The “No Cooling-Off Period” is a legal term that many car buyers aren’t aware of until it’s too late. In most states, once you sign the contract and drive the vehicle off the lot, you’re committed to that purchase—no ifs, ands, or buts.

There’s a common misconception that you have a few days or a certain number of miles to change your mind and return the vehicle. However, unless a specific dealership policy or an “Optional Contract Cancellation Agreement” is in place, you’re likely stuck with your decision.

This makes the test drive a crucial part of the car-buying process. It’s not just a chance to see how the vehicle handles but also to make sure that all your research matches the reality of the car.

Many buyers spend months researching, only to discover that the vehicle isn’t what they expected when they finally drive it. I’ve seen many salespeople only take their customers on a test drive if they know the customer is serious about buying.

I focus more on getting the test drive done to determine if this is a vehicle the customer wants to purchase and what I need to do next to send them home in it.

To avoid buyer’s remorse, it’s essential to take the time to test drive the vehicle you’re interested in, particularly with the features and options that matter most to you.

And remember, if you want to change your mind after the purchase, consider buying an “Optional Contract Cancellation Agreement” upfront—just remember that this agreement usually comes at an additional cost and is non-refundable if you decide to keep the car. Plus, it may only be available only on pre-owned vehicles. For example, this policy in California does not allow new car purchases, only pre-owned.

By the way, if you ever wonder how do I get the best deal, it starts with knowing how to outsmart a car salesman like me.