The Ontario Drive Clean emissions test can only be performed at an accredited Drive Clean facility by a certified emissions inspector.
Pretest check
Before performing the emissions test, the inspector will do a visual check. If the inspector finds any of the following issues, it must be corrected before the emissions test can continue, as it could lead to injury and/or the test equipment may not work properly:
- missing catalytic converter(s) and/or gas cap(s)
- defects in the fuel filler pipe
- visible smoke coming from the tailpipe
- any problems the inspector believes would prevent the vehicle from being tested safely
Emissions test
Ontario's Drive Clean program uses an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test on light-duty vehicles from the 1998 or later model year. More information about the test is available here.
Light-duty vehicles from the 1997 or older model year are not equipped with an on-board computer. These vehicles are given a two-speed idle test, where emissions of CO and HC are measured at "curb idle" and 2,500 revolutions per minute (RPM).