In Victoria, a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is required when you sell a registered vehicle, transfer registration, re-register an unregistered vehicle, or clear a vehicle defect notice from VicRoads. It confirms your car meets minimum safety standards.
What Gets Inspected
A roadworthy inspection is not a full mechanical assessment — it is a safety check. Here is what the licensed tester examines:
Wheels and Tyres
Tread depth must be at least 1.5mm across the full width. Tyres are checked for damage, correct size, and matching on each axle. Wheel bearings and wheel nuts are also inspected.
Steering and Suspension
The steering must be responsive with no excessive play. Suspension components like shock absorbers, springs, and bushes must be in serviceable condition with no leaks.
Braking System
Brake pads, rotors, drums, and hoses are inspected. The handbrake must hold on a grade. Brake fluid level and condition are checked. This is one of the most common failure points.
Body and Chassis
The structure must be free from excessive rust or damage that could compromise safety. Doors must latch properly and mirrors must be intact.
Lights and Electrical
All lights must work — headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, reversing lights, and number plate lights. The horn must function.
Windscreen and Wipers
The windscreen must be free of major cracks in the driver line of sight. Wipers must clear effectively and the washer system must work.
Seatbelts
All seatbelts must retract, latch, and lock properly. Frayed or damaged belts will fail inspection.
Common Reasons Cars Fail
- Worn brake pads (most common)
- Bald or damaged tyres
- Blown light globes
- Worn wiper blades
- Excessive rust
- Cracked windscreen
How Much Does It Cost?
An RWC inspection at Heatherdale Automotive is competitively priced. If your car needs repairs to pass, we provide a clear quote before any work begins — no surprises.
Need a roadworthy certificate? Book your RWC inspection at Heatherdale Automotive — we are a VicRoads Licensed Vehicle Tester.