A Certificate of Road worthiness (also known as a 'roadworthy' or 'RWC') shows that your vehicle is safe enough to be used on public roads. A roadworthy is required whenever a vehicle is sold, if it is being re-registered, and to clear some defect noticed. The roadworthy inspection is including checks on the following.

A roadworthy inspection covers safety related items, including:

• Wheels and tyres
• Steering and suspension
• Brakes
• Seats and seat belts
• Structural components of the vehicle
• Windscreen, and windows
• Emission & exhaust systems
• Lights and reflectors
• Other safety related items on the body, chassis or engine

The roadworthiness test isn’t a check of the mechanical reliability or general condition of a vehicle. A Certificate of Roadworthiness does not mean that:

• the vehicle is in top condition without any wear or deterioration
• non-safety related accessories (such as the air conditioner, rear window demister and rear-window wipers) are working
• the items checked during the roadworthy inspection will continue to function after the inspection, e.g. a brake light can stop functioning at any time after the inspection
• the vehicle complies with all of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs)

In Victoria, a Certificate of Roadworthiness is generally required when a vehicle is sold or re-registered, or as part of a mandatory periodic inspection requirement for a bus or taxi.

The question of "How much is a roadworthy?" doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. Several variables come into play, including:

• Vehicle Specifics: The make, model, and age of your vehicle can affect the inspection cost, with some vehicles necessitating more detailed checks.
• Vehicle Modifications
• Light Vehicle vs Heavy Vehicles

Detailed Cost Breakdown of a Roadworthy Inspection

The primary component of a roadworthy inspection's cost is the labour involved in conducting a thorough check. However, the total expense encompasses several other elements, including:

• Administrative Expenses: These are the fees associated with processing your roadworthy certificate and the necessary paperwork.
• Licensing and Certificate Fees: Costs related to the legal certification and documentation required for proving your vehicle's roadworthiness.
• Use of Specialist Tools: The employment of specialised diagnostic equipment to accurately assess the condition of your vehicle.

To navigate the roadworthy inspection process smoothly and potentially minimise costs, consider the following advice:

• Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular upkeep can help avoid significant issues that might be flagged during the inspection.
• Perform a Pre-Check: A basic examination of your vehicle's critical components, such as tires, lights, and brakes, can help identify and rectify simple problems beforehand.

If a vehicle fails the test, you only have seven days to repair or replace the rejected items outlined in the report.

If it takes more than seven days to fix the vehicle, a full inspection will be required again.

At Ballarat Roadworthy Centre, we pride ourselves on operating an open and transparent business, ever-aiming to enhance our services and offer unrivalled customer service. We recognise that there may be instances where you disagree with an item that has been marked as failed on your vehicle's roadworthy report.

Understanding that such situations can arise, we have in place a straightforward yet comprehensive review process to address any concerns:

• Initiate the Review Process: Fill out our online Failed Items Review Request to begin the review process.
• Second Opinion Inspection: Upon receiving your request, we will assign a different inspector, who wasn’t part of the initial assessment, to connect with you and meticulously reassess the disputed item.
• Understanding the Outcome: If, after a thorough review, the item continues to be categorised as a fail, it will remain on the report. However, this detailed review process will provide you with deeper insights into the reasons behind the failure. Conversely, if the reassessment concludes that the item meets the standards, we will promptly update this one the vehicles second inspection ensuring the sign off is as efficient as possible.

Our commitment to transparency and fairness is unwavering, and our review process is designed to resolve any discrepancies or misunderstandings promptly and effectively. Ensuring the safety of all vehicles and their passengers is our utmost priority, and we are devoted to providing you with an accurate and transparent assessment of your vehicle’s roadworthiness.

Have you ever wondered what goes into a roadworthy inspection? At Ballarat Roadworthy Centre, we believe in transparency and empowering our customers. That's why we're offering you a glimpse into our comprehensive roadworthy inspection process. Our basic checklist outlines the key areas we assess to ensure your vehicle meets all safety standards.

Before scheduling your roadworthy inspection, you might find it helpful to review our checklist. This way, if you're inclined, you can pre-check your vehicle's condition and address any potential issues. Our goal is to make the inspection process as smooth and hassle-free as possible for you.

Take a moment to explore our roadworthy inspection checklist. If you have any questions or are ready to book your inspection, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you every step of the way.