over Europe.
From BBC ● May 30, 2017
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
