Belt drives are designed to transfer mechanical energy using a flexible belt, due to the presence of friction forces and gearing forces. Due to the presence of various external forces acting on the belts, they are subjected to all kinds of loads and, therefore, are prone to wear and failure. The presented analytical material on the shortcomings of existing belt transmission test benches, as well as the described possible options for improving test methods, allow us to fully understand the causes of belt wear, as well as ways to achieve reliable operation.