Vehicle assessment signatory scheme
Information about the vehicle assessment signatory scheme and how to become a signatory.
The vehicle assessment signatory scheme (VASS) is a scheme for the certification of modified, individually constructed vehicles and certain types of imported vehicles in Victoria.
An individual authorised by Department of Transport and Planning to inspect, test and certify these vehicles is known as a VASS signatory (referred to as an authorised vehicle inspector in the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021) and is responsible for ensuring all modified, individually constructed and certain imported vehicles meet standards for registration.
Once a VASS signatory certifies a vehicle they can issue a VASS approval certificate and a blue modification plate.
A VASS approval certificate issued to a light vehicle is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. A VASS approval certificate for a modified heavy vehicle doesn't expire.
When is a VASS approval certificate required?
A VASS approval certificate is required for:
- all heavy vehicle modifications covered under vehicle standards bulletin 6 (VSB6): national code of practice heavy vehicle modifications
- all light vehicle modifications beyond the guidelines of:
- vehicle standards information 8: the guide to modifications to motor vehicles, or
- vehicle standards information 33: guidelines for modifications to vehicles operated under Victoria’s club permit scheme, or
- vehicle standards information 4: summary of standards for registration requirements for motorcycles and mopeds
- new street rods or individually constructed vehicles, including replica vehicles
- some imported vehicles.
Become a VASS signatory
Before you apply for authorisation as a VASS signatory, you need to consider the following:
- Applicants must have the required qualifications and experience to be considered eligible for authorisation as a VASS signatory.
- A criminal record may affect your ability to be authorised as a VASS signatory. Applicants will be required to present a valid original national police check if invited to an interview during the application process.
- Interstate residents aren't eligible for authorisation as a VASS signatory in Victoria.
- VASS signatories must hold the required insurance policies as a condition of their authorisation.
Required qualifications and experience
To be considered eligible for authorisation as a VASS signatory, all applicants must:
- hold a four-year bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical or automotive engineering or other relevant discipline from an accredited Australian institution or an equivalent qualification that has been assessed as satisfying the requirements for recognition as a professional engineer in Australia; and
- have a minimum of five years post graduate experience, within the last seven years, working as an engineer in the automotive or an automotive related industry.
Professional insurance
Applicants must be aware that VASS signatories are required to hold:
- A valid professional indemnity insurance policy for an amount of $5m, with the cover to be maintained for a runoff period of six years upon leaving or being removed from VASS.
- A valid public liability insurance policy for an amount of $10m.
What does 'recognised as a professional engineer' mean?
Applicants wishing to apply for authorisation as a VASS signatory must be eligible for registration as a professional or chartered engineer in Victoria under the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019 (PER Act).
Application form
Download the VASS application form (PDF). Please make sure you read the first two pages carefully before filling in the form.
If you need support or advice on the VASS signatory application process, please contact the team on 1300 309 571 during normal business hours or via email: [email protected].