In Victoria a Certificate of Roadworthiness is required for the sale of a vehicle or if you are re-registering a used vehicle. This is an important step to reduce the number of poorly maintained vehicles on the road. A Roadworthy Certificate is also required to clear a Vehicle Defect Notice.
A Certificate of Roadworthiness can only be issued by a vehicle tester licensed to do so, operating from a nominated workshop or service station.
The inspection is a check of the vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is safe for normal road use and specific components have not worn or deteriorated.
A roadworthy inspection only covers the major safety related items, including:
the overall structure of the vehicle itself
seats and belts
reflectors and lamps
tyres and wheels
suspension, steering and braking systems
windows and windscreen, including front windscreen wipers blades and washer sysytem
other safety related items on the chassis, body or engine.
The roadworthiness test is not a check of the mechanical reliability or general condition of the vehicle. If you require a comprehensive check on the overall condition and reliability of the vehicle then you should arrange for a separate independent report such as those offered by the RACV or VACC.
When can a RWC be issued?
The vehicle needs to pass an inspection for roadworthiness, and once any defects are rectified a certificate is issued.
What if the vehicle fails the RWC test?
If any item fails to meet the standard, the licensed vehicle tester will issue a rejection report. You are given seven days to repair the item/s rejected and return the vehicle to the tester for a second inspection of the failed items. If more than seven days elapse a complete inspection must again be carried out on the vehicle.
