CDV is the only scientific research public institution under the Ministry of Transport. CDV was established in 1992 as a successor to the Czech Transport Departments Research Institute in Žilina and is now, since 2007, a public research institution. CDV has a certificated quality management system ČSN EN ISO 9001:2009.

The basic purposes of the centre are research and developement activities, processing expertise, ensure projects and services for Ministry of Transport, as well as providing expert opinions for authorities, both public and commercial entities. The Transport Research Centre employs more than 150 workers, among whom are experts from all modes of transport.