How can I get a Certificate of Roadworthiness?

Driving is an integral part of life for many Australians, and with that comes the responsibility of ensuring our vehicles are roadworthy and safe for the road. One of the essential elements of vehicle safety is obtaining a Roadworthy Certificate or RWC, as it is commonly known.

To obtain a Certificate of Roadworthiness, the vehicle must undergo a thorough inspection by a licensed mechanic who has undergone a special Roadworthy inspection training. The inspection involves checking various vehicle components and systems, such as brakes, steering, lights, and tires, to ensure they meet minimum safety requirements, prior to the vehicle being issued any certificate of roadworthiness.

Before a certificate of roadworthiness can be issued for a vehicle, the vehicle must be inspected by a licensed vehicle tester and found to be free of wear and deterioration or alterations that would make it unsafe for normal use on the road.

In Victoria, RWCs are necessary when selling, re-registering, or transferring a vehicle to a new owner. Vehicle owners are responsible for maintaining their vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times but wear and tear can cause the condition of a car to deteriorate over time and modifications or alterations can impact a vehicles safety.

Testing of roadworthiness helps to lessen potential hazards to protect all road users. An RWC also protects prospective purchasers of used vehicles from buying a vehicle which could possibly be in a hazardous condition. An RWC is a guarantee to the buyer that the vehicle meets the minimum safety standards, ensuring their safety and those of other road users. Moreover, it helps reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns, accidents, and insurance claims that may arise due to unsafe vehicles.

A Certificate of Roadworthiness can be tricky to price. The age of the vehicle and the overall condition at the time of inspection will have an impact on the overall cost, as will the type of vehicle undergoing the roadworthy inspection. Because of this the actual cost of an RWC will vary, sometimes quite significantly.

The cost of obtaining a certificate of roadworthiness can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle, location, and inspection facility. However, it is worth noting that a fair and transparent cost is reasonable and protects both the vehicle owner and the mechanic conducting the inspection

For the purposes of a transaction, such as the sale of a vehicle, a Certificate of Roadworthiness will be considered as current for a period of 30 days from the date of issue. This means that if a vehicle is not sold or re-registered within the validity period, another RWC will be necessary.

A Certificate of Roadworthiness can only be issued by a Licensed Vehicle Tester who has undergone special roadworthy inspection training, operating from a nominated facility, usually a workshop or garage. It is essential to note that mechanics must be licensed and registered with the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce to issue RWCs. As a Licensed Vehicle Testing station

As a Licensed Vehicle Testing station Wells Automotive in Mornington are able to issue Certificates of Roadworthiness.

Neither the workshop conducting the roadworthy inspection, nor the Licensed Vehicle Tester performing the actual examination of the vehicle are responsible for setting the standards a vehicle must meet to be issued a Certificate of Roadworthiness. These standards are clearly defined by VicRoads, the licensed vehicle tester merely confirms whether the vehicle meets the standards as specified.

The ADRs (Australian Design Rules) are a set of minimum standards for the construction of vehicles and trailers sets the minimum standards for vehicle safety in Australia, which includes specific requirements for components and systems. The ADRs must be adhered to during vehicle manufacture and modifications to ensure safety and roadworthiness. A Roadworthy Inspection may not cover all of these standards, as in most cases, compliance with them cannot be assessed by inspection alone.

Wells Automotive (RWC EX11821LV) will be happy to provide a quote for the cost of the Certificate of Roadworthiness inspection before any work begins.