? on test driving new cars from dealer

[charley240sx]

ok, i know when you go in to buy a new car, but currently researching and expoloring options, you never let them have your SSN. but dont you have to give them your Drivers license so that they know you can drive? and when you give them your drivers license, cant they check your credit? i will be doing research for my mother, and this will be my first time actually going out to deal with sales reps. i dont really consider myself a pushover, since ive usually done a good amount of research and know when and where to stop and say "bye bye". we probably wont even buy from dealerships, but would like to get a feel for the vehicles that we have in mind.
TIA
Charley

[Heat]

It's illegal for the dealership to check your credit without getting prior permission, but this doesn't mean that they won't try.

Why would they want to check your credit? To see which loans you would qualify for and to get you set up into a loan in case you decide you like the car, in hopes that you wouldn't go looking at other places for a cheaper loan.

Speaking of loans, if you need a car loan be sure to check your credit union for rates before buying a car. Don't belong to a credit union? Join one. www.pendfed.com is an example of one you can join.

[charley240sx]

yeah, credit unions here in az i believe are a flat rate of 5%. but wouldnt i have to give them my drivers license at least so that i can test drive? then couldnt they check from there?

TIA
Charley