What is a roadworthy certificate?
A roadworthy certificate (RWC) is a Victorian certificate issued by a Licensed Vehicle Tester after inspecting a vehicle's key safety items. It shows the vehicle was safe enough for public roads at the time of the test. You usually need one to sell a registered vehicle, re-register a vehicle, or clear some defect notices.
Is P&J Automotive a licensed roadworthy tester?
Yes. P&J Automotive holds a Licensed Vehicle Tester licence under Victoria's roadworthiness scheme, covering light vehicles (LV) and LPG-fuelled vehicles (LPG). Licensed Vehicle Testers are licensed by Victoria's Department of Transport and Planning to inspect vehicles against approved guidelines. You can look up accredited testers using the official roadworthy tester location tool.
When do you need a roadworthy certificate?
According to Transport Victoria, you'll need a roadworthy certificate when you are:
- Selling a registered vehicle
- Re-registering a vehicle
- Clearing some vehicle defect notices
Some vehicles and transfers don't need one. See the VicRoads roadworthy exemptions for the current list.
What is checked in a Victorian roadworthy inspection?
A roadworthy inspection checks that the vehicle's main safety-related parts are safe enough for driving on public roads. The table below sets out what is and isn't covered, based on Transport Victoria's guidance.
| Checked in a roadworthy | Not covered by a roadworthy |
|---|---|
| Wheels and tyres | Mechanical reliability of the vehicle |
| Steering, suspension and brakes | General condition, wear and tear |
| Seats and seatbelts | Non-safety items such as air-conditioning, electric windows and rear wiper |
| Lights and reflectors | Whether checked items keep working after the test |
| Windscreen, windows, front wipers and washers | Full compliance with every Australian Design Rule |
| Vehicle structure and other safety items on the body, chassis or engine | — |
Source: Transport Victoria — Roadworthy certificate. Testing guidelines: Vehicle standards information 26 — roadworthiness requirements.
How does a roadworthy inspection work at P&J Automotive?
Book
Call or send a request with your vehicle's year, make and model, and whether it runs on LPG.
Inspect
Bring the vehicle to 24 Harvester Ave. A Licensed Vehicle Tester inspects it against Victoria's roadworthiness requirements.
Result
If it passes, you receive the roadworthy certificate. If not, you get a report listing what needs fixing.
Fix and re-check
Fix the listed items within 14 days for a re-check. We can quote the repairs, or you can use another repairer.
How should you prepare your car for a roadworthy?
A little preparation avoids failing on simple items. Before your inspection:
- Walk around the car with the lights on: headlights (high and low), brake lights, indicators, hazards, reverse and number plate lights.
- Check the windscreen for cracks or chips in the driver's view, and that the front wipers and washers work.
- Look at tyre tread and sidewalls, including obvious bulges or cuts.
- Make sure every seatbelt buckles, latches and retracts.
- Note any dashboard warning lights and mention them when you book.
- Clear loose items from the boot and cabin so the tester can access seats, belts and structure.
- If the vehicle runs on LPG, tell us when booking and make sure there's gas in the tank.
What happens if your vehicle fails?
You'll be given a report identifying the items that didn't meet the requirements. Transport Victoria allows 14 days to fix those items and have the vehicle checked again; after 14 days a new test is needed. Because we're a full mechanical workshop, we can quote and carry out the repairs, then complete the re-check.
How long does a roadworthy certificate last?
A certificate is current for 30 days from when it's issued and can be used more than once for registration or transfer in that time. It reflects the vehicle's condition on the day of the test only — a bulb that blows the next day isn't covered.
How much does a roadworthy cost?
The price depends on the vehicle's age, type and condition. Transport Victoria recommends asking your tester for a quote before you start. Call 0425 322 477 with your vehicle details.
Roadworthy or pre-purchase inspection: which do you need?
| Roadworthy certificate | Pre-purchase inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Legal safety check for registration and transfer | Assess overall condition before buying |
| Who usually arranges it | The seller (or owner re-registering) | The buyer |
| Covers mechanical reliability | No | Yes, as far as can be seen without dismantling |
| Official document | Yes, issued by a Licensed Vehicle Tester | No — a written report |
Buying a car? See our vehicle inspection service.
What if you disagree with the result?
Transport Victoria sets out the steps: check the item against the roadworthiness requirements and talk to the tester; if that doesn't resolve it, get a second test from a different Licensed Vehicle Tester, ideally within 30 days; and if the second test supports your concern, make a written complaint to the department with copies of both certificates. Civil disputes can go to VCAT or the Magistrates' Court, and Consumer Affairs Victoria may help if you bought from a licensed motor car trader.
Roadworthy testing for Melbourne's north-west
Drivers come to us for roadworthies from across the west and north-west, including:
Each page has directions, distance and suburb-specific roadworthy questions.
From our workshop
Inspection and safety work at our Sunshine North workshop.
Roadworthy questions
How long is a roadworthy certificate valid in Victoria?
Transport Victoria says a roadworthy certificate is current for 30 days from when it is issued, and can be used more than once for registration or transfer within that time.
What happens if my car fails the roadworthy?
The Licensed Vehicle Tester gives you a report listing the items that need fixing. You have 14 days to fix them and have the vehicle checked again. After 14 days you have to pay for a new test.
How much does a roadworthy certificate cost?
The cost depends on the vehicle's age, type and condition, and Transport Victoria advises asking your tester for a quote before starting. Call 0425 322 477 with your vehicle details for ours.
Does a roadworthy mean the car is in good mechanical condition?
No. A roadworthy only confirms the vehicle’s key safety items passed at the time of the test. It doesn’t assess mechanical reliability, general wear, or non-safety items like air-conditioning or electric windows. For that, book a separate vehicle inspection.
Can you do a roadworthy on an LPG car?
Yes. Our Licensed Vehicle Tester categories include LPG as well as light vehicles. Tell us the car runs on LPG when you book.
Do all vehicles need a roadworthy when they are sold?
Not all. Some vehicles and transfers are exempt. Check the VicRoads roadworthy exemptions page for your situation.
Can you fix the defects as well?
Yes — we’re a full mechanical workshop, so we can quote the repairs needed and re-check the vehicle. You’re also free to have the repairs done elsewhere.
What if I don’t agree with a roadworthy result?
Transport Victoria recommends first checking the item against its roadworthiness requirements and raising it with the tester, then getting a second test from another Licensed Vehicle Tester if needed, ideally within 30 days of the first. If that confirms your concern, you can make a written complaint to the department.
Official sources
- Transport Victoria — Roadworthy certificate
- Transport Victoria — Roadworthiness scheme
- VSI 26 — Roadworthiness requirements
- Roadworthy tester locations
- VicRoads — Roadworthy certificate exemptions
Information summarised from these pages in October 2026. Requirements can change, so check the official source for your situation.