CVRT (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing) is a testing procedure implemented by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of Ireland as part of a whole programme of increased checks, tests and maintenance for commercial vehicles. The aim is to increase the safety of road users as well as for those who drive for work through a system of commercial vehicles testing.
These initiatives by the RSA, plus others due to come into effect in the near future, are looking to create a culture of proper, regular fleet maintenance in order to prevent accidents and breakdowns—something that not only increases safety, but also efficiency.
According to CVRT sources, there are 5 areas where commercial vehicles are most likely to fail inspections and tests:
• Front suspension
• Brake components
• Rear and registration plate lamps
• Steering linkage
• Cab and Bodywork
The RSA has issued the Light Commercial Vehicle Testers’ Manual describing how these areas (as well as others) are tested, but this article only focuses on these top 5 fail areas and the reasons for failure.
The RSA guide to light Commercial Vehicle Road Testing applies to N1 vehicles and motor caravans whose Declared Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW) does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, which might not exactly cover your fleet vehicles, but the manual can still give you a rough idea of how these tests are conducted and which kind of issues can be spotted:
Front suspension
Brake components
Rear and registration plate lamps
Steering linkage
Cab and Bodywork