Question about buying first bike

Ive started the hunt for my first bike, but where Im located there is still plenty of snow and poor road conditions. Maybe this is a dumb question but what should I do in terms of a test ride if I cant due to snow or if some dealers/sellers wont let me do a test ride?

Do I just do a thorough inspection? How do I ensure the gears shift properly and whatnot?

Ive found a bike I want but not sure how to go about this part of it and I dont have friends that ride.

Thank you.