The paper proposes a methodology of a TB51 virtual crash test on the example of the selected bridge protective barrier, using a simplified coach model. In simulations of crash tests, the nonlinear, explicit finite element code LS-Dyna v971 was used. The simulation results corresponding to the simplified model were compared with the simulation results for a quasi-accurate model and the experimental crash test results. It was shown that the simplified vehicle model can be used in tests certifying a barrier modified in relation to the certified reference barrier.