When purchasing a commercial vehicle such as a van, jeep, truck or bus, it is essential to verify that it has a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW).
Please note: This guide does not constitute legal advice. Any information provided here should not be construed as legal advice or legal interpretation. DoneDeal does not accept any liability for any loss caused by reliance on this guide.
Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW)
A valid CRW disc must be displayed:
On the windscreen of trucks, buses, vans and commercial jeeps
Near the registration plate on goods trailers
If no CRW disc is visible, it may indicate that the vehicle has not passed its annual Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) test.
Do not rely solely on the presence of a disc — always verify the details independently.
Check the Vehicle’s Test History
The CVR test history remains with the vehicle, even if ownership changes.
If a vehicle has a poor test history, this may result in a shorter CRW validity period at its next test.
You can check:
The CRW status
The expiry date
Test history
by visiting the official CVRT website:
www.cvrt.ie
Select “Check my CRW”.
Always verify the information directly on the official site before completing a purchase.
Beware of Fake or Altered Certificates
Be cautious of:
Discs that appear altered or damaged
Inconsistent dates
Details that do not match the registration
Fraudulent CRW documentation does exist. Always confirm authenticity online through the official CVRT system.
Independent Inspection
Before buying any second-hand commercial vehicle:
Arrange for an inspection by a qualified mechanic or engineer
An independent inspection can help identify:
Hidden damage
Mechanical wear
Potentially costly repairs
For additional consumer guidance, you may also review advice from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC):
What You Need to Know When Buying a Used Car
Key Reminders
Before completing your purchase:
Check for a valid CRW disc
Verify CRW details on cvrt.ie
Be alert to fraudulent certificates
Arrange an independent mechanical inspection
Review CCPC consumer advice
About the CVR Test
The CVR test confirms that the vehicle met legal safety and environmental standards on the day it was tested.
It does not guarantee the vehicle’s future condition or reliability.
For full information about commercial vehicle testing requirements, visit:
Carrying out these checks carefully can help protect you from unexpected costs and ensure the vehicle is legally compliant.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.