The Reader Road Test page accepts 500-800 word first-person test-drive write-ups from any reader, verified owner or not, covering a specific drive (a test drive, a rental, a demo). Submissions go through editorial review, not automatic publishing — the team checks for a genuine first-hand account, at least 3 original photos, and no promotional content, and typically responds within 7-10 business days with an accept, request-for-edits, or decline.
At a glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Word count | 500-800 words |
| Photos required | At least 3 original |
| Review process | Editorial, not automatic |
| Response time | 7-10 business days, typical |
| Compensation | None; byline credit only |
What qualifies as a Reader Road Test
This is specifically a first-person account of driving a specific vehicle on a specific occasion — a test drive at a dealership, a rental, a demo day, a friend's car you spent a weekend in. It's not a general opinion piece about a model you've never driven, and it's not the same as a full Owner Review, which is tied to actual ownership logged in My Garage.
What a submission needs
- 500-800 words, first person, covering one specific drive.
- At least 3 original photos from that test drive (not stock or press images).
- Concrete detail: route type, how long you drove it, what conditions.
- An honest take — what worked, what didn't, who the car suits.
Editorial review process
- Submit via the Reader Road Test form with your draft and photos attached.
- An editor reads for authenticity (is this clearly a real, specific drive), originality, and basic writing quality.
- You'll get one of three outcomes: accepted as-is, accepted pending light edits, or declined with a reason.
- Accepted pieces are lightly copyedited for house style but not rewritten in voice or substance without checking with you first.
| Outcome | What happens next |
|---|---|
| Accepted | Published with byline within 1-2 weeks |
| Accepted pending edits | Editor sends specific requested changes; you resubmit |
| Declined | Reason given; you may revise and resubmit once |
There's no payment for published Reader Road Tests — it's byline credit and a link to your profile only. Submissions that read as promotional (e.g., clearly written by or for a dealership) are declined regardless of writing quality.
Common reasons submissions are declined
- Reads like a spec-sheet summary rather than a first-hand account of an actual drive.
- Fewer than 3 original photos, or photos that are clearly press/stock images.
- Promotional tone suggesting dealership or brand involvement.
- Under the 500-word minimum with no substantive detail.
What happens after publishing
Published Road Tests appear on the model's review hub alongside staff and owner reviews, clearly labeled "Reader Road Test" so readers can distinguish it from a staff-written review or an ownership-based Owner Review.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own the car to submit a Reader Road Test?
Will I get paid for a published piece?
How long until I hear back?
Can I resubmit after a decline?
How many photos do I need?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
