In the online world of Test Drive Unlimited, players are able to drive both on-road and off-road in free-roam mode, challenging other players in real-time anywhere on the drivable map. It is also possible to drive on small islands outside of the main island. The Xbox 360 version has supported steering wheel controllers since launch. Following the third free update, Test Drive Unlimited supports force feedback wheel controllers such as Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel.
The roads are modeled after satellite images of the island of Oʻahu.[1] There is a spectrum of different terrains including rain forests, mountains, sandy beaches and urbanized areas (featuring the city of Honolulu).