Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test in Ireland (CVRT)

The Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) is a legally required test for all commercial vehicles in Ireland.

It aims to:

• Ensure vehicle safety
• Contribute to road safety
• Confirm that vehicles meet basic safety standards

It is separate from the National Car Testing Service (NCT) network which only tests cars.

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

If you own a motor caravan, you need a CVRT even if you do not use it commercially. You need to do this 4 years after it was first registered.

When you pass your test, will you get a Certificate of Road Worthiness (CRW)​.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for authorising, supervising, and managing commercial vehicle test centres and testers.

This page has information on how to apply for a CVRT, preparing for the test and understanding your results.

You can book a test online or contact a CVR testing centre directly to book a test.

Note: The person bringing the vehicle for its test must have identification with them. A valid driving licence, passport, or a Public Services Card is accepted.

The online booking process depends on your vehicle type.

Light Commercial Vehicles

You will need the following:

• The vehicle registration number
• A valid email address
• A time to do the test (check your diary)
• Credit or debit card details if you decide to pay online (alternatively you can pay at the test centre)

Heavy Commercial Vehicles

You will need to first register online at the CVRT Operator Portal. Then, log in to the CVRT Operator Portal using your username and password that you will have set during registration or the last 4 digits of your VIN (chassis number). Once you log in, you’ll see when your vehicles are due to be tested.

Choose ‘Book a test’ and you’ll be able to book your test in a few easy steps:

• Confirm your vehicle(s) details
• Choose a test centre and schedule your test(s)
• Make a payment (if the test centre is set up to do so) or you can choose to pay at the test centre
• They will contact you to confirm they received a booking request
• Your test centre will then contact you to confirm your test

The CVRT examines visible and accessible components of commercial vehicles, such as the:

• Brakes
• Lights and markings
• Wheels and tyres
• Steering and suspension
• Chassis and underbody
• Tachograph
• Speed limiter
• Exhaust emissions
• Electrical systems
• Glass and mirrors

More information on the CVRT test items is available in the testers manuals.

There are 2 types of tests, one for Light Commercial Vehicles and one for Heavy Commercial Vehicles.

Light Commercial Vehicles

• All small goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,500 kg or less.

Heavy Commercial Vehicles:

• All other commercial vehicles
• Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg GVW
• Goods trailers over 3,500 kg GVW
• Buses with more than 8 passenger seats
• Ambulances

To prepare for the CVRT, ensure the vehicle is in a reasonably clean state (especially the under body) and accessible for inspection.

You should check your vehicle for the following:

• Engine has oil and water
• Engine is in a fit state to be tested, for example, the timing belt or chain has been replaced in line with your manufacturer`s guidance. You may be asked to sign a disclaimer at your chosen test centre
• Windscreen washer has water
• Wheel hubcaps are removed (where it is not physically possible to otherwise check the wheel nuts) and the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure
• Safety belts are visible and working correctly
• Registration plates are clean and comply with current regulations
• Temperature gauge is showing as normal before arriving at the test centre

After the CVRT, you will get one of the following test results:

1. A pass statement
2. A failed test report (needs repairs and a retest within 21 days and having travelled less than 4,000kms), or
3. A pass with minor deficiencies (pending check)

The CVRT fee depends on the size of your vehicle.

Re-tests

A visual re-test is free, but a re-test that requires a test lane has a fee.

All re-tests must be completed within 21 calendar days and within 4,000 kms of the initial test or you must repeat the full test.

Pass pending recheck of minor deficiencies

There is no fee for a recheck if the test result for your vehicle is a pass pending recheck of minor deficiencies. There is also no 21-day and 4,000 km rule for completing the recheck. However, you will not get a CRW until the testing centre has confirmed that the minor deficiencies have been fixed.

You can apply online for a replacement if your certificate is lost or stolen.

You can get information about the laws around CVRT testing. You can get information about getting an EU roadworthiness certificate recognised. See CVRT.ie or the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website for more information.