About your vehicle and the test it needs

If you own a van or jeep (small goods vehicles that weigh 3,500 kg or less), you’ll need a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) test every year to renew your CRW.

Even if you don’t use your van or jeep commercially, even if it’s taxed privately, you’ll still need to get an LCV test, not an NCT.

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.

How to book your LCV test
The anniversary of your vehicle’s first registration is the date when your annual LCV test is due.
  • First, log on to our online system – all you’ll need is your vehicle registration number and the first date of registration or the last 4 digits of the VIN number (chassis number)
  • Then, enter your vehicle details
  • Then, schedule your LCV test
  • Make a payment for the test, which will go directly to Proudfoot Motors. This is optional and you can pay at the test centre if you wish
  • We’ll let you know that we’ve received your booking request
  • We will be in touch to confirm your booking or to arrange a more suitable time

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.

We accept VISA and Mastercard. Please note, we do not accept American Express or Diners Club cards

Book your test now

The Test process

  • Customers present the vehicle at the chosen CVRT Test centre. The presenter of the vehicle is now required to produce Presenter I.D. in the form of a valid drivers licence or passport. Failure to do so could reult in a delay in the issuing of a Certificate of Roadworthiness.
  • Tests take between 30 and 60 minutes.
  • Following the test, either a pass or fail report is issued by the centre, depending on the test result.
  • If the vehicle passes, the Certificate of Roadworthiness is automatically posted to the registered owner 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 CRW.

Preparing for your CVR Test

Please prepare for the test by ensuring that:

  • You check your vehicle engine for oil and water and ensure the windscreen washer is topped with water.
  • 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.
  • The vehicle is reasonably clean (especially the under body).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Your registration plates are clean and comply with current regulations.
  • 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.
  • 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.

CRW and once you pass your test

  • If your vehicle passes its test, the test centre will give you a pass statement. Then the Certificate of Roadworthiness will be sent to the registered owner in the post.
  • You no longer need to visit your motor tax office to get your CRW.
  • You need to include your CRW in your motor tax application, so that you can be issued a new motor tax disc.

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.

IF you Fail your Test.

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 of €35.43+VAT.
    • You should repair vehicle fail items immediately and present the vehicle for re-test as soon as possible.

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.