Frequently asked questions
The questions sellers, buyers and renewers ask most about mobile roadworthy inspections in Australia.
01What is a roadworthy?
A roadworthy is a regulator inspection of a vehicle's safety items, brakes, tyres, lights, structure, seatbelts, windscreen, exhaust. It confirms the vehicle meets the legal minimum for registration in your state. Each state has its own name: Safety Certificate (QLD), Pink Slip (NSW), RWC (VIC), Inspection Report (ACT), Vehicle Inspection (TAS / NT / SA), WA Vehicle Examination.
02Do I need a roadworthy to sell my car?
In Queensland and Victoria, yes, the seller must provide a current Safety Certificate or RWC. In NSW and the other states, a routine private sale of a registered vehicle does not require a roadworthy from the seller, though the buyer may need one if the vehicle is being re-registered or transferred from interstate.
03How long does a mobile roadworthy take?
A standard car inspection takes 30–45 minutes. Heavy vehicles, caravans and motorhomes can take 60–90 minutes. Add 10–15 minutes for paperwork at the end.
04What happens if my car fails?
You receive a written list of defects. In QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS and ACT you typically have 14 days to rectify the listed items and re-present the car for a discounted re-inspection at the same operator. Outside the 14 days, the inspection is treated as fresh and full fees apply.
05Can I get a roadworthy at home?
Yes. Mobile roadworthy operators travel to your driveway, workplace or dealership across all states. They hold the same authorisation as fixed-station inspectors and the certificate is identical.
06How much does a mobile roadworthy cost?
Costs depend on the state: NSW Pink Slip $47–$75, QLD Safety Certificate $90–$150, VIC RWC $150–$220, WA / SA / NT / TAS / ACT typically $80–$160. Mobile inspectors usually charge $20–$40 above fixed-station rates to cover travel.
07What is the difference between a roadworthy and a service?
A roadworthy is a regulatory inspection, it confirms the vehicle meets the legal safety standard. A service is a maintenance procedure, it changes oil, filters, spark plugs, brake fluid, and addresses wear before it becomes a fault. A car can pass a roadworthy and still be due for a service.
08What is the difference between a pre-purchase inspection and a roadworthy?
A roadworthy is pass/fail against the regulator standard. A pre-purchase inspection is a graded advisory report covering engine internals, transmission feel, accident history indicators and electronic fault codes, none of which a roadworthy tests. Buyers usually want both.
09Can I get a same-day roadworthy?
Yes, in capital cities. Most mobile operators in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide offer same-day slots if you book before about 11am. Same-day in regional areas is more like 24–48 hours. Same-day premium is typically $20–$40.
10What is checked in a roadworthy inspection?
Tyres (tread, sidewall), brakes (pedal feel, parking brake, lines), lights (head, tail, brake, indicator, reverse, plate), wipers and washers, windscreen, seatbelts, body and chassis (rust, sharp edges), exhaust, mirrors, horn, suspension, steering, vehicle identification.
11What is the most common reason cars fail?
Lights, particularly a blown brake-light or number-plate bulb. Worn tyres are second. Both are cheap to fix at home before the inspection, which avoids a $30–$60 re-inspection fee.
12Will a mobile inspector test-drive my car?
Most do a short low-speed roll to check brakes and steering. They do not road-test for performance or noise unless that is what you specifically booked.
13Do I need to be home during the inspection?
Yes, generally. The inspector needs the keys, access to the engine bay, and someone to operate the brake pedal and lights while they walk around. The whole inspection takes 30–45 minutes.
14Can I get a Pink Slip if I am not the registered owner?
Yes. The Pink Slip is tied to the vehicle, not the person. Anyone with the keys and the registration paperwork can present the car for inspection.
15Do new cars need a roadworthy?
New cars sold by a licensed dealer do not require a roadworthy at first sale because they are covered by the dealer's compliance plate. NSW Pink Slips begin from the 5-year anniversary of the vehicle's first registration.
16Can I get a roadworthy on a Saturday?
In capital cities, yes, most mobile operators offer Saturday slots, usually with a $20–$40 weekend loading. Sunday is much rarer and usually only for emergency same-day jobs.
17What is a Blue Slip and when do I need one?
A Blue Slip is a NSW Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection, more thorough than a Pink Slip. Required for re-registering an unregistered vehicle, registering an interstate vehicle in NSW, and after a written-off vehicle has been repaired.
18Do caravans need a roadworthy?
Caravans need an inspection at sale or transfer in most states (same framework as cars under 4.5 tonnes ATM). LPG-equipped caravans also need a separate Gas Compliance Certificate from a licensed gas worker.
19What is HVRAS?
Heavy Vehicle Roadworthiness Assessor Scheme. The national framework for inspecting vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM, trucks, buses, prime movers, heavy trailers. HVRAS-authorised assessors are a separate pool from light vehicle inspectors.
20Can I drive my car between a fail and a re-inspection?
In most states, yes, provided registration is still current and there is no concurrent defect notice. A roadworthy fail by itself does not suspend registration.
21How do I clear a defect notice?
Rectify every listed defect, then book a clearance inspection with an authorised operator before the deadline (typically 14–28 days). Most mobile roadworthy operators clear defect notices, confirm at booking.
22My car has aftermarket wheels. Will it fail?
Not automatically. The wheels must be the correct offset and load rating, sit within the guards, and not foul the suspension at full lock. Extreme camber or stretch will fail. Significant suspension changes need an engineer's certificate.
23Do tinted windows pass a roadworthy?
Front side windows must allow at least 35% visible light transmission across most of Australia. Front windscreen tint above the AS1 line fails everywhere. The Northern Territory permits darker tints than the southern states.
24Do interstate roadworthies work in my state?
No. Each state issues its own certificate and they are not interchangeable. A QLD Safety Certificate is not accepted in NSW; a VIC RWC is not accepted in QLD. You need a fresh inspection in the destination state.
25How do I find a mobile roadworthy near me?
Use the suburb search on this directory. Pick your state, then your suburb, and you will see every mobile operator who services that area, with same-day availability flagged where applicable.