Systems and methods for driving a display of MEMS devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display device comprises an array of MEMS display elements, at least one test deflecting element, and a deflection sensing circuit connected to the test deflecting element, the deflection sensing circuit being configured to monitor deflection of the test deflecting element without actuating the test deflection element and to provide a signal indicative of one or more parameters affecting operation of the array of MEMS display elements based on the deflection.