Roadworthy certificates (RWC) in Thomastown

What a roadworthy certificate is

A Certificate of Roadworthiness, usually called an RWC, is a Victorian document confirming that a vehicle met the minimum safety standard on the day it was inspected. It is required when a registered vehicle is sold or transferred, when a vehicle is re-registered, and to clear some defect notices. It is not a warranty on the vehicle’s condition and it does not cover things a service would, such as oil changes or wear that is still inside the limit.

IBM Auto Mechanic is a licensed vehicle tester for light vehicles, heavy vehicles, trailers and caravans, so the inspection, any repairs and the certificate are all handled at Trawalla Ave.

How long it is valid

A Victorian roadworthy certificate is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Book the inspection so the certificate is still current when the transfer or registration is lodged, rather than as soon as the vehicle is listed for sale.

Heavy vehicle, trailer, caravan and car inspections are different

Vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM are inspected against the heavy vehicle standard, which adds air brake systems, couplings and turntables, chassis and body mounts, and axle and suspension checks that a car inspection does not include. Heavy trailers are inspected on their own, with the coupling, air lines, ABS connectors and chassis as the main items. Caravans and cars have shorter inspections but the same 30-day validity and the same re-test rules.

• Heavy vehicle roadworthy: trucks, prime movers and rigids over 4.5 t GVM
• Heavy trailer roadworthy: semi, dog and tag trailers
• Caravan roadworthy: caravans and camper trailers
• Car roadworthy: cars, utes and vans

If the vehicle fails

You receive a written rejection report listing every failed item. Have the repairs done, here or elsewhere, and bring the vehicle back to the same tester inside the re-test window, which in Victoria is seven days, so only the failed items are re-inspected. Outside that window a full new inspection is required. Because repairs, welding, electrical and alignment are all done at Trawalla Ave, most fails are fixed and re-checked in the same visit.

What to bring to any roadworthy inspection

• The vehicle with its registration details, or the VIN and papers for an unregistered or interstate vehicle
• Any previous rejection report or defect notice
• Time on site. Cars take under an hour; heavy vehicles and trailers take longer, so a morning drop-off is best.

Booking

Call 0403 227 705 or use the form below. Tell us the vehicle type and when you need the certificate by, and we will book the inspection to suit the transfer date.