Roadworthy Certificates

Do I need a certificate of roadworthiness?

If you are selling a vehicle (or buying a vehicle without a certificate) you will most likely require a certificate in order to transfer ownership of the vehicle at a VicRoads office.

If you do not obtain a certificate, VicRoads will refuse to transfer ownership and your vehicle will remain in the seller’s name and may become deregistered. A certificate is also required to re-register used vehicles.

What do I do with the certificate?

The certificate is used when transferring vehicle ownership at your VicRoads office. VicRoads requires you to present the certificate along with the required forms and fee so that they can update their record of ownership.

Once you get your certificate, you should take it to your VicRoads office within 30 days. After 30 days, the certificate becomes expires and becomes invalid.

Who issues certificates?

A Certificate of Roadworthiness can only be issued by a licensed vehicle tester. VIA is licensed by VicRoads to conduct roadworthy inspections.

When can a certificate be issued?

The vehicle must pass a Roadworthy Inspection, and then a certificate is issued.

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 summary of inspection items can be viewed on the VicRoads Roadworthiness Requirements fact sheet.

A roadworthy inspection mainly 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 inspection is not a check of the mechanical reliability or general condition of the vehicle. The certificate does not mean:

– the vehicle is in top condition without any wear or deterioration
– non-safety related accessories such as the air conditioner, electric windows etc. are working
– 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.

If you require a comprehensive inspection of the overall condition and reliability of the vehicle VIA offers a Pre-Purchase Inspection service.

What if the vehicle fails the test?

If an item on your vehicle fails to meet the safety standards set by VicRoads, VIA will issue a rejection report. You will need to repair the item/s rejected and return the vehicle to VIA to be re-inspected. VIA will carry out your re-inspection up to 30 days after initial inspection.

How much does the test cost?

From $79 for Cars, Vans, Utes and 4x4s and $69 for Motorcycles and Scooters

$1 Roadworthy Inspection
Book in for a VIA Pre-Purchase Inspection and get a full roadworthy inspection included for just $1!

How long does a certificate last?

A Certificate of Roadworthiness is current, for the purposes of a transaction with VicRoads for thirty (30) days from the date of issue. This limit is set by VicRoads.

What if I have a problem with the inspection process
or certificate?

If you believe that your vehicle was not roadworthy when you were given a certificate by VIA or you have any concern regarding the inspection process, you can take following steps:

Please feel free to contact VIA if you have any concerns, we will be happy to help resolve any issues. You can also check that the item in question is part of roadworthiness inspection by viewing the VicRoads Roadworthiness Requirements fact sheet.

You can also contact VicRoads Vehicle Fitness Section on 1800 816 727 or 13 11 71 to ensure that information we provide is accurate.