When Do You Need a Roadworthy Certificate?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or re-registering a vehicle in Victoria, a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is a crucial document that proves your car meets the minimum safety standards required for use on public roads.

Issued by a licensed vehicle tester, an RWC ensures your vehicle is safe to drive and helps protect all road users from potentially dangerous cars.

But when exactly do you need one? In this blog, we’re going to go over the most common scenarios where obtaining a roadworthy certificate is necessary. In addition, we’ll go over what you need to know before heading to your local mechanic or tyre shop.

Selling a Vehicle

If you’re selling a car in Victoria, you’ll most likely need to provide an RWC as part of the sale process. This certificate is required to legally transfer the vehicle’s registration to the new owner. Without it, VicRoads will not complete the transfer of ownership, potentially delaying the sale or creating legal complications.

Keep in mind that an RWC is only valid for 30 days after it’s issued, so timing matters. If you’re planning to sell, book your inspection shortly before listing your vehicle. Most buyers will expect a current certificate as part of the deal, and it gives them peace of mind that the car is safe and roadworthy.

Registering a Vehicle

If you’re registering a vehicle for the first time in Victoria, whether it’s a newly imported car or a vehicle coming in from another state, you’ll need to get an RWC before VicRoads will issue plates and registration. This rule also applies to older cars being registered for the first time after a lengthy period off the road.

In this situation, the roadworthy certificate acts as a baseline safety check. It ensures that the vehicle meets the essential safety standards and is suitable for Victorian roads. If the car fails the RWC inspection, you’ll have 14 days to fix the issues and have it rechecked without paying another full fee.

Transferring Ownership

Even when a vehicle isn’t changing hands in a traditional sale (for example, if you’re gifting it to a family member) you still need a valid RWC to transfer the ownership officially. This applies whether you’re transferring the vehicle privately or through a dealership.

In these cases, the certificate ensures that the car’s safety isn’t compromised during the transfer process. It also helps prevent unsafe vehicles from being passed around and potentially causing accidents due to mechanical faults or neglect.

Re-registering After Expiry

Letting your car’s registration lapse can happen for many reasons, maybe you weren’t using it, or it was undergoing repairs. Regardless of the cause, if the registration has expired and you want to drive the vehicle again, you’ll need an RWC to re-register it with VicRoads.

In this scenario, the roadworthy test confirms that the vehicle still meets safety requirements after sitting idle or undergoing major work. Components such as brakes, steering, tyres, and suspension are checked, which is why it’s wise to have the vehicle serviced at a reputable tyre shop or mechanic before booking your inspection.

Buying a Used Car

If you’re buying a second-hand car in Victoria, always ensure the seller provides a valid RWC. This certificate is proof that the car has passed a safety inspection and is legally ready for road use. Without it, you may run into issues when trying to register the vehicle in your name.

While not all private sellers are required to supply an RWC, it’s generally expected and strongly advised. If the seller refuses, you should factor in the cost and potential repairs needed to pass the inspection yourself. A missing certificate could be a red flag indicating possible hidden issues with the vehicle.

Also, before finalising the purchase, have the tyres, brakes, and suspension checked at a qualified tyre shop to ensure you’re not taking on unexpected repair costs.

What’s Included in a Roadworthy Inspection?

A roadworthy inspection focuses on the safety-related components of the car. This typically includes:

• Tyres and wheels
• Steering and suspension
• Brakes
• Seats and seatbelts
• Lights and reflectors
• Windscreen and windows (including wipers and washers)
• Vehicle structure
• Engine and driveline leaks

Note that an RWC does not cover the vehicle’s overall mechanical condition or its appearance (such as rust or faded paint). If you’re concerned about the long-term reliability of a vehicle, consider getting a full mechanical inspection in addition to the roadworthy certificate.

A roadworthy certificate is a key part of owning, buying, or selling a car in Victoria. Whether you’re registering a car for the first time, transferring ownership, or simply putting a previously unregistered vehicle back on the road, having a valid RWC is often legally required.

Need an RWC or advice on getting your car ready for inspection? Talk to a licensed vehicle tester or visit a trusted local tyre shop for help ensuring your vehicle is safe and roadworthy.