If you do not find the answer to your question here, you can send us your question by email, or you can phone us toll free at 1-888-758-2999. Out-of-province callers please call 1-905-421-7083 (charges will be assumed by caller).
All brochures are available in .pdf format on the Drive Clean Home page
Top Questions for Heavy Duty Vehicles
- How will I know that the vehicle needs a Drive Clean test?
- How often are heavy duty vehicles required to go for emissions testing and what vechicles must be tested?
- How much will the test cost?
- What happens after the vehicle passes the Drive Clean test?
- What happens if the vehicle ‘fails’ the emissions test?
- How do I know that the tests are accurate?
- Is there a limit on what I must spend on repairs?
- How can a heavy duty diesel vehicle qualify for bi-annual testing?
- What can I do if I see a smoking vehicle on the road?
How will I know that the vehicle needs a Drive Clean test?
The Vehicle Licence Renewal Application sent out by the Ministry of Transportation should indicate if an emissions test is required for registration renewal. The application normally arrives about three months prior to a vehicle’s registration expiry date. Licence renewal packages contain printed information on Drive Clean requirements and the vehicles that require tests should be marked with an asterisks (*) on the registration form. If you have any doubts whether or not your vehicle(s) needs a test, contact the Drive Clean Call Centre at 1-888-758-2999.
How often are heavy duty vehicles required to go for emissions testing and what vehicles must be tested?
Heavy duty vehicles are required to go for emissions testing every year to renew the registration if they are five years of age or older, based on their model year. Heavy duty diesel vehicles may qualify for an incentive to skip a year of emissions testing (even model year vehicles may qualify to skip a test for renewal in even calendar years and odd model year vehicles may qualify to skip a test for renewal in odd calendar years) if they have had an opacity result of 20 per cent or less in the most recent Drive Clean test. That pass report must have been issued within 24 months before the permit expires or, if the application for renewal is made after the expiry of the permit, within 24 months before the application for renewal
Used vehicles require a test for ownership transfer if the vehicle is older than the current model year. The requirement for a test for ownership transfer is a consumer protection measure to help ensure that consumers do not unwittingly purchase a used vehicle with emissions problems.
How much will the test cost?
Fees for tests and re-tests for heavy duty vehicles are set by the individual facilities at market rates.
What happens after the vehicle passes the Drive Clean test?
You will be given a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) with PASS clearly printed on it. You can then renew or transfer ownership of the vehicle registration at a licence issuing office or any Ontario self-service kiosk. Please retain the pass certificate with the vehicle's maintenance information as a record of it having passed the emissions test.
What happens if the vehicle ‘fails’ the emissions test?
Your vehicle must be repaired and retested to receive a pass report. You may have repair work performed wherever you choose, or even do it yourself, however, all tests and re-tests, must be performed at accredited Drive Clean test facilities or by accredited Drive Clean mobile test facilities.
How do I know that the tests are accurate?
All equipment in accredited facilities are approved by the Ministry of the Environment. The Ministry also ensures that emissions inspectors are properly trained in its use. Equipment is regularly calibrated to ensure its accuracy. All results are recorded in a central computer, to aid in the monitoring and auditing of test results. Audits are carried out on a regular basis by our Quality Assurance/Quality Control contractor.
There is zero tolerance for fraud or consumer abuse within the Drive Clean program therefore, if you have concerns, we want to hear about them. You can register your concerns by calling the Drive Clean Call Centre at 1-888-758-2999. The Ministry is serious about protecting vehicle owners and will investigate your complaints.
Is there a limit on what I must spend on repairs?
There is no limit on repair costs. Your vehicle must be repaired, no matter what the cost, until it passes the test.
How can a heavy duty diesel vehicle qualify for bi-annual testing?
Heavy duty diesel vehicles may qualify for an incentive to skip a year of emissions testing (even model year vehicles may qualify to skip a test for renewal in even calendar years and odd model year vehicles may qualify to skip a test for renewal in odd calendar years) if they have had an opacity result of 20 per cent or less in the most recent Drive Clean test. That Drive Clean pass must be issued within 24 months before the permit expires or, if the application for renewal is made after the expiry of the permit, within 24 months before the application for renewal.
What can I do if I see a smoking vehicle on the road?
Complete the online form. You can also call in the licence plate, a vehicle description, the location, date and time of the occurrence and the colour of the smoke, to the Drive Clean Call Centre at 1-888-758-2999. Please be assured we are doing everything we can to stop these types of occurrences.
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Last modified: September 23 2009.