A Certificate of Roadworthiness is required when a vehicle is sold, if a used vehicle is to be re-registered or, in some cases to clear a Vehicle Defect Notice. It is only issued by a licensed vehicle tester.
Who issues certificates
A Certificate of Roadworthiness can only be issued when a vehicle is passed by a licensed vehicle tester, operating from a nominated garage or service station. A certificate is only issued when a vehicle passes the inspection.
The cost of certificate
The cost of obtaining a certificate is not fixed and can depend on the age, type and the condition of the vehicle.
What does the Certificate of Roadworthiness inspection cover?
The inspection is a check of the vehicle to ensure that the key components are in a fit condition for safe road use. It includes:
wheels and tyres
steering, suspensions and braking systems
seats and seatbelts
lights and reflectors
windscreen, and windows including front wipers and washers
vehicle structure
other safety related items on the body, chassis or engine.
What is not inspected
The roadworthiness test is not a check of the mechanical reliability or general condition of the vehicle.
The certificate does not mean:
That the vehicle is in top condition without any wear or deterioration
Non-safety related accessories such as the air conditioner, rear window demister, electric windows and rear-window wipers are working
That the items checked during the roadworthy inspection will continue to function after the inspection e.g. a brake light can stop functioning at any time after the inspection.
The roadworthiness test is not a complete assessment of a vehicle’s compliance with the Standards for Registration, which in most cases are the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The ADRs are set a set of minimum standards for the construction of motor vehicles and trailers.
