Buying a used car
Roadworthy vs Pre Purchase Inspection in Victoria
· 7 min read
A roadworthy certificate (RWC) shows that a vehicle is safe enough to be used on public roads. A pre purchase inspection looks at the car's overall condition and helps you decide whether it's worth buying. In Victoria, a roadworthy is generally needed when a registered vehicle is sold. VicRoads also notes that a roadworthy doesn't mean a vehicle is mechanically reliable. That's why many buyers also book an independent pre purchase inspection.
This guide explains what a Victorian roadworthy covers, what it doesn't, and how a pre purchase inspection fills the gap.
Key takeaways
- An RWC is a safety check. VicRoads says it shows a vehicle is safe enough to be driven, not that it's mechanically reliable.
- VicRoads lists the roadworthy checks as wheels and tyres, steering, suspension and brakes, seats and seatbelts, lights and reflectors, windscreen and windows (including front wipers and washers), vehicle structure, and other safety-related items on the body, chassis or engine.
- A roadworthy doesn't tell you whether non-safety accessories like the air conditioner or electric windows work, or whether the car is free of wear.
- VicRoads itself suggests a separate independent vehicle inspection if you want a comprehensive check of overall condition and reliability.
- A pre purchase inspection gives you a condition report, with photos and ratings, before you commit.
What is a roadworthy certificate in Victoria?
VicRoads calls it a Certificate of Roadworthiness, also known as a "roadworthy" or "RWC". It shows that a vehicle is safe enough to be used on public roads.
When is a roadworthy needed?
According to VicRoads, a roadworthy is required whenever a vehicle is sold, when it's being re-registered, and to clear some defect notices. VicRoads also notes that some vehicles are exempt from needing one.
Who issues a roadworthy?
A roadworthy can only be issued by a licensed vehicle tester operating from a nominated garage or service station, when the tester believes the vehicle is roadworthy. A roadworthy certificate is only issued when the vehicle passes the inspection, and it must be issued by a licensed vehicle tester in Victoria to be accepted by VicRoads.
How long is a roadworthy current?
VicRoads says a roadworthy is current for 30 days from the date of issue, and it can be used more than once for registration or transfer within those 30 days. VicRoads also points out that this doesn't mean the vehicle will stay roadworthy for those 30 days.
What a roadworthy checks
VicRoads describes the roadworthy inspection as a check that key components are in good enough condition for safe road use. It includes:
- wheels and tyres
- steering, suspension and braking systems
- seats and seatbelts
- lights and reflectors
- windscreen and windows, including front wipers and washers
- vehicle structure
- other safety-related items on the body, chassis or engine
What a roadworthy doesn't tell you
This is the part buyers most often miss. VicRoads states that the roadworthiness test isn't a check of the mechanical reliability or general condition of a vehicle. According to VicRoads, a roadworthy does not mean that:
- the vehicle complies with all of the Australian Design Rules
- the items checked will keep working after the inspection (VicRoads gives the example of a brake light that can stop working at any time afterwards)
- non-safety accessories such as the air conditioner, rear window demister, electric windows and rear-window wipers are working
- the vehicle is in top condition without any wear or deterioration
VicRoads goes on to say that if you want a comprehensive check of a vehicle's overall condition and reliability, you should arrange a separate independent vehicle inspection.
What a pre purchase inspection adds
A pre purchase inspection is designed for the buyer. Its focus is "Is this car in the condition I'm paying for?" rather than only "Is it safe enough to register?"
A wider look at condition
Depending on the inspection level, a PreBuyCheck mechanic looks at the engine bay and fluids, transmission, underbody, steering and suspension, brakes, tyres, body and paint, interior and electrical features, and road tests the car where possible. For a full rundown, see what a pre purchase car inspection includes.
Evidence you can see
You get a detailed photo report with condition and star ratings. The photos show you the issues the mechanic found, which is useful when you're deciding whether to go ahead or talking to the seller about price.
Convenience for the buyer
Our qualified mechanics come to the car. We arrange the time with the seller, and you don't need to attend. Turnaround is fast, so you can make a decision before someone else buys the car.
What it still can't do
No inspection is certain to find every fault. Intermittent problems and internal engine or gearbox wear may not show up on the day. A pre purchase inspection reduces your risk and gives you better information. It doesn't predict the future.
Roadworthy vs pre purchase inspection at a glance
| | Roadworthy certificate (RWC) | Pre purchase inspection | |---|---|---| | Main purpose | Shows a vehicle is safe enough for public roads | Shows the buyer the car's overall condition | | Who it's for | Needed for sale, re-registration and some defect notices | The buyer, to help with the decision | | Issued by | A licensed vehicle tester at a nominated garage or service station | An independent mechanic of your choice | | Covers non-safety accessories? | No, according to VicRoads | Yes, functional checks of features like air-con and windows | | Overall condition and wear? | No, according to VicRoads | Yes, rated in the report | | Report | A roadworthy certificate if the vehicle passes | Photo report with condition and star ratings |
Do you need both?
Often, yes. Most sellers of a registered car will provide a roadworthy because it's generally needed to sell and transfer the vehicle. A roadworthy tells you the car met safety requirements on the day it was tested. A pre purchase inspection tells you about the rest: wear, leaks, past repairs, accessories, and how the car drives.
A few practical tips:
- Check the date on the roadworthy. Remember it's current for 30 days from issue.
- Don't treat an RWC as a condition report. VicRoads is clear that it isn't one.
- Inspect before you pay. Book the inspection before handing over money or signing anything.
Book an independent inspection
A roadworthy is the minimum safety check. A pre purchase inspection helps you understand what you're actually buying. Book a pre purchase inspection with PreBuyCheck. Our mechanic goes to the car anywhere in metro Melbourne. Check our service areas.
FAQ
Is a roadworthy the same as a pre purchase inspection?
No. VicRoads says a roadworthy shows a vehicle is safe enough to be driven and isn't a check of mechanical reliability or general condition. A pre purchase inspection looks at the car's overall condition for the buyer.
How long is a roadworthy valid in Victoria?
VicRoads says a roadworthy is current for 30 days from the date of issue.
The car already has a roadworthy. Do I still need an inspection?
It's worth considering. VicRoads itself recommends a separate independent vehicle inspection if you want a comprehensive check of overall condition and reliability.
Does a roadworthy check the air conditioning?
No. VicRoads lists non-safety accessories such as the air conditioner, rear window demister, electric windows and rear-window wipers as items a roadworthy doesn't confirm are working.
Can PreBuyCheck issue a roadworthy certificate?
No. Our inspections are pre purchase condition reports for buyers, not roadworthy certificates.