A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is generally required when selling a vehicle, transferring registration, re-registering a vehicle, or clearing certain defect notices in Victoria.
An RWC confirms that the vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for use on public roads at the time of inspection. However, it is important to understand that a roadworthy inspection is not a full mechanical assessment and does not guarantee the long-term reliability or overall condition of the vehicle.
For more information about Victoria’s roadworthiness requirements, please refer to the relevant VicRoads guidelines.
We offer Roadworthy Inspection for light vehicles, LPG, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). For more details on roadworthy inspection of hybrid & electric vehicle at The Inspection Bay, please refer to EV and Hybrid Vehicle Roadworthy Inspections.
Why Choose Us?
As VicRoads Licensed Vehicle Tester [11254 LP LV], we are authorised to conduct Roadworthy Inspections for both Light Vehicles and LPG Vehicles in Victoria.
With over 14 years of working alongside VicRoads, we have built a strong reputation for providing professional, reliable, and honest vehicle inspections to our community. We take pride in being a trusted inspection workshop known for integrity, professionalism, and attention to safety standards.
What Is Cost of a Roadworthy Inspection?
Small Cars / Sedans / Wagon / SUV: $200 (plus GST)
Large SUV / LPG / Hybrid / Electric Vehicles (EV): $250 (plus GST)
Vans / 4-wheel drive: $300 (plus GST)
The inspection fee includes the initial Roadworthy Inspection, which typically takes approximately one hour to complete.
If the vehicle meets the required roadworthy standards during the inspection, the Roadworthy Certificate will be issued on the same day.
Should any items require repair or rectification, our team will provide you with a clear explanation of the issues identified. You are welcome to have the repairs completed at your preferred mechanical workshop. Once the repairs have been carried out and suitable evidence or documentation has been provided, we will arrange a follow-up inspection at our workshop to verify that the identified issues have been rectified.
If the vehicle successfully passes the re-inspection, the Roadworthy Certificate will be issued at no additional inspection cost.
What Is Checked During a Roadworthy Inspection?
A roadworthy inspection focuses on key safety-related components of the vehicle, including:
- Wheels and tyres
- Steering and suspension
- Braking systems
- Seats and seatbelts
- Lights, indicators, and reflectors
- Windscreen, windows, wipers, and washers
- Vehicle body structure and chassis condition
- Other safety-related components associated with the engine or body
The inspection is designed to ensure the vehicle is safe for normal road use.
What Is Not Included in a Roadworthy Inspection?
A roadworthy inspection is limited to safety-related items only and is not a comprehensive mechanical inspection.
An RWC does not confirm that:
- The vehicle is in excellent overall condition
- The vehicle is free from wear and tear or future mechanical issues
- Roadworthy confirms the components are in working conditions at the time of roadworthy, and does not guarantee they will continue to operate after the inspection is completed. Check Vicroads website for guidelines. https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-and-active-transport/registration-and-licensing/registration/roadworthy-certification/roadworthy-certificate
- Non-safety features such as air conditioning, electric windows, audio systems, or rear wipers are functioning correctly or not
- Battery health
Need a More Peace of Mind and Detailed Vehicle Inspection?
If you would like a complete assessment of a vehicle’s condition, reliability, overall quality and a purchase advisory report (Go/Caution/Stop), we recommend arranging an Pre-purchase inspection or a Comprehensive vehicle inspection in addition to a Roadworthy Inspection.
Please note that providing a 100% guarantee against future mechanical component failure is almost impossible, as vehicle parts can wear or fail unexpectedly over time. However, our Pre-Purchase and Comprehensive Inspections involve a detailed assessment of the vehicle’s overall condition, including safety systems, mechanical components, structural condition, signs of previous accident damage, visible wear and tear, electrical component scanning report, battery health report, previous fincance or stolen report, odometer tampering records (if available), helping you make a more informed purchasing decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a roadworthy certificate in Victoria, and when do I need one?
A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is an official document issued by a VicRoads Licensed Vehicle Tester confirming that your vehicle meets minimum safety standards for road use. You generally require a Roadworthy Certificate when:
- Selling a used car or transferring vehicle ownership
- Re-registering a previously unregistered or lapsed vehicle
- Clearing a VicRoads or police defect notice
- Registering certain commercial or ride-share vehicles
What is included in a Roadworthy Inspection (RWC) in Clayton?
Our comprehensive VicRoads safety inspection evaluates all core safety components, including body & chassis, wheels & tyres, braking system, steering & suspension, seats & restraints, windscreen cracks, window tint levels, wipers and lights.
How much does a roadworthy certificate cost at The Inspection Bay?
At The Inspection Bay, our Roadworthy Inspection pricing is structured as follows: Small Cars, Sedans, Hatchbacks, SUVs & Wagons $220 including GST, LPG, Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (EVs) $250 plus GST and Vans, & Four-Wheel Drives (4WD) $300 plus GST.
How long does a roadworthy inspection usually take?
The initial roadworthy inspection takes approximately 1 hour. If your vehicle passes all VicRoads safety checks on the first attempt, your digital Roadworthy Certificate will be issued on the same day.
What happens if my vehicle fails the roadworthy inspection?
If your vehicle does not meet VicRoads safety standards, you will receive a detailed rejection report outlining the exact repairs required. Under VicRoads regulations, you have 14 days to repair the listed items and bring the vehicle back to us for a re-inspection. If returned within 14 days, the follow-up inspection is completed to issue your certificate without incurring another inspection fee.
However, if the 14-day window is crossed, Vicroads automatically cancels the first inspection, in which case a full roadworthy checks needs to conducted and you will be charged a full inspection fee.
Which vehicles require a roadworthy certificate in Victoria?
Roadworthy Certificates apply to light passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, LPG models, Hybrids, EVs, 4x4s, trailers, caravans, buses, taxis, and repairable write-offs being returned to the road. If you are unsure whether your specific vehicle requires an RWC, our licensed testers can assist you.
How can I prepare my vehicle before a roadworthy inspection?
To give your vehicle the best chance of passing on the first attempt, perform these quick pre-checks before your appointment:
- Clean out the interior and boot space so our testers can easily access all seatbelt anchor points and spare tyre bays
- Ensure all exterior lights, indicators, and horn are working properly
- Check that windscreen wipers and washers operate effectively and blades aren’t split
- Inspect tyre tread depths (must be at least 1.5mm across the tread surface)
- Test that all seatbelts extend, buckle, and retract smoothly