Commercial Vehicle Test (CVT)

The Commercial Vehicle Test (CVT) is a preventative road safety measure that ensures all commercial vehicles (i.e. all goods vehicles, all goods trailers with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500 kgs., buses with more than eight passenger seats, and ambulances) meet a minimum standard in terms of road-worthiness. It is obligatory for all such vehicles over 1 year old, and must be carried out on an annual basis thereafter.

While usually still referred to by the general public as a "DOE test" (in reference to a similar test that was first introduced by the Department of the Environment over 20 years ago), the CVT is a much more up-to-date testing regime with much stricter requirements than in previous years.

There are 2 different CVTs: the first is for "light goods vehicles", or LGVs. This means any smaller goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,500 kgs. or less. The second test is for "heavy goods vehicles", or HGVs. This applies to any goods vehicle or goods trailer that has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 3,500 kgs., ambulanes, and all buses with more than 8 passenger seats. 

Both tests examine the condition of a whole range of vehicle systems including, but not limited to: brakes, lights, markings, wheels and tyres, sterring, suspension, the chassis and underbody, tachographs, speed limiters, exhaust emmissions, electrics, and mirrors.

How To Book A Test

There are 140 LGV test centres and 98 HGV test centres in Ireland. If you don't know the location of a centre near you, you can use this handy map on the Road Safety Authority website.

Test Pass Statements

If your vehicle passes it's CVT test, the testing centre will give you a "pass statement", as well as a report detailing the result for various aspects of the test in relation to your vehicle. (If it fails, you'll be given a report detailing why.)

You must exchange the pass statement at your local Motor Tax Office for a "Certificate of Roadworthiness" (CRW) as soon as possible. A fee is payable for that exchange (currently €6 for an LGV vehicle and €13 for a HGV vehicle).

Failure to acquire a current CRW is considered a serious offence, for which conviction will incur 5 penalty points. In addition, a Court may impose a fine of up to €3,000 and/or up to 3 months imprisonment.

Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW)

To obtain a current Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW), submit your pass statement to your local MTO, along with the required fee.

The pass statement must be the original; a copy cannot be used. If you lose your pass statement beforehand, the testing centre can issue you a replacement, though only within 4 weeks of having carried out the test on your vehicle.

You should keep your CRW in a safe place. While it is not currently obligatory to carry it in your vehicle, you must be able to produce your CRW at a Garda Station, if required. If you lose your CRW, you should apply to your local MTO for a replacement as soon as possible using an RF134 form.