Trucks & Trailers

The Test process

Customers present the vehicle at the chosen CVRT Test centre. The presenter of the vehicle is now required to produce Presenter ID in the form of a valid drivers licence or passport. Failure to do so could result in a delay in the issuing of a Certificate of Roadworthiness.

Tests take between 45 and 120 minutes depending on the type of vehicle being tested and the number of axles. Only components that are visible and accessible are assessed when a vehicle is undergoing the CVRT.

Following the test, the centre issues either a pass or fail report. If the vehicle passes, the Certificate of Roadworthiness is automatically posted to the registered owner of the vehicle. This certificate is proof that a vehicle met a set of basic safety requirements on the day it passed its test. Only components that are visible and accessible can be assessed at the CVRT. A CRW should therefore not be regarded as a warranty as regards the condition of the vehicle.

If a vehicle fails and returns for testing within 21 days and has travelled fewer than 4,000km since it was tested, the vehicle does not have to repeat the full test. Rather, it is tested only on the failure points from the first test.

The certificate of roadworthiness should be displayed on the vehicle. It is a condition of taxing a vehicle over one year old that it has a valid certificate of roadworthiness.

Preparing for your CVR Test

Please prepare for the test by ensuring that:

1. You check your vehicle engine for oil and water and ensure the windscreen washer is topped with water.
2. Seats and cargo area are clear of personal belongings such as tool kits and that the cargo area are accessible to complete certain parts of the test.
3. The vehicle is reasonably clean (especially the under body).
4. Wheel hubcaps are removed (in particular where it is not physically possible to otherwise check the wheel nuts) and the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
5. The engine is in a fit state to be tested e.g. Timing belt/chain has been replaced in line with your manufacturer`s guidance. You may be asked to sign a disclaimer at your chosen test centre.
6. You check that the safety belts/ buckles are visible and working correctly. In the case of buses and other passenger vehicles you should make sure that you check belts and buckles for all passenger seats.
7. Your registration plates are clean and comply with current regulations.
8. The person who brings the vehicle for inspection brings identification with them in the form of a driving license or passport as failure to provide the required identification will result in the vehicle not being issued a pass statement and CRW should the vehicle pass the test.
9. Your vehicles temperature gauge is showing as “normal” prior to arriving at the test centre for inspection.

Other Items:

• Although the amount of required paper documents has reduced in recent times, don't forget that in some cases you may still be required to bring documentation, such as modification reports if your vehicle has been modified or Seat Belt Declaration Forms (as may be required for passenger vehicles) Top Tip!: Did you know you can now upload scanned versions of documents via your online account at cvrt.ie
• You should ensure you remove any valuables/personal belongings from the vehicle prior to the CVR test
• You should make sure you bring your test fee (See full listing of test fees) as you are required to pay in advance of your test.
• To ensure you don't miss your appointment, we recommend that you plan to arrive and ‘check in’ at your chosen CVR test centre 10 minutes before your allotted test time.

If the above items are not taken care of, you are increasing the likelihood of your vehicle failing the test, or indeed, of your CVR testing centre being unable to test your vehicle resulting in you having to make a return visit.

Remember! - The person presenting the vehicle for its test is now required to produce Presenter I.D. in the form of a valid Driving Licence or Passport at the test centre.

​The test fee depends on the size and type of your truck or trailer.

All fees show are subject to VAT

​If your vehicle passes the HCV test, the test centre will give you a pass statement. Then you’ll receive your CRW in the post. The CRW will go to the registered owner of the vehicle. This certificate is proof that a vehicle met a set of basic safety requirements on the day it passed its test. Only components that are visible and accessible can be assessed at the CVRT. A CRW should not be regarded as a warranty as regards the condition of the vehicle.

Your vehicle needs to have a current CRW in order to get your vehicle taxed.

If you need to book your vehicle for an ADR test, please download and complete the ADR application form.

Remember! - The person presenting the vehicle for its test is now required to produce Presenter I.D. in the form of a valid Driving Licence or Passport at the test centre - failure to do so could result in delays in the CRW being issued.

​Since 20 May 2018 you may receive a test report from your CVR testing centre showing that the test result is ‘Pass pending recheck of minor deficiencies’.

This means that the CVR Testing Centre only found minor defects when testing your vehicle. That is no major or dangerous defects were found. In the case of minor deficiencies (defects) only your vehicle doesn’t need a retest. However, you must return to the CVR testing centre where the original test was conducted and show that you have had the minor defects repaired. There is no time limit on bringing your vehicle back for this recheck.

Procedure and cost

The following is the procedure in these cases:

• Your original test report with the result of ‘Pass pending recheck of minor deficiencies’ will clearly list the minor deficiencies identified on your vehicle.
• We won’t send you the CRW – we’ll put it on hold.
• You must get the minor deficiencies rectified.
• You must return with your vehicle to the testing centre where the original CVR test was carried out to have your vehicle rechecked to confirm that the minor deficiencies have been rectified.
• Once the CVR tester confirms that the minor deficiencies have been rectified, we will give you a pass statement and we will automatically send the CRW to the current registered owner of the vehicle.

As this isn’t a retest, there is no time or mileage restriction on when you must return your vehicle to the testing centre​

If your vehicle fails, you'll need to repeat the test. You must book the re-test with the Test Centre who ran the first test. If you choose to have your vehicle tested in another seperate Test Centre then the vehicle must undergo a full test at the full test price.

Cost & procedure of a retest

If you return for the re-test within 21 days and your vehicle has travelled fewer than 4,000 kilometres since it was tested:

• The vehicle does not have to repeat the full test; rather, it is tested only on the failure points from the first test.
• A visual re-test is free, but a retest that requires a test lane has a fee, please see the table below for retest fees.
• You should repair vehicle fail items immediately and present the vehicle for re-test as soon as possible.

The re-test fee depends on the size and type of your truck or trailer.

All fees show are subject to VAT

Remember! - The person presenting the vehicle for its test is now required to produce Presenter I.D. in the form of a valid Driving Licence or Passport at the test centre.

​All operators of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) are required by law to make an online ‘Self-Declaration’ to the RSA in relation to their Heavy Goods Vehicles, Goods trailers, Buses and Ambulances.​

To complete and submit your Self-Declaration to the RSA, you will need to register with us online​. You only need to register once and you will then have access to a ‘CVRT Online Account’.

​Once registered as an operator with the RSA you can simply log in to your CVRT Online Account and submit your Self-Declaration by clicking on the Self-Declaration button.

There is no charge to register with us for your CVRT Online Account and to submit your Self-Declaration.

Benefits of having your CVRT online account

Use your CVRT Online Account to manage your vehicle records online, quickly and conveniently.

With your CVRT Online Account you can:

• View your vehicle information online including test reports, pass statements, roadside/premises inspection reports, and CRW details.
• Receive alerts and reminders about your vehicles
• Book commercial vehicle tests
• Apply for ADR certificates and replacement CRWs
• Upload additional vehicle documentation (that can be accessed for vehicle testing and reduce the need for paperwork at test time)
• Add or remove vehicles from your CVRT Online Account and Self-Declaration.

To find out more visit our self declaration section ​