How Much Does a Car Roadworthy Certificate Cost?

Possessing a roadworthy certificate is mandatory when driving in Australia. Not many know this but you are required to have your vehicle certified by a competent authority before you can take it out on the road. So regardless of the kind of vehicle you drive, you need to ensure it has a roadworthy certificate.

The cost of roadworthy certificates varies from one state to another and the type of vehicle you own. Knowing how much roadworthy certificates cost will help you prepare ahead of time. And while it may cost you a bit, it is an important part of keeping the roads safe. It can reduce crashes and ensure the safety of every traveller — including you.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how much it costs to get a car roadworthy. So whether you are looking to get your car registered or wish to ensure it is roadworthy, read on for all the info you need!

What Is a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)?

A roadworthy certificate is an important document that proves that your vehicle is in good condition and meets the required safety standards. It is designed to make sure that your car is ready for the road. In most Australian states, including Victoria, you are required to show a roadworthy certificate when you register or transfer ownership of a vehicle – this includes dealerships.

Your vehicle must pass an inspection by a Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT) from an authorised garage or service station. There is no single answer to how much it costs to get a car roadworthy. This is dependent on the place you get it checked and the vehicle itself. The process of getting the certificate can take several days, and the document is valid for 30 days from when it was issued. Furthermore, the cost of the roadworthy certificate will also be affected by how intensive the inspection is.

Without a valid RWC, you won’t be able to sell your car. What’s more, driving with an expired or missing roadworthy certificate can attract fines and other penalties. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the safety and emissions standards set by Australian Design Rules (ADRs), you should have it serviced before getting an inspection done.

However, there are a few trailers and vehicles that are exempted from getting this certificate, including:

  • Brand new heavy trailers (aggregate trailer mass greater than 4.5 tonnes)
  • Light trailers (aggregate trailer mass of 4.5 tonnes or less)
  • Recreational motorcycle
  • Motorcycle registered on the Farm Bike Scheme
  • Special work vehicle class 1 or 2
  • Special purpose vehicle (plant-based)

How Much Does a Roadworthy Certificate Cost?

As a general rule, the cost of a roadworthy certificate will vary depending on the type of vehicle you are applying for. The price can range from $150 to $200 per vehicle, but this is just a general approximation. For example, if the vehicle is older than five years, the cost to get a car roadworthy will go up. This is because they need frequent in-depth inspections due to their age. If a car has been damaged in an accident or has not been repaired properly, the cost will be higher than average rates.

If you have a car that has been sitting idle for some time and needs a thorough inspection, it could be quite expensive to get all of the necessary repairs done before getting your roadworthy certificate. This is especially true if you want to bring your car up to date with all of the latest safety features that are required by law today. In case your car does not have the necessary safety features installed, you will need to pay for them first before applying for a roadworthy certificate. This will also impact how much the RWC costs.

What Is Assessed During a Roadworthy Test?

Being aware of what will be checked during a roadworthy test is very helpful. It will give you a better idea of what must be done to prepare your vehicle for an RWC test. You may want to engage the help of a professional mechanic to perform any repairs rather than tackle the problem yourself. They will also be able to inform you on any other system that may require a fix in order to pass the assessment.

During a roadworthy certificate check, your car will undergo inspection by a specialist assessor, who will look at different aspects of your vehicle, such as:

  • Wheels and tyres
  • Steering, suspensions, and brakes
  • Seats and seatbelts
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Windscreen and windows
  • Front wipers and washers
  • Overall vehicle structure
  • Any safety-related items on the body, chassis or engine

A roadworthy inspection report is recorded in your car’s logbook and includes the items that need replacing or fixing. It also details any issues like oil or water leaks or if you need to get a new tyre. Should your vehicle fail the roadworthy assessment, you may be required to have the repairs done before getting another inspection. You will receive a set time period within which to get all the existing issues fixed before your next appointment. The number of days you are assigned also depends on which state you are in.

Where Can You Get a Roadworthy Certificate in Melbourne?

A roadworthy certificate is a mandatory requirement by the Victorian government. It certifies a vehicle and declares it safe to be driven on roads. The cost for a roadworthy certificate in Melbourne will vary depending on the make and model of your car, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $140 and $400 for one.

If you are looking for an authorised roadworthy certificate assessment centre in Melbourne, Gunceler Motors is a great choice. They are a leading auto shop that conducts roadworthy inspections for all vehicle types. Their services are affordable and will take care of all your RWC needs, including the necessary repairs should your vehicle fail the assessment.

To get in touch with the team, you can call on 0421 793 338 or send them an email at guncelermotors@hotmail.com.