New year, new car? If you’re upgrading your wheels and selling your old car privately, you’ll need to obtain a Certificate of Roadworthiness. But what is a roadworthy certificate, where can you get one, and what gets checked?
When might I need a roadworthy certificate?
A roadworthy is an official statement that your vehicle is safe enough to be used on public roads. A roadworthy certificate is required by law in Victoria whenever a (used) vehicle is sold or is being re-registered. Roadworthies may also be required to clear certain defect notices. You won’t need a roadworthy certificate if you trade your car in with a licensed car dealer or transfer ownership of the vehicle to your spouse or domestic partner. You also won’t need one to transfer ownership of a caravan or light trailer.
Brand new vehicles and some vehicles that were not designed primarily for carrying passengers or goods on a highway and considered to be a specially constructed vehicle are exempt from requiring a certificate.
Where can I get a roadworthy certificate?
Roadworthy certificates can only be issued when a licensed vehicle tester (approved by VicRoads), operating from a nominated garage or service station, conducts an inspection and determines that a vehicle is roadworthy.
Here at Cox Auto, we’re authorised providers and licensed vehicle testers who can provide roadworthy certificates as part of our service guarantee. Our team of specialists deliver trustworthy and reliable servicing to ensure that your car is of the highest standard, in both performance and safety. At Cox Auto, we‘re committed to providing high-quality and reliable roadworthy certificates at competitive prices. We can offer roadworthy certificates from as little as $135, so if you’re ready to sell, give us a call and we’ll get things moving for you!
What is checked in a roadworthy certificate inspection?
During a roadworthy inspection, our specialists assess the major safety features of your vehicle to ensure it is safe to run on the road. This includes inspecting your vehicle’s:
- Steering, suspension and brakes
- Seats and seatbelts
- Windows and windscreen (including wipers and washers)
- Vehicle structure
- Any other safety items on your vehicle’s body, chassis and engine
How long is a roadworthy valid for?
Roadworthy certificates only remain current for 30 days from the date on which the vehicle passed inspection. Roadworthies must be current when presented at VicRoads to complete a transfer of registration, so we recommend holding off until you are ready to sell your vehicle before obtaining your certificate. While you’re preparing for sale, however, it may be wise to bring your vehicle in for a basic service so we can point out anything you might need to have looked at before a roadworthy inspection is undertaken.
What if I’m buying a car from a private seller?
If you’re purchasing a vehicle from someone other than a licenced motor car trader, keep in mind that offers that don’t include (or promise to include) a roadworthy certificate should be approached with caution. It’s also important to remember that a current roadworthy certificate does guarantee that the vehicle is safe for road use, but it doesn’t indicate quality! If you’re buying a car and want to do your due diligence on quality, you can trust the experts at Cox Auto to give you an independent, honest and unbiased opinion.
Located in the heart of South Melbourne, our pre-purchase car inspections provide you with complete confidence for buying your new car. Our team of industry experts will check over the car and provide you with reliable advice so you know you’re in safe hands. We use the latest in diagnostic equipment to give your potential vehicle a complete inspection before you make your purchase.
Our pre-purchase inspections check over your car extensively to help you avoid ending up with a damaged or costly vehicle in the near future. Our evaluation includes checking for damage and assessing the condition of the car’s operation. Overall, we are here to look out for your safety, and help you find the perfect car to suit your needs.
Whether you need a pre-purchase inspection, roadworthy certificate or just a basic service, drop in or give us a call today. We’re the Melbourne car specialists you can rely on! Come in and enjoy our complimentary coffee, Wi-Fi and alternative transport to keep you on the move.
