Every van, jeep, truck and commercial trailer in Ireland needs a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) once it is over a year old, and every year after. Check when yours is due and what to prepare.
Before you go: CVRT checklist
- Vehicle reasonably clean, especially underneath, and easy to inspect
- Engine has oil and water, and the timing belt or chain has been changed in line with the manufacturer
- Windscreen washer topped up
- Hubcaps removed where the wheel nuts can't otherwise be checked, tyres at the right pressure
- Seat belts visible and working
- Registration plates clean and legal
- Temperature gauge normal when you arrive
- Bring ID for the person presenting the vehicle: driving licence, passport or Public Services Card
What the test covers
Brakes, lights and markings, wheels and tyres, steering and suspension, chassis and underbody, tachograph, speed limiter, exhaust emissions, electrical systems, glass and mirrors.
Results and retests
- Pass: you get a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW).
- Fail: repair and retest within 21 days and 4,000 km, or you must do the full test again. A visual retest is free; a retest that needs a test lane has a fee.
- Pass with minor deficiencies: no fee for the recheck and no 21-day limit, but the CRW is only issued once the fixes are confirmed.
Every commercial vehicle needs a CVRT once it is over one year old and every year after, even a van or jeep taxed privately. Motor caravans: 4 years after first registration. Test fees depend on the vehicle: see cvrt.ie. Sources: Citizens Information and cvrt.ie, checked November 2026.