Taking Your Car for a Roadworthy Inspection
Posted on: 6 February 2025
Share
Getting a roadworthy inspection for your car is an important step to ensure it meets basic safety standards and is safe for use on public roads. Whether you're selling, transferring ownership, or registering your vehicle, understanding the process can make the experience smoother. Here’s what you need to know about roadworthy inspections, including their purpose, when they’re required, how to prepare, and what to expect.
What Is the Purpose of a Roadworthy Inspection?
A roadworthy inspection evaluates your car's safety by checking its essential components. These include brakes, tyres, suspension, seatbelts, steering, and lights, as well as the vehicle's overall structural condition. While it is not a full mechanical check, it ensures your vehicle does not pose any dangers to its occupants or other road users.
The primary goal of this inspection is to certify that a vehicle meets minimum safety standards before being sold, registered, or driven on public roads. If the vehicle passes, a roadworthy certificate (RWC) is issued to confirm the car is safe.
When Is a Roadworthy Inspection Required?
Roadworthy inspections are typically required when selling a car to a new owner, transferring ownership, registering a vehicle that has been off the road, renewing its registration, or following significant modifications that may affect safety. Since the exact requirements can vary based on local regulations, it is important to check the specific rules relevant to your location.
How to Prepare for a Roadworthy Inspection
Preparing your car for a roadworthy inspection can help avoid delays or failures caused by minor defects. Start by addressing visible safety issues, such as replacing worn tyres, fixing damaged windscreen wipers, and ensuring all lights and indicators are functioning properly. Check the condition of seatbelts, ensure doors and locks work correctly, and clean the car thoroughly to make it easier for testers to assess. If you’re uncertain about the state of specific systems, consider getting a general service beforehand, as a mechanic can identify and address issues in advance, increasing your chances of passing the inspection.
What to Expect During the Process
During a roadworthy inspection, a licensed tester will thoroughly check key safety systems. This includes inspecting the brakes, tyres, suspension, steering system, and lights to ensure they meet required safety standards. The structural integrity of the vehicle and its exhaust system may also undergo review depending on local guidelines.
If the vehicle doesn't pass the inspection, a report will detail the issues that need fixing. After the necessary repairs are completed, you can return for a reinspection to obtain your roadworthy certificate.
Roadworthy inspections are essential for ensuring vehicles comply with safety standards. By preparing your vehicle and addressing any potential issues beforehand, you increase the likelihood of passing on the first attempt. Having a roadworthy certificate ensures your car is safe to drive and ready for selling, registering, or transferring ownership.
To learn more about roadworthy inspections, contact a local service provider.