Specialist tests for lorries

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Reduced emissions test

You can get your vehicle tested for a Low Emissions Certificate (LEC). This lets you drive in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) without paying.

The Reduced Pollution Certificate (RPC) scheme to reduce your vehicle tax ended on 31 December 2016.

Eligibility

Your vehicle can be tested for a Low Emissions Certificate if it:

You do not need a Low Emission Certificate for a vehicle with a Euro 4, 5 or 6 engine.

Converted and re-engined vehicles

Contact DVLA if the vehicle has either:

  • been fitted or converted to run solely on petrol
  • had an approved gas conversion

Contact Transport for London (TfL) if your vehicle has been ‘re-engined’ to meet Low Emission Zone standards.

TfL Low Emission Zone
lezlondon@tfl.gov.uk or make an enquiry online
Telephone: 0343 222 1111
International: +44 (0)343 222 1111
Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm
Saturday, 9am to 3pm
Find out about call charges

Book a Low Emissions Certificate test

Contact an authorised testing facility or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test station to book the test.

You need:

  • your vehicle registration number
  • your vehicle identification or chassis number
  • the make, model and date of manufacture
  • details of any modifications made to meet the emissions standard
  • to pay the fee

It’s cheaper to have the test done at the same time as the vehicle’s annual test.

What to take to the test

If it’s been tested before you must take the vehicle’s previous Low Emissions Certificate or Reduced Pollution Certificate.

The test can be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if you do not take the certificate.

What happens at the test

The test is in 2 parts:

  • physical inspection to check any modifications, such as a filter fitted to the exhaust
  • smoke opacity test to check emissions

Test result

You’ll get a Low Emissions Certificate if your vehicle passes the test.

DVSA will pass your details to TfL automatically. You cannot drive in the Low Emission Zone until your details have been updated - it takes around 3 days.

If your vehicle is registered outside Great Britain, you need to register with TfL yourself. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not register it.

If your vehicle fails

You can appeal the result. Fill in form LEC3 and send it to DVSA. The address is on the form.

Renewing a Low Emissions Certificate

The Low Emissions Certificate has an expiry date on it. You need to get your vehicle tested again by this date if you want to continue driving in the Low Emission Zone without paying.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving in the Low Emission Zone without a valid Low Emissions Certificate.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Transport goods out of the UK by road: step by step

  1. Step 1 Apply for operator licences and permits

    1. Check if you need a vehicle operator licence
    2. Apply for a vehicle operator licence

    You'll need other licences and permits, depending on the countries you're driving to or through.

    1. Check which licences and permits you need

  2. Step 2 Register and get approval for your vehicle

    You may need to register your trailer to drive through or to the EU if it weighs over 750kg.

    1. Register your trailer to take it abroad

    You’ll need to get specialist vehicle approvals to transport any of the following:

  3. Step 3 Make sure your driver is eligible to drive abroad

    1. Check your driver has the documents they need to drive abroad

    The driver must carry these documents with them.

  4. Step 4 Check the rules for the goods you're carrying

    1. Find out what you need to do if you're exporting your own goods

    There are rules for transporting certain goods. Your driver may need to follow set routes or stop at specific check points. Check the rules for:

    1. Find out what you need to apply for if you’re moving goods temporarily out of the UK

    If you're transporting goods outside the EU they must have been cleared by customs (given ‘permission to progress’). The exporter can tell you if this has happened.

  5. Step 5 Make sure your driver has the right export documents

    Your driver will need copies of:

    • any export licences
    • the road consignment note (‘CMR note’)
    • the Movement Reference Number (MRN) from the export declaration - if you're moving goods out of the EU
    • the MRN and the Local Reference Number (LRN) - if you're moving goods under the Common Transit convention (CTC)
    • the ATA Carnet document - if you're moving goods out of the EU temporarily
    • the TiR Carnet document - if you’re moving goods in a sealed load compartment with a seal number

    The exporter should be able to give all of these to you.

    You'll also need to have a customs seal approval certificate for the vehicle if you’re moving goods in a sealed load compartment. You'll get this when your vehicle passes the TiR test.

    You may need to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to move goods through some ports.

    1. Check how to move goods through ports that use the GVMS

  6. Step 6 Find out what vehicle documents your driver needs to carry

    1. Check what HGV and trailer documents your driver must carry
    2. Check what driving documents your driver must carry

  7. Step 7 Check you are ready for the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead

    You may need to attend an inland border facility if you're leaving from the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead.

    1. Check whether you need to attend an inland border facility

  8. Step 8 Check local road rules

    1. Check the road rules for European countries on the AA website
    2. Check travel advice for countries outside Europe

    When you have your documents, insurance and any extra equipment you need, you can transport goods abroad.