If you’re buying, selling or re-registering a vehicle in Victoria, obtaining a roadworthy certificate is a legal requirement. This certificate confirms that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards for use on public roads. At Continental Dandenong, we provide roadworthy certificate in Noble Park and the surrounding suburbs. Our experienced team ensures a smooth, efficient process—helping you meet legal obligations with confidence, whether you’re finalising a sale, clearing a defect notice, or transferring ownership.
You’ll need a certificate to:
- Sell your car
- Re-register a vehicle
- Fix a VicRoads defect
Once issued, it’s valid for 30 days. If the car fails, you’ll have 7 days to complete repairs. After that, a new inspection is required. The cost of roadworthy certificate in Noble Park varies depending on the vehicle type, condition, and age.
What Is Covered in Our RWC Inspection?
Our Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) inspection is a targeted safety check that evaluates the critical systems and components of your vehicle to determine if it is safe for operation on Victorian roads. This inspection is required by law for vehicle sales, re-registrations, and certain defect clearances. It is not a general service or mechanical tune-up—instead, it’s focused solely on roadworthiness and safety compliance.
During your RWC inspection, we thoroughly assess the following key areas:
- Tyres and Wheels
We check the tyres for adequate tread depth, even wear, cracks, punctures, and bulges. The wheels are examined for signs of misalignment, damage, or imbalance that could affect handling and stability on the road.
- Steering Components
The steering system is inspected for looseness, excessive play, or worn-out joints. Accurate and responsive steering is vital for maintaining control of the vehicle in all driving conditions.
- Suspension Systems
We inspect the suspension for leaks, broken springs, damaged struts or shocks, and worn-out bushings. These components are essential for a smooth ride and proper contact between your tyres and the road.
- Braking Systems
Brakes are evaluated for pad thickness, rotor condition, hydraulic system integrity, and brake line wear. The inspection ensures that the vehicle can stop quickly and reliably in both everyday and emergency situations.
- Seats and Seatbelts
Seats must be securely fixed, and seatbelts should retract and lock correctly, with no fraying or damage. Proper restraint systems are critical for protecting occupants in the event of a collision.
- Lights and Reflectors
All external lights—including headlights, brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights—must be fully functional, properly aimed, and free from cracks or damage. Reflectors are also checked to ensure visibility in low-light conditions.
- Windscreen, Windows, Washers, and Wipers
Clear visibility is essential for safe driving. We inspect the windscreen for cracks or chips, ensure the wiper blades and washer jets function correctly, and check that windows provide unobstructed vision.
- Vehicle Body Structure
The structural integrity of the chassis, subframe, and body panels is checked for signs of corrosion, accident repairs, or deformation. Any damage that could compromise crashworthiness or alignment must be addressed.
This roadworthy inspection in Noble Park confirms that your vehicle meets the minimum legal safety requirements, giving you confidence that it’s safe for the road.
What Is Not Covered in Our RWC Inspection?
Although a roadworthy inspection is essential for verifying the safety of your vehicle, it is important to understand its limitations. An RWC does not serve as a full mechanical check or an indicator of your car’s long-term reliability or performance.
Here’s what the RWC does not include:
- Non-Safety-Related Features
The inspection does not cover the performance of comfort or convenience features, such as:
- Air conditioning or climate control systems
- Heated or electric seats
- Entertainment systems or navigation units
- Electric windows, mirrors, or rear demisters
- Engine, Transmission, or Driveline Diagnostics
The RWC test is not a mechanical diagnostic. It won’t detect issues with:
- Engine compression or performance
- Transmission wear or shifting irregularities
- Driveline vibrations or differential noise
- Future Reliability or Post-Inspection Failures
The roadworthy certificate only confirms that the inspected components were in acceptable condition at the time of the test. It does not guarantee ongoing functionality.
For example:
- A brake light may stop working the next day due to a blown bulb.
- Suspension components could wear out shortly after passing the inspection.
- Wiper blades might degrade rapidly depending on use and conditions.
If you want peace of mind beyond basic road safety, we recommend booking a full mechanical service or a pre-purchase vehicle inspection to ensure every system—from engine to electronics—is performing as expected.
How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) Valid?
A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is valid for 30 days from the date it’s issued. This gives you a limited window to finalise your vehicle sale, re-registration, or defect clearance. If no action is taken within this period, a new inspection will be required. The certificate reflects your vehicle’s safety at the time of the test—not afterward—so it’s important to act quickly after receiving your RWC.
Need more than just a roadworthy check? Give us a call at 03 9791 8841 for a thorough vehicle assessment. Whether you’re preparing to sell, buy, or simply want to ensure safety, we’ve got you covered.
