Truck roadworthy certificate (truck RWC), Thomastown

IBM Auto Mechanic inspects trucks, prime movers and rigid vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM for a Victorian Certificate of Roadworthiness at 21-23 Trawalla Ave, Thomastown. The inspection covers brakes and air systems, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, coupling, chassis and cab against the heavy vehicle standard. Pass, and our licensed vehicle tester issues the certificate on the spot. Fail, and you leave with a written report, a quote for the repairs, and a re-check booked at the same workshop.

When a heavy vehicle needs an RWC in Victoria

• Selling or transferring a registered truck or prime mover
• Re-registering a vehicle that has been unregistered, or bringing one in from interstate
• Clearing a defect notice that requires a roadworthy inspection
• Finance, lease-return and fleet onboarding checks that ask for a current certificate

A Victorian roadworthy certificate is valid for 30 days from the day it is issued. Book the inspection so the certificate is still current when the transfer or registration is lodged, not the day the truck is listed for sale.

What the heavy vehicle inspection covers

• Brakes, air systems, brake chambers, slack adjusters and ABS or EBS warning function
• Steering and suspension, including airbags, shock absorbers and tie-rod ends
• Wheels, tyres and rims
• Lights, reflectors and electrical
• Windscreen, wipers, mirrors and cab
• Chassis, subframe and body mounts
• Turntable, fifth wheel or towing coupling
• Exhaust and fuel system
• Seats, seatbelts and cab interior
• Underbody, drivetrain and oil leaks

This is a safety inspection, not a service. Wear items that still meet the standard pass. Items that do not are listed on the report with what is needed to fix them.

What to bring

• The registration details. For a registered vehicle the plate is enough; for an unregistered or interstate vehicle bring the VIN and any registration papers you have.
• Any previous rejection report or defect notice, so we know what has already been picked up.
• A booking window. Morning drop-off gives us time to inspect, quote, repair and re-check the same day where parts are on hand.

If the truck fails

You get a written report listing each failed item. Repairs can be done here or elsewhere. To have only the failed items re-checked rather than a full new inspection, the vehicle needs to come back to the same tester within the re-test window, which in Victoria is seven days. We hold the inspection open for that window and book the re-check when you call.

What fails heavy vehicles most often

Not a scare list, just what we see on the floor at Trawalla Ave:

• Brake lining below minimum and slack adjusters out of adjustment
• Air leaks at fittings, hoses and brake chambers
• Tyres worn below the minimum or with sidewall damage
• Lights and reflectors: cheap to fix, still a fail
• Worn turntable or coupling, cracked or loose mounts
• Steering play and worn tie-rod ends
• Oil leaks onto braking components

Most of these are fixed the same day if the truck is booked into a morning slot.

Trucks and combinations we inspect

Rigid trucks, prime movers, tippers, tilt trays, refrigerated bodies and B-double prime movers. Heavy trailers have their own inspection: see heavy trailer roadworthy. If you are unsure whether your combination fits on the floor, ring and we will tell you before you drive over.

Price and turnaround

Ask for the inspection price when you book; it depends on the vehicle and whether a re-check is included. Same-day turnaround is usual for a morning drop-off. Fleet operators booking several units get one contact and one booking window.

Near you: the workshop is in Thomastown, a short drive from Epping, Lalor, Campbellfield, Somerton, Broadmeadows, Coolaroo, Craigieburn and the rest of northern Melbourne. Areas we serve.