Specialist tests for coaches and buses
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:
- was registered in the UK before 1 October 2006
- is fitted with a full filter to Low Emission Zone emissions standards
You don’t 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
[email protected] 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 don’t 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. It takes around 3 days for your details to be updated so you can drive in the Low Emission Zone.
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 don’t 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.