Roadworthy Certificate Cost

Cost
The cost of obtaining a Roadworthy Certificate can vary depending on the age, type, and overall condition of the vehicle.

If your vehicle does not meet the required standards during the inspection, a rejection report will be issued outlining the items that require repair or replacement. You will then have 14 days to complete the repairs and return the vehicle for a re-inspection. If more than 14 days passes from the initial inspection date, a new Roadworthy inspection will be required.

Our Roadworthy Pricing

$299 Roadworthy Inspection — whilst you wait

Re-inspection fee: $88 within 14 days of the initial inspection

Re-inspection fee waived if all repairs are completed in our workshop

Our team will clearly explain any failed items and provide practical repair solutions to help get your Roadworthy Certificate issued as quickly and smoothly as possible.
When do you need an RWC

A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is required in several situations throughout the life of a vehicle in Victoria. It confirms that the vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required to be legally driven on public roads.

One of the most common reasons for needing an RWC is when selling a vehicle privately. In most cases, the seller must provide a valid Roadworthy Certificate to complete the transfer of ownership.

An RWC is also required when transferring registration into a new owner’s name or when re-registering a vehicle that has previously been unregistered. Without a valid certificate (unless an exemption applies) VicRoads will not process the registration transfer or issue registration approval.

In some cases, a vehicle that has been issued with a defect notice may also require a Roadworthy inspection once repairs have been completed. This helps confirm the vehicle is safe and compliant before returning to the road.

It is important to understand that a Roadworthy Certificate is not a guarantee of the vehicle’s overall mechanical condition. The inspection focuses specifically on key safety-related components and confirms they meet the minimum standards at the time of inspection.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle requires a Roadworthy Certificate, our team can provide clear advice and guide you through the process to ensure everything is completed correctly and without unnecessary delays.
Vehicle Defects

A vehicle defect notice is issued when a vehicle is found to be unsafe or not meeting the required road safety standards. This can happen during a roadside inspection or by authorities such as police or transport officers. A defect notice means the vehicle has a problem that must be fixed before it can continue to be legally driven on public roads.

There are different types of defect notices depending on the severity of the issue. Minor defects usually allow you to continue driving for a limited time while repairs are completed, whereas major defects may require the vehicle to be taken off the road immediately until it is repaired. In some cases, the vehicle may need to be towed if it is considered unsafe to drive.

To clear a defect notice, the vehicle must be repaired and then inspected to confirm it meets safety standards again. This may involve obtaining a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC), depending on the type of defect issued. Once the vehicle passes inspection, the defect notice can be cleared, and the vehicle can legally return to the road.

It’s important to act quickly when you receive a defect notice, as there are strict timeframes to complete repairs. Failing to fix the issue within the allowed time can result in registration suspension or further penalties.

If you’re unsure about your defect notice or what steps to take, our licensed vehicle testers can guide you through the process and help ensure your vehicle is repaired and compliant as quickly as possible.
What is Checked
A roadworthy inspection focuses on the safety-related components of a vehicle to ensure it is safe to be driven on public roads. It is not a full mechanical inspection, but rather a safety inspection designed to confirm the vehicle meets the minimum road safety standards required at the time of inspection.

During the inspection, the tester will examine the wheels and tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and are free from damage. The braking system, steering and suspension are also carefully inspected to confirm the vehicle can be operated safely.

Seats and seatbelts are checked to ensure they are secure and functioning correctly, as they are essential for passenger safety. Lights, indicators and reflectors are also tested to confirm they are operating properly and clearly visible to other road users.

Visibility is another important part of the inspection. This includes checking the windscreen for cracks or damage, along with ensuring the wipers and washers are operating correctly. The overall vehicle structure is also inspected for major damage or corrosion that could affect the safety of the vehicle.

It’s important to understand that a roadworthy inspection only covers safety-related items. It does not assess the overall mechanical condition or long-term reliability of the vehicle. Instead, it confirms the vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required to be driven on Victorian roads at the time of inspection.

A roadworthy inspection includes checking:

wheels and tyres

steering, suspension and braking systems

seats and seatbelts

lights and reflectors

windscreen and windows, including front wipers and washers

vehicle structure

other safety-related components of the body, chassis and engine.
RWC Duration

A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) in Victoria is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. The certificate must be used within this period to complete a vehicle sale, transfer, or registration process. Once the 30-day validity period expires, the certificate is no longer valid and a new roadworthy inspection will be required.

It is important to note that a Roadworthy Certificate only confirms that the vehicle met the minimum road safety standards at the time of inspection. It does not guarantee that the vehicle will remain in the same condition after the certificate has been issued.

If a vehicle fails the initial inspection, the owner is given 14 days to complete the required repairs and return for reinspection. If the vehicle is not represented within the 14-day period, the certificate will expire and a new inspection will be required before a Roadworthy Certificate can be issued. This may result in additional costs and delays if the vehicle is being sold or transferred.

Roadworthy Certificate Cost

Our Roadworthy Pricing