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About the CVRT

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Why your vehicle needs a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT)

Our ultimate goal is to keep Irish roads safe. Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT) is part of that effort.

There are four main reasons your vehicle needs an annual CVR test

 1. In order to get your Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW). 

Only when you pass your CVR test, will you get your Certificate of Road Worthiness (CRW)​. This certificate is proof that a vehicle met a set of basic safety standards on the day it passed its test,  however it cannot be regarded as a warranty as regards the condition of the vehicle.

You must have a valid CRW in order to tax your vehicle.

2. It checks the basic condition of your vehicles.

The CVR test makes sure that, every year, all goods and passenger vehicles on the road have been fairly tested. The test identifies vehicle failure points on items tested in accordance with the CVRT manuals 

The CVRT confirms that a vehicle satisfies basic safety standards on the day the test is carried out.  It tests what is accessible and visible.  ​

All commercial vehicles must be tested when they are over one year old and annually after that.​

​3. It saves time.

Yearly tests and well-maintained vehicles mean fewer breakdowns. The CVRT programme improves the overall efficiency for goods and passenger vehicle testing.

4. Its the Law.

The legislation states that all commercial vehicles must be tested when they are over one years old and annually after that. So having your vehicle tested means avoidance of penalty points and fines. ​​​

What is the CVRT?

The Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) is a roadworthiness test for all commercial vehicles, buses with more than eight passenger seats and ambulances, all over one year old.  The CVRT confirms that a vehicle satisfies basic safety standards on the day the test is carried out.  It tests what is accessible and visible.  It does not confer a warranty as regards the condition of the vehicle.

Commercial Vehicle Testing is one component of the preventative measures we need to have safer vehicles on our roads.  In order to ensure that vehicles are kept in good and safe condition through their life, it is essential that they are regularly maintained and serviced.  Commercial Vehicle Operators now have explicit obligations to have maintenance systems in place and to conduct daily walk around checks. 
 
Prospective purchasers of used vehicles should always have the vehicle thoroughly and independently checked by a qualified person prior to purchase or else buy from an authorised dealer with a warranty.   For further information visit the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website . 

There are two types of commercial vehicle tests, one for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and one for Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs).
 
The LCV test is for:
  • all small goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,500 kg or less
Book your LCV Test online
 
 
 
 
The HCV test covers all other commercial vehicles including:
  • goods vehicles over 3,500 kg GVW
  • goods trailers over 3,500 kg GVW
  • buses with more than eight passenger seats
  • ambulances
Book your HCV Test online

What the test examines

Only components that are visible and accessible can be assessed at the CVRT. These include:
  • Brakes
  • Lights and markings
  • Wheels and tyres
  • Steering and suspension
  • Chassis and underbody
  • Tachograph
  • Speed limiter
  • Exhaust emissions
  • Electrical systems
  • Glass and mirrors

Further information on the CVRT test items can be found in the testers manuals

Test Results 

When your vehicle has completed its CVR test, we will give you a report outlining the results of the test. You will receive one of the following: 

  • A pass statement, meaning that your vehicle has passed the CVR test. We will automatically send the CRW to the registered owner of the vehicle. 
  • A test report advising you that your vehicle has failed the CVR test. The vehicle owner must get the vehicle repaired and re-present it for a CVR retest at the same testing centre within 21 days or it having travelled less than 4,000 km. When your vehicle completes and passes the retest, we will automatically issue a CRW to the registered owner of the vehicle. 
  • From 20 May 2018 you may receive a test report stating ‘Pass pending recheck of minor deficiencies’. This means that we identified only minor defects during the test. (We did not identify any major or dangerous defects.) In this instance your vehicle does not require a retest. However, the vehicle owner must return to the testing centre where the original test was conducted to verify that the minor defects have been repaired. There is no time limit on re-presenting the vehicle for test. We will automatically issue the CRW to the registered owner of the ​vehicle when the testing centre has confirmed that the minor defects have been repaired. 
See our Test results page​ for further information

Test Fees

The cost of the Commercial vehicle roadworthiness test varies according to vehicle size.
See Commercial Vehicle Test Fees page​​​ for detailed information


There is no fee for a recheck when the result of the CVR test is Pass with minor deficiencies 

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 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. ​

Have concerns about the condition of a Commercial Vehicle in use on Public Roads? 

If you have any concerns about the roadworthiness condition of a commercial vehicle for e.g. School Bus, Truck, Trailer or indeed any other type of commercial vehicle you can report your concerns in confidence to the RSA. Visit our complaints page​ to find out more.  
 

What is the difference between CVRT , DoE, VTN ?

The actual test is now called a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) but is still commonly referred to as a DoE (Department of Environment) Test. 
 
The reason for this is that the Department of Environment originally introduced commercial vehicle testing . They have not been involved in its regulation for a number of years.
 
The network of commercial vehicle testing centres where you have your commercial vehicle tested are called Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test Operators previously known as Vehicle Testing Network (VTN).
 
This is a network of independently owned test centres which ​are authorised and supervised by the Road Safety Authority and are completely separate from the National Car Testing Service (NCT) network which only test cars.
​​​

Related Content

  • Commercial Vehicle Test Fees
  • Report concerns about the roadworthiness condition of a Commercial Vehicle
  • Vehicle maintenance and repairs
  • Commercial Vehicle Testing Manuals
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    • About the CVRTCurrently selected
    • Changes to CVR Test - May 2018
    • CVR Test Results
    • CVR Test Fees
    • Book a Test Online
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    • Fast Tractor Testing
    • Useful Facts about Vehicle Tests
    • Purchasing a used commercial vehicle?
    • Hiring a Bus - Make sure it is safe!
    • CVR Test Operator Register
    • CVR Testing Manuals - New!
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