Vehicle Inspection Stations

Update Jan 2022 -
Link 1 - PDF Attachment  
Link 2 - https://www.mowt.gov.tt/Divisions/Transport-Division/Services/Vehicle-Inspections  

Link 3 -MOWT site with full list https://drivingtt.com/vehicle-testing-stations/  

There is a new inspection sticker you will receive which has a QR code which will make it easier to check the validity and authenticity of a sticker. Click here for the link explaining more. 

2016 -
I am unable to find a full list of vehicle testing or inspection stations on The Ministry of Works and Transport's website. Here is a list I had to dig for from this OLD LINK - https://autotechworld.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/tt-authorised-vehicle-testing-stations/ but with a couple updates. Hopefully this page is easier to find.

The cost is now $300 (increased from $165ttd) at any station and for any car, van or truck. The charge for not having your vehicle inspected is $5000 ttd. The entire process takes about 15 minutes of work.
I strongly recommend calling a station in your area before you go because they frequently do not have stickers or have some other issue.
The stations advise that you keep the inspection form as well as the sticker on your windscreen to present to police etc if you are stopped.
Your vehicle has to be inspected once it turns 5 years from the date of manufacture, not the date of registration in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ensure you carry the original certified copy and insurance for the test or else it will not be done.
To make things go as smoothly as possible you should wash the body of your car as well as the engine and underneath.
Oil leaks or chunks of mud may make the officer question the road worthiness of the vehicle.
If defects are found you will have a few weeks to fix them and return for the examination.

If you find any errors in this post please comment with corrections.

STATION	ADDRESS	TEL. NO.
Sookhai’s Diesel Service Limited	IDC Industrial Estate Biljah RoadChaguanas	665-4675
Motor Max Auto and Diesel Garage	33 Mausica Rd. D’Adadie	671-0900
Bobby’s Auto Enterprises Limited	17 ½ Erin Road Santa Flora	649-5828
Sudama Ramlogan	59 Fairfield Road, Craignish VillagePrinces Town	655-3243
J’s Auto Masters	Chootoo Road El Socorro South San Juan	674-5315
Spark Motor Supplies	161 Coffee Street San Fernando 46C Hubert Rance Street San Fernando	652-8643 / 681-9993
Valley Auto Centre	LP 108 Morne Coco Road Petit Valley	632- 7571 759-7965/ 351-6905
Ramps Limited	86 Green StreetTunapuna	645-2376/663-1727
Southern Instruments Co. Ltd.	2 Leotaud Street San Fernando	652-6048/620-4020
J.C.S. Car Craft	49A Grants RoadRousillac Village	648-8694
Kamus Mufflers works Limited	19-21 First AvenueBarataria	671-7308/7315; 680-0029
South’s Auto Services Station Co. Ltd.	127 Siparia-Erin Road Debe	647-6878/620-2064
Alternative Gases td.	153-154 Eastern Main Road RoadFreeport	673-2389
Vulcan Mufflers	O’Meara Industrial Estate O’Meara RoadArima	642-3108
Hilltop Motor Supplies	31/2 San Francique Road Timital JunctionPenal	649-0350
Chow’s Service Bay	Eastern Main Road Sangre Grande	668-0865
Pegasus Automotive Enterprises	122 Eccles VillageWilliamsville	656-1316
David’s Auto Repairs	LP 6 Ramai Trace Debe	647-6793
Auto-Trac Supplies & Service	LP 172 Siparia Old road Avocat VillageFyzabad	677-4122
Kaljam Ali	113 Munroe Road Cunupia	672-4186
Mulchan and Kalli Sawh T/A Central Auto /Review	Bonne Aventure Road Cunupia	671-2827, 655-0287
Eastern Auto Garage Ltd.	Eastern Main Road Sangre Grande	668-0202
D and S Auto Care Services Ltd.	1-3 Naparima-Mayaro Road Mon Repos San Fernando	653-3554
R and R Engineering Associates Ltd.	LP 235 Iere village Princes Town	659-3205; 655-9671
BF Mufflers	37 km Naparima-Mayaro Road Rio Claro	644-2889
C.O’s Garage	Cipero Road Borde Narve Village San Fernando	656-5152/5282
Ramjohn and Lilly Mohammed T/A Mohammed Auto Supply	26 Grell StreetSiparia	649-1925
Stephen Wellington T/A Baseline Services Co. Ltd.	Corner Eastern Main Road and Reserve RoadValencia	667-0453
Automotive Components Limited	Lot 10-11 O’Meara Industrial Estate O’ Meara Road Arima	642-3484, 756-3028
Motor Care and Maintenance (MCM) Ltd	115 Eighth Street Barataria	638-2563
R and R Engineering Associates Ltd	6 Ramsaroop Road, Union Village Claxton Bay	659-3205/4300
Worrel Regis and Co. Ltd.	LP 376 Southern Main Road Chaguanas	665-3377
Road Transport Engineering	53 Main Road Pt. Fortin	648-2312/26/2154
Frank’s Tyre and Body Shop	316 E.M.R. El Dorado Tunapuna
Roberts Auto Service and Tyre Shop	GoldsboroughTobago	660-4256
G.N.G. Enterprises Ltd.	1135 Abdool Village Penal	647-7938/5172
Amar Distributors	3 Long Circular Road St. James	628-8142
Frank Jeeta’s	57A Eastern Main Road Barataria	638-5797
Bacchus Taxi and Car Rentals Ltd.	37 Tragarete Road Port of Spain	622-5588
Auto Works Ltd	Wrightson RoadPort of Spain	624-5265
Professional Garages Ltd.	Pashley StreetLaventille	625-7725
Nanhoo service Station T/A La Carib Service Station	19 Carib StreetSan Fernando	652-3470
B and L Automobile Services Ltd.	78 Battoo Avenue Marabella  3 Corinth Junction Cocoyea VillageSan Fernando	766-3422, 778-6711
Bamboo Grove Auto Collision Service	Bamboo Settlement #3Curepe	645-2991
Sylvester Auto World	Sherwood Park Tobago	639-7546
K. Deen’s Auto Services Ltd.	58 Union RoadMarabella	658-3648
S.S. Auto Supplies and Services	L.P. 1478 Dow Village South Oropouche	648-8666, 752-6378
B.J. Service Garage	P.O. Box 640 St. Croix Road Princes Town via Barrackpore	655-1332
Mamoud Mohammed	50 km Eastern Main RoadSangre Grande	668-1443
Active General Traders Ltd.	23 Spring Gardens, Balmain Couva	679-8335/8345
VMCOTT – Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago	22 Beetham Gardens Beetham HighwayLaventille
Vulcan Muffler Services	22 Eastern Main Road Laventille	623-4310
Wayne and Cindy Services	587 Penal Rock Road Penal	647-9883
Wheeler Tyre Sales and Services	126 Cipero Road Golconda VillageSan Fernando	652-8179

Ministry of Works and Transport on facebook - 

https://www.facebook.com/mowtgovtt 
 

Topics:

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New vehicle inspection price cost

Tips for travelling abroad

Here are a few tips that typically make a trip to a foreign country easier. This is not legal advice. Use common sense, do your research and follow all laws and requirements of countries you visit.

As soon as your are thinking about travelling:

1. Check your passport to see if it is valid and for how much longer it would be valid. Many countries do not let you enter if there is less than 6 months remaining on the validity of your passport.

2. Check if a visa is required to visit the country you would like to visit. If you already have a visa, check that it is valid for a sufficient amount of time for you to return from your trip. Also check for travel advisories for the country. There may be workers protesting, a natural disaster or even worse going on so beware of what is going on to keep yourself safe.

3. Check the condition of your luggage/suitcase. Bags and suitcases are flung around harshly while being loaded and unloaded. If you any signs of weakness which cannot be mended then get another suitcase. If the suitcase opens while being handled you have a good chance of losing your belongings since the workers may not have time to repack and transport it. Also attach a bright ribbon or sticker so you can identify it.

4. Consider how much foreign cash you plan to spend and how you can acquire it. Some foreign currency is very hard to get from banks and your may have to make several trips to get the amount of cash you want. You can avoid this issue by using your credit card or traveller's cheques during the trip.

5. If you will be using your T and T phone on your trip, double check with your provider if roaming is enabled. If you are staying more than a couple days and you will using your phone for calls then you should probably purchase a new SIM in the country you visit because it will probably work out cheaper that way instead of paying roaming rates. You can also use messenger apps like WhatsApp to make calls and send messages for free if you can connect to WiFi for free. Also check if your phone is capable of the type of network and frequencies used in the other country.

While travelling:

6. If you or someone you are travelling with gets motion sickness then take some medicine to treat it. It is cheap and would make the trip much more pleasant.

7. Write down the name, address and phone number of the person or place you are going to visit on a small piece of paper and keep it in your wallet. This will allow easy reference to the information when answering questions in immigration and be a life saver if you get lost on your visit.

8. Use your phone to take pictures of your luggage so you can identify it later on or can show it to the help desk if it gets lost.

9. Travelling is stressful for everyone. Expect long lines, cramped seats, loud people, and unplanned delays. You should know what keeps you calm so carry it along with you if possible. Pack some snack bars, a book, music, neck pillow, phone charger etc in carry-on luggage to try to have some comfort if things do not go as planned.

10. Pack an overnight kit with at least toiletries and underwear in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost or delayed. Do this especially for two conditions-
   i. If you are going to a place where you will be on your own and it will be challenging to get supplies very easily. If you are meeting friends or family at your destination they will know where you can get things easily or would have spare to give you, otherwise you may have to look around or perhaps you arrive at a late hour when things are closed.
   ii. If you have a connecting flight you may have a long wait inside the airport between connections or your luggage may be lost or delayed. You may be lucky to get to your hotel when you arrive but you would wish you had a change of underwear and a toothbrush.

11. Ask all the questions you think you need to. If you do not understand a form or signs then ask someone for help. Many people around you are in the same situation and are generally friendly and willing to help.

Passing through immigration:

12. Follow all the instructions you receive while in baggage or immigration. This could make you uncomfortable but it is in your own interest.

Topics:
How to feel comfortable while travelling
Tips to make going abroad easier
10 things to make a long trip less stressful

Kia Sorento power window not working

I had a problem with the power window switch on a Kia Sorento. This solution may work for any other car as well. Many problems can cause the symptom described below.

The window would work if I controlled it from the driver door but not from the button on the passenger door. The issue in my case was that the contacts for the switch were dirty and worked properly after being cleaned. The same problem may happen if a switch gets wet for any reason. After the car was retinted I had to open the switches to let them dry out because the cleaning liquid used to remove the old tint dripped into the switches.

The method to access the switch is similar for most cars. The piece of trim that the switch sits in can be popped out usually. Other pieces of trim may have to be taken out first like I had to do.

The switch assembly comes out of the trim. The driver switches are all on one assembly. A small flat head was used to pry the switch assembly off the trim. The switch has notches on all sides to keep it in place.

The switch is basically 3 layers. The screwdriver was used to carefully separate them. The top layer is a cover which is what you press and pull to control the window. The middle layer is mostly electronics. There are tiny parts involved so you should work on a large flat surface where any parts that fall can be found easily.

 The bottom layer has 2 contacts for the main power used to drive the window motor. Over time the contacts become dirty and no longer close.  In this particular switch the 2 thin flaps get pressed down to meet the round pads to close the circuit. Dust and dirt accumulates here as well as the contacts wear away over time.

I used a scrap cloth  and a flat head screwdriver to wipe the contacts clean. The parts were reassembled and the window is once again working properly. There are many other problem that can cause the same issue but this worked for me.

Topics:
Power window not going down
Cannot control automobile powered window from passenger door
Back seat left right window malfunctioning
Rear front power window switch dirty
How to clean switches on car door
Hyundai, mazda, nissan, toyota, honda, acura, ford power window not working

How to renew drivers permit

How to  renew drivers permit in Trinidad and Tobago. Updated Nov 2022.

The expiration dates have been extended but you can still have an ignorant officer stop you and have issues so please renew asap.

 

Check for the latest guidelines from the Government on this link
https://www.mowt.gov.tt/Divisions/Transport-Division/Services/Drivers-Permits
Permits valid until 1st August 2022 - https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0fyqenWBTpktrjsr38L8X7LPQdKw5pscCnFDUsQaefRWR6sKVzoFfpoKfu9bVu2BNl&id=100064500408566

Walk in renewals are allowed if you carry in a printed ticket and a valid passport. Without these you will need an appointment. As expected the website and social media accounts are inaccurate. Why the MOWT needs a copy of your passport is questionable. 

Walk in renewal available without appointment - Link 1

If you DO NOT have a valid ticket and passport then do these steps-

1. Book your appointment at this site - https://licensingappointment.mowt.gov.tt/

You can choose any location on either island. Check another office if your first choice only has an open spot many weeks away. Eg Choose St. James or Princes Town instead of Port of Spain or San Fernando. You will get an email confirming your appointment with the date, confirmation number, booking number and 2D barcode. 

Main offices:
Caroni - Southern Main Road Frederick Settlement (868) 612-4682 / 665- 5989
San Fernando - Balisier Avenue, Pleasantville (868) 657-7451
Tobago - Milford Road, Shaw Park Scarborough (868) 639-2466

Sub offices: 
Arima - Ministry of Works and Transport Compound O’Meara Road (868) 667-0172
Port of Spain - Wrightson Road (868) 625-1031
Princes Town - LP 235 Iere Village (868) 655-8871
Point Fortin - 62-64 Main Road, Point Fortin (868) 648-2865
St James - Upstairs Post Office, Western Main Road (868) 628- 2004

2. Print out the Appointment \ Booking forms - I do not understand why this is needed but officers have been asking people if they printed it. The same information can be given from a phone screen but the MOWT thinks printing a form as proof of you appointment makes sense. Sometimes all you are asked is your name and you will accepted.

If possible- also print and fill out the relevant application from from http://www.mowt.gov.tt/Divisions/Transport-Division/Forms 

*** Proof of address is now required. See this link http://www.mowt.gov.tt/Divisions/Transport-Division/Notices/Mandatory-Requirements-Proof-of-Address 

3. Go to the office where you have your appointment. Take your printed forms with you. There are still long lines with the appointment system since multiple people are given the same appointment time. It is a good idea to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time. If you did not print them you can fill out the application renewal forms available at the office. Walk with an umbrella if it is raining as you may be put outside due to crowding in these small offices.

Go to the first counter to submit the form and confirm if you will be renewing for 5 years or 10 years. You surrender your old permit at this point to the clerk so you can take a picture of the back and front for personal records.


3. At a second counter, pay either $500ttd for 5 years or $1000ttd for 10 years renewal at the cashier for your light motor vehicle class. Given the sad state this process is in I would choose 10 years to avoid having to do this again for as long as possible. Other classes have different prices and may include a medical fee to have your blood pressure and eyes tested. There is no advantage of choosing one or the other except the time span. Walk with cash since many times no other form of payment is possible and there may not be an ATM close by. If I owned a bank I would install an ATM at each license office.

Currently since expired permits are still valid, you will not be charged these fees but they are here for your information. 

Extra fees for expired permits are not being charged since the expiry dates have been extended. The Transport Division of the Ministry of Works and Transport wishes to advise the general public of the fees required to renew expired driver’s permits :-
*Six (6) months or less is $500.00
*More than six (6) months and up to three (3) years $875.00
*More than three (3) years and up to five (5) years $1750.00
*More than five (5) years - The owner is expected to Re-do the Regulations and Driving Test
*Applicants who wish to renew expired permits and have attained the age of sixty (60) years and over, are exempted from renewal or penalty fines.


4. Wait to be called to have your picture taken and signature recorded. Someone looks at your written form and then types it into a PC so spelling errors are possible. Note the spelling of each word carefully to be sure it is correct. If anything is wrong it will be corrected and reprinted for free.

Tips:

-  I would avoid the Wrightson Road and San Fernando offices because they are usually very busy. Also call the office before you go to confirm they are operating properly.
- Go at an off peak time like after 9.00am. There is usually a line first thing in the morning. Also do not go too late because some cashiers close early at noon, 2.00pm, 3.00pm etc.
- You are expected to be properly dressed when going to the office. Decent short pants to your knees and slippers may be allowed but no vests, caps and tank tops, strap tops etc, basically your shoulders should be covered. Avoid excessive makeup.
- Walk with cash because that may be the only accepted method to pay since linx and credit card machines may be out of order and cheques are not accepted and there may not be an ATM close by.
- Call before going to the office to verify they are open and the cashier's closing hours. An office may be closed due to an HSE issue, no water or electricity or workers are sick etc.
Eg 1. http://www.looptt.com/content/caroni-licensing-office-closed-until-tomorrow
Eg 2. http://newsday.co.tt/2018/01/22/public-turned-away-at-caroni-licensing-office/
- Call the office you intend on visiting to ensure the service you are hoping for will be available there and on that day. Eg. vehicle inspections and ownership changes may only be done at San Fernando, Caroni, Tobago. 

- The entire renewal process actually takes 20 minutes assuming there is working equipment and no lines.

- Parking for some offices are non existent so ask your friends about the area if you have never been there before.

- Carry a pen to avoid getting the COVID virus.

-Permits can be renewed only within One (1) month before it expires, but note the next point --> 

-Permit holders who will be travelling abroad for six months or more can bring their travel documents to the Licensing Office to prove they will be out of the country and their permits can be renewed six months in advance.

- It is not possible to renew this while abroad. You must do this in person while in the country. 

- Most offices are NOT wheelchair accessible

- If washrooms are available they are very dirty and missing water and toilet paper.

- Public WIFI is NOT available.

- If you have any suggestions you will be told to forward them to the Caroni office but you will struggle to have the phone answered and then will be told they do not manage that part of the system. 

If you are between ages 60-65 you will only get a permit for the time until you get to age 65. After that you will have to renew every 2 years. 

You can now use Linx (debit) card to pay in a couple offices. There is a single and daily limit for Linx cards depending on the bank so you might have to call the office to see if their Linx machines are working and also make part payment on card and part in cash depending on your purchases. No credit cards (Visa \ Mastercard \ American Express etc.) are accepted.
 

Info from the ministry --------
https://www.facebook.com/244472435654492/photos/a.245507168884352.39763.244472435654492/1225158664252526/?type=3

Update March 2022

A new design of the license is being printed which has additional security features. Existing permits are still valid.

Update Oct 28 2021
The TTConnect site now contains information which I have provided links to above. The search on the TTConnect site itself is broken, so if you want to find anything use your favorite search engine eg. google.com and type TT. The TTConnect site is offline. 

Update Jan 18, 2020
Each time you renew your license it is a good idea to review the road rules. You can get some helpful information here.
https://www.ttregs.com/driving-requlations-booklets.php

MOWT site with info on demerit point system, inspection stations, fees and a lot more. https://drivingtt.com/


Update Feb 9 2018
The helpful booklet has been removed. Please let me know if you find a link for it.
- Check out the Ministry of Works and Transport Information booklet which has answers to questions you might have - http://www.mowt.gov.tt/documents/Transport%20Division%20-Licensing%20Authority%20Information%20Booklet.pdf

Also be aware of a points based system where you can have your license taken away if you accumulate sufficient penalties within a certain period.
http://www.mowt.gov.tt/general/subcategory.aspx?CategoryID=37&SubCategoryID=242

Update Jan 13 2017
A new permit design is currently being phased in which will be similar to the current design but also includes a barcode and plastic coating on the back.
http://www.cnc3.co.tt/news/new-drivers-permit
http://www.mowt.gov.tt/general/release.aspx?ReleaseID=105

Update Feb 13 2017
Caroni Facility is now open
https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2017-02-12/minister-promises-clean-licensing
https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2017-02-11/citizens-bemoan-licensing-offices

UpdateMarch 9 2017
Some permit numbers were issued multiple times
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20170309/news/duplicate-drivers-permit-numbers-causing-problems

Update May 11 2017
This is the only mention of driver's permit on the government ttconnect site:

Update Dec 15 2017
You can now verify the validity and authenticity of any driver's permit using a government site- https://apps.mowt.gov.tt/dpv.
You can also check the owner of a vehicle according to the Ministry's information via this site- https://apps.mowt.gov.tt/vrv

What would be the most logical thing is for one person to have all the equipment for the whole process at one desk and for the customer to sit in one place and speak to one person for their renewal. This keeps the manual check of the person but also is most efficient from a service and customer aspect. Each site needs more equipment for just one clerk, one cashier, one photographer.  

Thank you for reading this. Please click on an ad if you found this helpful.

Topics:
How to renew your Trinidad and Tobago driver's permit
Process to get driving licence

Location of license offices
How long does it take to renew my driver's licence
What is cost of driver's permit in Trinidad and Tobago
Where do I go to renew my driving permit

Can I renew driver's permit while abroad