Roadworthy certificate
A certificate of roadworthiness (also known as a 'roadworthy' or 'RWC’) shows that your vehicle's safe enough to be used on public roads.
A roadworthy is required whenever a vehicle's sold, if it's being re-registered, and to clear some defect notices.
A certificate of roadworthiness isn't a guarantee that a vehicle's mechanically reliable, it just shows that it's safe enough to be driven. Keep in mind that some vehicles are exempt from requiring a certificate of roadworthiness.
Who issues certificates?
A certificate of roadworthiness can only be issued when a licensed vehicle tester, operating from a nominated garage or service station, believes the vehicle is roadworthy.
A certificate can only be issued when a vehicle passes the inspection and must be issued by a licensed vehicle tester in Victoria to be accepted by VicRoads.
Find out more about the roadworthiness scheme.
How long does a certificate remain current?
A roadworthy is considered 'current' and valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issue before you present it at VicRoads (e.g. when you visit us to transfer or re-register a vehicle).
A roadworthy certificate can be used more than once for registration or transfer purposes, provided the transaction is within the 30 days of the date of issue.
Note: This isn't a guarantee that a vehicle with a roadworthy certificate will necessarily continue to remain in a roadworthy condition for 30 days from the date the certificate was issued.
How much does it cost?
The cost of getting a roadworthy can depend on the age, type and condition of a vehicle.
You can ask for a quote from a licensed vehicle tester:
- if the vehicle fails the test
- if an item fails to meet the requirements, the vehicle tester will issue a rejection report and you'll be given 14 days to repair or replace the rejected item/s and have them re-inspected
- if more than 14 days goes by, another full inspection will be required