A question that has been asked and wondered about for over a year now. Last summer Rivian said they plan on putting together a Test Drive Tour but nothing announced yet. Since then they've updated their website FAQs to include the following (and the Rivian responses in person and via social media hasn't changed):
Do you offer test drives?
Not yet, but we can’t wait to get you behind the wheel. We’ll be offering test drives closer to our launch at the end of 2020.
To some degree I guess we all you can answer this question. Don't purchase until you're able to test drive one. I know I will not be purchasing until I can take it for a test drive even if it means delaying converting my pre-order into an actual order or whatever the next step that requires an additional financial and/or signed commitment to purchase their EV. This is part of the reason why I may go the subscription route (vs purchase or lease) but again no real details yet on how they plan on structuring subscription models. As usual, more questions than answers at this point. It would seem Rivian won't (or can't) release this info until the configurator comes online which won't be until late summer / early 3Q now.