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.
You'll need a roadworthy certificate (RWC) when selling a car, re-registering it, or clearing some defect notices.
A roadworthy certificate shows your car is currently safe to drive, but it doesn't guarantee that it's mechanically reliable.
Keep in mind that some vehicles don't require a roadworthy certificate.
What’s checked
A roadworthy inspection checks your car's main parts are safe enough for driving. This includes:
- wheels and tyres
- steering, suspensions and brakes
- 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 isn't checked
A roadworthy inspection doesn't tell you if your car is mechanically reliable or what the general condition of the vehicle is.
A roadworthy certificate doesn't mean that:
- the vehicle is in good condition without any wear and tear.
- non-safety related items (such as the air-con, electric windows and rear-window wipers) are working
- the items checked during the roadworthy inspection will continue to function after the inspection - a brake light can stop functioning at any time after the inspection
- the items checked during the inspection will continue working - a brake light could stop working right after the inspection
- the vehicle follows all of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs)
If you require a comprehensive vehicle inspection
If you need a full check of your vehicle's overall condition and how reliable it is, you should organise a seperate independent vehicle inspection.
Who issues certificates?
A certificate of roadworthiness can only be issued when a licensed vehicle tester (LVT), 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.
A roadworthy must be issued by a licensed vehicle tester in Victoria to be accepted by VicRoads.
Find out more about the roadworthiness scheme.
Find a licensed vehicle tester.
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.
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 is not 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.
The cost of a certificate
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 LVT. If the vehicle fails the first roadworthy inspection, the licensed vehicle tester will issue a test 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
What to do if you don’t agree with the outcome of your roadworthy test?
Remember, a roadworthy certificate only shows that a vehicle's safe enough to be driven on public roads. It isn't a guarantee that a vehicle's mechanically sound or in perfect condition.
If you don't agree with the outcome of your roadworthy inspection, you can follow these steps:
- Check that the component in question is part of the guidelines for a roadworthy test in Vehicle Standards Information 26 - Roadworthiness requirements. Contact the tester who issued the certificate and explain your concerns.
- If that doesn't resolve the issue, obtain an independent roadworthy inspection from another LVT to support your claim and present this to the first tester. This should be done as soon as possible, ideally within the 30-day currency of the certificate.
- If the independent inspection confirms your concerns, and the original tester won't co-operate, then notify us with a written complaint, including supporting documents (i.e. a copy of the first roadworthy certificate and the independent certificate) via either:
Email to [email protected]
Mail to:
Vehicle Safety Partners and Standards
GPO Box 2392
Melbourne VIC 3001
What are your legal rights
We don't have the authority to make the tester fix your vehicle or compensate you. These are matters for civil action. You can get legal advice, take your dispute to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) or the Magistrates court.
Where a vehicle is purchased from a licensed motor car trader (LMCT), Consumer Affairs may be able to assist resolving the matter.