In Victoria a Certificate of Roadworthiness is generally required when a vehicle is sold or if a used vehicle is to be re-registered. This helps minimise the number of poorly maintained vehicles on the road. In some cases a Certificate of Roadworthiness is also required to clear a Vehicle Defect Notice or a Notice of Unroadworthiness.
A Certificate of Roadworthiness can only be issued by a licensed vehicle tester, operating from a nominated garage or service station.
WHAT IS INSPECTED?
The inspection is a check of the vehicle to ensure that key components have not worn or deteriorated and that the vehicle is safe for normal road use.
A roadworthy inspection only covers the major safety related items, including:
- wheels and tyres
- steering, suspension and braking systems
- seats and seat belts
- lamps and reflectors
- windscreen, and windows including front windscreen wipers and washers
- the structure of the vehicle itself
- other safety related items on the body, chassis 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 CERTIFICATE BE ISSUED?
The vehicle must pass a roadworthiness inspection, then a certificate is issued.
WHAT IF THE VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST?
If an item fails to meet the standard, the tester will issue a rejection report. You will be given 14 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 14 days elapse a complete inspection must again be carried out on the vehicle.