The Basics of What You Need to Know About HCV Testing

Apr 7

Part of driving a commercial Heavy Goods Vehicle in Ireland is the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Test (a.k.a. HCV Test). Usually abbreviated to HGV or LGV, this category of vehicles covers those with a gross weight of over 3.5 tonnes and the test - which is also referred to as the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) - is designed to ensure that only safe vehicles get to drive on Ireland’s roads.

Generally speaking, the duration of an HCV CVRT is anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and the assessor will evaluate the condition of components that are either accessible or visible. The test is still known to many as the Department of Environment (DoE) Test, but it essentially replaced it.

Commercial Vehicle Testing Is Crucial for Road Safety

The obligation for daily walk-arounds and maintenance for HGV drivers goes some way to ensuring that commercial vehicles on the roads in Ireland are safe. The HCV test takes this a step further by scrutinising the condition of the vehicle in question annually to ensure that it is roadworthy whilst encouraging operators to keep their vehicles well-maintained and serviced.

Whilst the HCV CVRT is determined by weight of vehicle, the principals are the same as those applied to all sizes of commercial vehicle. That said, it’s important to know that the Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) does not represent any kind of vehicle warranty and if your vehicle fails, you will need to rebook another test after the areas highlighted have been addressed.

Booking Your HCV Test Couldn’t Be Easier

So, if you or your company operates an HCV and you’d like to book your CVRT, it couldn’t be easier to get it sorted. All you need to do is visit us online at www.argent.ie and book yourself a spot and whilst you’re there you can find out more about us and our twenty years of experience in vehicle testing.

Alternatively, should you have any questions about commercial vehicle testing, we’ll be more than happy to assist and you can get in touch by calling us on 01 572 6500.

Valentin Vizuroiu