A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is a legal document that certifies your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for road use. It is required in Victoria when selling, transferring ownership, or re-registering a vehicle.
You need an RWC when:
Selling a registered vehicle
Transferring ownership of a vehicle
Re-registering a vehicle
Clearing a defect notice issued by the police or VicRoads
In Victoria, an RWC is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. After this period, the vehicle must undergo another inspection to receive a new certificate.
A roadworthy inspection covers safety-related components of the vehicle, such as:
Brakes
Tires and wheels
Steering and suspension
Lights and indicators
Windscreens and windows
Vehicle body (for structural safety)
A roadworthy inspection does not cover:
General mechanical condition (e.g., engine or transmission health)
Non-safety-related aspects, like air conditioning or cosmetic issues
Future reliability of the vehicle
The cost of a roadworthy inspection varies depending on the service provider and the condition of the vehicle. Generally, in Melbourne, it ranges from $150 to $250.
If your vehicle fails, you will receive a report detailing the repairs needed. You must complete the repairs and return the vehicle for a re-inspection, usually within 7-14 days, to avoid additional inspection fees.
In Victoria, it is illegal to sell a registered vehicle without an RWC unless it is being sold without registration (unregistered) or the buyer agrees to accept the vehicle "as-is." In these cases, the buyer must obtain the RWC before registering the vehicle.
Yes, you can drive a car that does not have an RWC as long as it is registered and meets all other road safety requirements. However, if you plan to sell or re-register the vehicle, you will need an RWC.
A roadworthy inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the condition of the vehicle. If repairs are required, the process may take longer.
No, brand-new cars do not require a roadworthy certificate, as they are considered roadworthy by default. However, when the vehicle is sold or transferred in the future, it will need to undergo a roadworthy inspection.
Yes, you can obtain an RWC for an unregistered vehicle, but you will need to apply for an unregistered vehicle permit from VicRoads to legally drive it to and from the inspection station.
No, an RWC is specific to the vehicle it was issued for and cannot be transferred between vehicles.
Yes, even when transferring ownership to a family member, you are required to obtain an RWC if the vehicle is registered.
You can seek a second opinion from another licensed vehicle tester, but there is no formal appeal process for a failed RWC. If another tester gives a pass, you can then receive the RWC from that tester.
