If you’re looking to sell, re-register, or clear a defect notice for your vehicle in Victoria, you’ll need a certificate of roadworthiness. At Continental Dandenong, we provide quick and reliable roadworthy inspections for vehicle owners in Keysborough and the surrounding suburbs.
You’ll need a roadworthy certificate in Keysborough when:
- Selling your vehicle
- Re-registering an unregistered vehicle
- Clearing a vehicle defect notice
Only a licensed vehicle tester like Continental Dandenong can perform the inspection and issue the certificate. Once issued, it remains valid for 30 days. If your vehicle doesn’t pass the test, you’ll have 7 days to complete repairs before a new inspection is required.
The roadworthy certificate cost in Keysborough will depend on your vehicle’s make, model, condition and age.
What Is Covered in Our RWC Inspection?
Our roadworthy certificate inspection is designed to evaluate the essential safety elements of your vehicle to ensure it is suitable for use on Victorian roads. The inspection is a vital step in confirming that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards mandated by law. Although it is not a comprehensive mechanical service, it provides a focused safety check of all key components that are directly linked to safe road operation.
Here Are The Primary Areas Included In The RWC Inspection
- Tyres and Wheels
Inspectors check that tyres have the legally required tread depth, are free from damage such as cuts or bulges, and that they are evenly worn. Wheels are also assessed for cracks, bends or signs of misalignment that could affect safe driving.
- Steering, Suspension, and Braking Systems
These systems are critical to your control over the vehicle. We inspect the steering components for looseness or wear, the suspension system for any signs of fatigue or leakage, and the braking system to ensure it provides consistent and effective stopping power. This includes checking pads, rotors, brake lines, and cylinders.
- Seats and Seatbelts
All seats must be securely mounted, and seatbelts should be fully functional—locking, retracting, and free from frays or damage. This is essential for the protection of occupants in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
- Lights and Reflectors
All exterior lighting components—headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, and reflectors—must be properly positioned, operational, and bright enough to meet legal visibility standards, both for driver visibility and for signalling to other road users.
- Windscreens, Windows, Wipers, and Washers
A clear view of the road is crucial. We check for cracks, chips, or scratches in the windscreen that may obscure vision. The functionality of wipers and washers is also verified to ensure they are capable of maintaining visibility during poor weather conditions.
- Vehicle Structure
The integrity of the chassis, frame, and body panels is checked for rust, damage, or structural weakness. Any compromise in the structural strength of the vehicle can pose a serious risk to occupants and must be addressed before the vehicle is deemed roadworthy.
- Other Safety-Related Systems
Additional inspections include components such as the exhaust system, fuel system, and engine mountings. We look for leaks, corrosion, or faulty fittings that could compromise safety or environmental standards.
Together, the roadworthy inspection in Keysborough is conducted to confirm that your vehicle is safe, stable and compliant with Victorian road regulations.
What Is Not Covered in Our RWC Inspection?
While the RWC inspection is an important safety check, it’s essential to understand its limitations. The roadworthy test focuses strictly on components that are linked to road safety—anything outside this scope is not included.
Here’s what the RWC does not cover:
- Vehicle Wear and Cosmetic Condition
The RWC is not intended to determine whether the vehicle is in perfect mechanical or cosmetic condition. Common signs of wear and tear—such as engine noises, oil leaks, fading paint, scratches, or minor rust—are not factored into the outcome unless they directly impact safety. Therefore, a vehicle can pass a roadworthy inspection and still have cosmetic or minor mechanical issues.
- Non-Safety Features and Electrical Conveniences
Comfort and convenience systems such as the air conditioning, heating, infotainment/audio system, electric seats, GPS units, power windows, and rear demisters are not tested during an RWC inspection. These features are not essential for basic road safety and do not fall under the scope of this inspection.
- Post-Inspection Reliability or Component Life Expectancy
The certificate only certifies that the vehicle met safety standards at the time of inspection. It does not guarantee that inspected components will continue functioning afterward. For instance, a light bulb, suspension component, or brake pad could fail days after the inspection—even if it passed during the test.
If you’re looking to assess the overall health, performance, and reliability of a vehicle—especially when purchasing a used car—it is recommended to arrange a comprehensive mechanical inspection or pre-purchase evaluation in addition to the RWC.
How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) Valid?
A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) in Victoria is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. This means you must complete the sale, registration, or defect clearance process within this timeframe. After 30 days, the certificate expires, and a new inspection is required. The 30-day limit ensures the vehicle’s condition hasn’t changed significantly since the initial test. Always aim to finalise paperwork promptly to avoid delays or extra inspections.
Thinking of buying or selling a car and want extra peace of mind? Call us today at 03 9791 8841 to book a comprehensive vehicle inspection. Our team goes beyond standard RWC checks to ensure your vehicle is in top condition before you make any big decisions.