What Format Does a Commercial Vehicle CVRT Use in Ireland?
When most drivers bring a vehicle in for a Commercial Vehicle CVRT, they often only concern themselves with handing the van or truck on time and with the right documentation, and whether they pass or fail. However, when you know what goes on, it gets a touch easier to prepare your vehicle for success.
The inspection itself happens behind the test lane doors, so the report you receive at the end can feel like a long list of unrelated details. However, while it might seem so to he layperson, CVRT testing in Ireland isn’t improvised at all. It can’t be, as the safety of the person driving is at stake.
With some people not quite 100% clear on the subject, we’ve created this article to offer a definitive layout of what you can expect when coming to us for commercial vehicle testing of any kind.
Where the Commercial Vehicle Test (CVRT) Starts
This stage focuses on the basic safety and operability of your vehicle. We’re talking about the things that must be right before the vehicle tester can be confident enough to move on to the mechanical checks. As such, the inspector will usually start by checking:
Visible defects that would prevent safe testing
The vehicle’s registration and VIN
Its lights and indicators
Its mirrors & tyres
If something here fails outright, the inspection stops before the vehicle even reaches the lane. If everything is in acceptable condition, the mechanical checks begin.
The mechanical section is more detailed and uses equipment designed to reveal issues that ordinary driving won’t always show. These checks cover:
Brake force and balance on the roller bench
Steering linkages and joints under controlled movement
Suspension components under load
Stability and play across front and rear systems
This part of commercial vehicle testing is good for picking up issues that aren’t obvious while driving. It’s able to do this because the equipment used puts each component under controlled movement.
Lighting, Emissions & Under-Body Examination
After the mechanical checks, the inspector moves into lighting and emissions. Headlight alignment is tested using calibrated equipment to check beam aim. Emissions are tested under fixed conditions that show how cleanly the engine is running, and any smoke or poor combustion is picked up instantly.
The final stage is the under-body inspection. Once the vehicle is lifted, the inspector examines:
Chassis and structural integrity
Exhaust mountings and connections
Corrosion-prone or leak-prone areas
Brake and fuel lines
This is where many HCV test advisories come from because the underside is fully visible, and problems that aren’t obvious externally tend to show up clearly here.
So, What Happens at the End of an HCV CVRT?
At the end of your commercial vehicle CVRT, you’ll get one of three things: a pass, a fail or a pass with advisories. Advisories aren’t failures, but they point to issues that are starting to develop and will likely need attention before the next test.
A failure means the affected items must be repaired before a retest, but the retest will only cover the failed components, not the entire inspection again. The report mirrors the test, with brake issues appearing early, and structural items appearing later
Nothing is moved out of sequence, which makes it easier to understand where problems were found and what type of work will be needed to put them right.
Book Your Commercial Vehicle Test With Argent Today
To arrange a commercial Vehicle CVRT, van CVRT or truck testing, Argent.ie provides clear pricing and reliable appointment availability through an easy online booking system. You choose the time, confirm instantly and avoid delays or callbacks.
If you’d prefer to speak to a member of our team directly, just call 01 572 6500, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.