Roadworthy Certificate Melbourne
VicRoads Licensed Vehicle Tester in Airport West
Need a roadworthy certificate in Melbourne? Euro Centre Automotive is a VicRoads licensed vehicle tester for passenger vehicles, based in Airport West. We carry out thorough roadworthy inspections and issue certificates on site, with the added benefit of being European car specialists who understand the specific requirements of brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Land Rover.
Whether you are selling a vehicle, transferring registration, re-registering an unregistered car, or clearing a defect notice, we can help.
When Do You Need a Roadworthy Certificate?
In Victoria, a roadworthy certificate (RWC) is required in the following situations:
- Selling a registered vehicle to a private buyer (the seller must provide a current RWC)
- Transferring registration to a new owner
- Re-registering a vehicle that has had its registration lapse
- Transferring interstate registration to Victorian registration
- Clearing a vehicle defect notice issued by Victoria Police or another authorised officer
You do not need a roadworthy certificate for routine annual registration renewals in Victoria, only for the specific situations listed above.
What Does a Roadworthy Inspection Check?
A roadworthy inspection assesses whether your vehicle’s key safety components are in a fit condition for safe road use. It is not a full mechanical assessment of the vehicle’s overall condition or reliability.
Our inspection covers:
- Wheels and tyres, including tread depth, condition, and correct fitment
- Steering and suspension components for excessive wear or play
- Braking system including pads, rotors, brake lines, and brake fluid
- Lights and reflectors, including headlights, indicators, brake lights, and number plate lights
- Windscreen and windows for cracks, chips, and visibility
- Seatbelts for condition and operation
- Vehicle structure and body for rust, damage, or modifications affecting safety
- Engine, exhaust, and emissions for leaks, excessive noise, and compliance
- Doors, latches, and mirrors for security and function
If your vehicle passes, we issue the roadworthy certificate on the spot. If it does not pass, we provide a detailed report listing exactly what needs to be repaired.
What Happens If My Car Fails the Roadworthy Inspection?
If your vehicle does not pass, we will give you a clear written report listing the items that need to be fixed. You then have 14 days to complete the repairs and bring the vehicle back for a re-inspection of those specific items.
If more than 14 days pass without re-inspection, a full new roadworthy inspection will be required.
As a fully equipped workshop with European car specialists on site, we can carry out most repairs ourselves. This means you can often get the issues fixed and re-inspected without needing to take your car to a second workshop. That saves you time, hassle, and the risk of miscommunication between separate businesses.
Why Get Your Roadworthy at a European Car Specialist?
Most roadworthy inspection stations are generalist workshops. They can check the basics, but when it comes to European vehicles, there are details that a specialist picks up on that a generalist may not.
European cars often have specific tyre fitment requirements, electronic handbrake systems, adaptive suspension, and complex lighting systems that require more than a surface-level check. If something is flagged during the inspection and needs repair, you want a workshop that already has the diagnostic equipment, parts knowledge, and technical experience to handle it correctly.
At Euro Centre Automotive, your roadworthy inspection is carried out by the same mechanics who service and repair European cars every day. If something needs fixing, we already know your vehicle’s systems and can get it sorted without delay.
Most roadworthy inspection stations are generalist workshops. They can check the basics, but when it comes to European vehicles, there are details that a specialist picks up on that a generalist may not.
European cars often have specific tyre fitment requirements, electronic handbrake systems, adaptive suspension, and complex lighting systems that require more than a surface-level check. If something is flagged during the inspection and needs repair, you want a workshop that already has the diagnostic equipment, parts knowledge, and technical experience to handle it correctly.
At Euro Centre Automotive, your roadworthy inspection is carried out by the same mechanics who service and repair European cars every day. If something needs fixing, we already know your vehicle’s systems and can get it sorted without delay.
How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid?
A roadworthy certificate in Victoria is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You need to present it to VicRoads (or complete your vehicle sale or transfer) within that 30-day window. After 30 days, the certificate expires, and a new inspection is required.
It is worth noting that a roadworthy certificate confirms your vehicle was safe at the time of inspection. It does not guarantee the vehicle will remain in the same condition for the full 30 days, and it is not a substitute for a comprehensive mechanical inspection if you are buying a used car.
How Much Does a Roadworthy Certificate Cost?
The cost of a roadworthy certificate varies depending on the type and condition of the vehicle. We provide upfront pricing when you book, so there are no surprises. If your vehicle requires repairs to pass, we will provide a separate itemised quote for that work before proceeding.
Roadworthy Certificates for European Cars
We hold a VicRoads Roadworthy Licence for passenger vehicles and regularly issue roadworthy certificates for:
- Mercedes-Benz (A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE, and more)
- BMW (1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X5, and more)
- Audi (A1, A3, A4, Q3, Q5, Q7, and more)
- Volkswagen (Golf, Polo, Tiguan, Passat, Amarok, and more)
- Land Rover and Range Rover (Defender, Discovery, Sport, Evoque, Velar, and more)
- Skoda, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, and other European makes
If your vehicle fails and needs repairs, our workshop is fully equipped to carry out the work using genuine or OEM-quality parts, so you are not left searching for a specialist after the inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to renew my registration in Victoria?
No. In Victoria, a roadworthy certificate is only required when selling a registered vehicle, transferring ownership, re-registering an unregistered vehicle, transferring interstate registration to Victoria, or clearing a defect notice. Routine annual registration renewals do not require an RWC.
How long does a roadworthy inspection take?
A typical roadworthy inspection takes around one to two hours, depending on the vehicle. If it passes, we issue the certificate the same day. If repairs are needed, the timeline depends on the work required.
Can you do the repairs if my car fails?
Yes. As a fully equipped European car workshop, we can carry out most repairs needed to pass a roadworthy inspection. This means you do not need to take your vehicle to a separate mechanic and then return to us for re-inspection.
Is a roadworthy certificate the same as a full vehicle inspection?
No. A roadworthy certificate confirms that your vehicle’s key safety components are in acceptable condition for road use at the time of inspection. It does not assess the overall mechanical condition, reliability, or service history of the vehicle. If you are buying a used car, we recommend a separate pre-purchase inspection for a more comprehensive assessment.
Can I get a roadworthy certificate for any type of vehicle?
We are licensed to issue roadworthy certificates for passenger vehicles. If you have a heavy vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle, you will need to find a tester licensed for that specific vehicle type.
What should I check before bringing my car in?
A few things you can check yourself before your inspection: make sure all lights are working (headlights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights, number plate lights), check that your windscreen wipers work and the blades are not worn, check your tyres for tread depth and visible damage, and make sure your seatbelts retract and latch properly. Addressing these small items beforehand can help avoid a fail on easily fixable issues.
Book Your Roadworthy Inspection
Getting your roadworthy certificate sorted is straightforward.
- Call to book a convenient time for your inspection
- Bring your vehicle and your driver’s licence on the day
- If your car passes, we issue the certificate on the spot
- If repairs are needed, we can handle them in-house and re-inspect within the 14-day window