How to read a used car's roadworthiness test
By Rédaction Quelle Occasion · updated on 9 October 2026
The roadworthiness test report (procès-verbal de contrôle technique) is one of the most useful documents before a purchase: it gives an assessment carried out by a professional who is independent of the seller. You still need to know how to read it.
Check the identity and date first
Before reading the defects, check:
- the serial number (VIN): it must be identical to the one on the registration certificate and on the car;
- the date: for a car more than 4 years old, the test must be less than 6 months old on the day of sale (less than 2 months if a re-test has been ordered);
- the recorded mileage: compare it with the odometer and with earlier tests.
The three levels of defects
Defects found are classified into three levels of seriousness.
Minor defects
They do not require a re-test. They do, however, point to repairs to plan for: use them to estimate the budget and to negotiate.
Major defects
A result of "unfavourable due to a major defect" (code S) means a re-test is compulsory within two months, and the car may be driven during that period. If the report mentions one, ask for proof that the re-test was passed, or factor the cost of the repairs into your offer.
Critical defects
A result of "unfavourable due to a critical defect" (code R) means direct danger to safety or serious harm to the environment. The car may no longer be driven from the day after the test, until it has been repaired and re-tested. A private individual cannot sell it to another private individual before the repair and re-test.
What to look at closely
- Braking, steering, suspension: a defect at this level can be costly and affects safety.
- Corrosion of the underbody and the side members: difficult to repair properly.
- Pollution: an emissions fault on a diesel can signal a particulate filter or an EGR valve to replace.
- Repeated entries from one test to the next: a minor defect that is never fixed says a lot about the maintenance.
What the roadworthiness test does not tell you
It does not check the condition of the engine or the gearbox, nor the service history. Always cross-check it with the invoices, the road test and the known faults of the model in our guides.
Sources
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.