Why do we have to take our car to the roadworthiness test?

The roadworthiness test of a vehicle has several purposes. This is a mandatory step for all cars over 4 years old.  The roadworthiness test must generally be carried out every 2 years at an approved centre. However, you can have your vehicle checked before it is put up for sale or before making a long journey.

Control for better accident prevention

More and more accidents are caused by old cars. Roadworthiness tests are a means of detecting all mechanical and technical malfunctions encountered by a vehicle.  At the end of the latter, the owner must carry out the necessary repairs. Apart from its safety role, roadworthiness tests also make it possible to investigate the level of pollution emitted by a car. It must be carried out by all those who wish to sell their vehicle so that buyers can know exactly the condition of the car they want.

What does the roadworthiness test consist of?

It is simply an examination to be carried out at a technical centre to have the condition of the vehicle checked. The controller will check the main components of the vehicle to ensure that they are working properly: steering, braking system, lighting, etc. He will also check whether the car fully complies with pollution standards. Depending on the condition of the vehicle and the number of failures detected, he may counter-check the vehicle. The main objective of roadworthiness testing is to reduce road accidents as much as possible. The French government is also counting on this measure to clean up the car fleet by limiting the circulation of old vehicles. The latter are no longer in compliance with regulations and environmental objectives.

Roadworthiness tests: for whom?

Not all vehicles are subject to roadworthiness testing. Thus, caravans, tractors, unlicensed vehicles and 2 or 3-wheel motorcycles are exempt. Although the roadworthiness test should normally be carried out every 2 years, each owner is free to have the condition of their car checked voluntarily.  This is a preventive measure. This can be done before the holidays or when you must travel several kilometres by car.  This so-called voluntary roadworthiness test is also recommended after an accident. Otherwise, if the owner notices several defective points on his car, he can go directly to a garage or technical centre to have it checked.