The invention describes a method for determining the light-off temperature of a catalytic converter on board a vehicle. The aging condition of the catalytic converter is determined by means of the method. To test the catalytic converter, the latter is loaded for example with a CO/HC test pulse. During the combustion of the additional CO and HC on the catalytic converter, an axial temperature profile is generated. The position of the maximum of said temperature profile along the catalytic converter is dependent on the current light-off temperature. The temperature profile travels through the catalytic converter and can be measured at the outlet of the catalytic converter as a time-dependent profile. The original axial temperature profile can be inferred from the time-dependent profile. Using a calculation program, the current light-off temperature of the catalytic converter on the vehicle can be determined. The method has the advantage that the test can take place at exhaust-gas temperatures considerably higher than the light-off temperature. In this way, it is ensured that the test pulse does not lead to increased pollutant emissions.