Drove 160 miles over the weekend Yesterday, started the engine in my driveway and idled in park for 2 1/2 minutes and drove 7 miles out to the interstate and followed the rest of the Drive Cycle reset instructions. 30 minutes later it passed the emissions test but I cannot help but wonder if it passed due to regular driving or the by attempting to reset the Drive Cycle.

Is the procedure only necessary if an emissions test/registration deadline is looming?

Thanks for all of the help!