How Do I Get a Roadworthy Certificate? A Step-by-Step Guide for Victorian Drivers

Not sure how to get a roadworthy certificate in Victoria? The process involves more than simply booking an inspection, particularly if your vehicle needs repairs before it can pass. From finding a licensed vehicle tester to preparing your car and understanding the results, knowing what to expect can help you avoid unnecessary delays. This guide explains how to get your certificate and what to expect when arranging a roadworthy inspection.

What Documents Do I Need for a Roadworthy Certificate?

Before booking a roadworthy inspection, contact your licensed vehicle tester to confirm which documents are required for your vehicle. Having your vehicle registration details and relevant paperwork ready can help the appointment run smoothly.

What You Need to Bring

  • Vehicle Details: Have your registration number and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) available so the tester can identify the vehicle.

  • Identification: Ask whether you need to provide photo identification.

  • Defect Notice (Canary): If your vehicle has been defected, bring the yellow defect notice with you so we can confirm the clearance requirements.

  • Registration or Transfer Documents: If you are re-registering a vehicle or arranging a registration transfer, check whether additional paperwork is required.

Requirements can vary depending on the vehicle and the reason for the inspection. Confirm the details with your chosen testing station before attending.

How to Get a Roadworthy Certificate? The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Find a Licensed Vehicle Tester

Roadworthy certificates can only be issued by a Licensed Vehicle Tester accredited by Transport Victoria (formerly VicRoads). You cannot get one from a general workshop that is not part of the LVT scheme.

You can search the official Transport Victoria directory to find an accredited tester near you, or simply contact a local workshop that advertises roadworthy inspections and confirm they are a licensed testing station.

Step 2: Book Your Roadworthy Inspection

Once you have chosen a tester, book an inspection time that suits you. Most roadworthy inspections are completed within a couple of hours, though the time can vary depending on the vehicle and how busy the workshop is.

When booking, specify the reason you need the certificate (sale, transfer, re-registration or defect clearance), as this can affect the paperwork required.

Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle for the Inspection

Before your appointment, it is worth doing a quick self-check of the items most commonly failed during vehicle inspections:

  • Lights and indicators – all working, including number plate lights
  • Tyres – correct tread depth, no cracks or bulges
  • Windscreen – no major cracks in the driver’s line of sight, wipers in good condition
  • Horn – working and audible
  • Seatbelts – all belts in good condition and retracting properly
  • Brakes and steering – no obvious grinding, pulling or vibration

Step 4: The Inspection Itself

This is a safety inspection, not an assessment of the car’s general reliability, comfort features or cosmetic condition. The licensed tester will check the safety-critical components of your car, including:

  • Wheels and tyres
  • Steering, suspension and braking systems
  • Seats and seatbelts
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Windscreen, wipers and washers
  • Vehicle structure, including rust and accident damage
  • Engine, driveline and exhaust (for safety-related faults)

Step 5: What Happens If Your Vehicle Passes or Fails?

Once your vehicle passes, the licensed tester issues a Certificate of Roadworthiness. In Victoria, the certificate is current for 30 days for the relevant transaction. It confirms that the vehicle met the applicable roadworthiness requirements at the time of inspection, rather than guaranteeing its future condition.

When your vehicle fails, the tester provides a report listing the faults that need attention. You have 14 days to complete the repairs and return for a reinspection. If you exceed this period, you will need to pay for a new test. Confirm any reinspection charges with your tester before authorising repairs.

Why Do Vehicles Fail Roadworthy Inspections?

Most failures come down to a handful of easily preventable issues. The most common culprits are:

  • Worn tyres that fall below the legal tread depth
  • Faulty lights like a blown brake or indicator globe
  • Worn brake pads or drums
  • Damaged wiper blades or a cracked windscreen
  • Worn steering or suspension components
  • Corrosion or structural damage that affects the vehicle’s safety

The takeaway: many of these can be checked in your driveway in ten minutes before your inspection. Catching them early saves you the cost and hassle of a re-inspection.

How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid?

In Victoria, a roadworthy certificate is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If you are selling a car, make sure the sale and registration transfer are completed within that window, otherwise you will need to arrange a fresh inspection and a new certificate.

Get Your Roadworthy Certificate Sorted, Without the Stress

Selling a car, re-registering one, or clearing a defect notice all come with enough paperwork on their own, so the inspection itself should not be the hard part. If you need a roadworthy certificate in Thomastown, Melbourne, the team at Melbourne Auto Tech makes it easy.

Our mechanic provides fully licensed roadworthy inspections and a roadworthy crertificate from just $199 + GST, with quick turnaround so you are not left waiting when the 30-day validity clock is ticking. Contact us to arrange your inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many licensed testers offer same-day inspections, but it is always safest to call ahead and confirm availability, especially on weekends.

A roadworthy certificate is generally required when selling a registered vehicle in Victoria, subject to applicable exemptions and circumstances. If you are selling interstate, cancelling registration or dealing with an exempt vehicle, check the relevant requirements with VicRoads before proceeding.

You can review the official VicRoads vehicle-selling guidance for more information.

A roadworthy certificate covers safety-critical components only. A full mechanical inspection goes much deeper, assessing the engine, transmission, cooling system and overall reliability of the vehicle. If you are buying a used car, it is often worth getting both.

You will receive a written list of faults and have 14 days to repair them and return for a re-inspection at the same testing station.

Do not assume that an unregistered vehicle can be driven to an inspection without a permit. Check the current unregistered vehicle permit requirements with Transport Victoria before travelling, and confirm that your intended journey is permitted.