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In Victoria, this is called Certificate of Roadworthiness or commonly called a RWC
VIC pillar guide

Victoria roadworthy guide: Certificate of Roadworthiness

In Victoria the roadworthy is officially called the Certificate of Roadworthiness, commonly called a RWC. It typically costs $150–$220 for a car (average around $185), and is valid 30 days from issue.

Official term
Certificate of Roadworthiness
Common name
RWC
Validity
30 days from issue
Typical car fee
$150–$220
Re-inspection window
14 days
Government source
VicRoads, Roadworthy certificates

Need an inspection in Victoria?

Pick your vehicle type to see what's required and find a mobile inspector.

Car4WD / UteMotorcycleLight trailerMedium trailerHeavy trailerCaravanCamper trailerMotorhomeHorse floatTruckPrime moverSemi-trailerBusTaxi / RideshareImported vehicleModified vehicleDefect clearancePre-purchase inspection

What it's called in Victoria

In Victoria the roadworthy is officially the Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC). Required when selling a registered vehicle, re-registering, or transferring from interstate. Valid 30 days only, time it tightly to your sale date.

The official document is the Certificate of Roadworthiness, in everyday speech the RWC. Both names refer to the same regulatory inspection.

When you need one

  • Selling a registered vehicle to a new owner
  • Transferring registration of an interstate vehicle into Victoria
  • Re-registering an unregistered vehicle
  • Following a major defect notice (yellow or red sticker)
  • After repairs to a written-off vehicle

How long it's valid

A RWC in Victoria is valid 30 days from the date of issue. Time the inspection close to the sale or registration date, once the certificate expires, you must inspect again at full cost. Mobile inspectors who work weekends are especially useful when a sale is taking longer than expected.

What it costs

A standard car RWC in Victoria costs $150–$220, with an average around $185. Mobile inspectors charge a small premium over fixed-station rates to cover travel time, usually $20–$40, and may apply a same-day or weekend loading on top. Heavier vehicles, motorhomes and HVRAS-required jobs cost significantly more because of the time involved and the inspector's specialist authorisation.

What gets checked

The regulator's checklist for a light vehicle in Victoria covers approximately ten major categories. The inspector works through each one and records pass or fail per item.

  1. Brakes, pedal feel, lines, parking brake
  2. Tyres, tread, condition, matched fitment
  3. Steering and suspension, play, bushes, dampers
  4. Body and chassis, structural rust, mounting integrity
  5. Lights, all functioning, aim within tolerance
  6. Wipers and washers, clear sweep, working jets
  7. Windscreen, no cracks in driver wiper arc
  8. Seatbelts, operate and lock correctly
  9. Glazing, laminated windscreen, tint within limits
  10. Identification, VIN matches the registration

What happens if it fails

  • You have **14 days** to rectify and re-present at the same Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT) for a re-inspection.
  • The Certificate of Roadworthiness is valid only 30 days from issue, so even passing the inspection does not buy unlimited time before the sale.
  • Time the inspection close to the agreed sale date, many sellers re-do an RWC because the buyer takes longer than 30 days.
  • Re-inspection inside 14 days is typically half rate; outside, full rate.

Mobile vs fixed: pros and cons

Mobile pros

  • Mobile RWCs in Melbourne are widely available and often cheaper than the dealer alternative
  • Inspector comes to your driveway or workplace, useful for cars that are hard to drive between stations
  • Same-day options across Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat
  • No need to take time off work to drop a car off at a fixed station

Mobile cons

  • Travel fees apply outside core metro suburbs
  • A clean, well-lit driveway is preferred, some operators will not work in heavy rain without cover
  • Heavy vehicles and HVRAS-required jobs are separate

Heavy vehicles, caravans and motorcycles

Heavy vehicles in Victoria are inspected under VicRoads' heavy vehicle framework rather than the standard RWC. Buses, trucks over 4.5 tonnes GVM, and vehicle combinations require an HVRAS-approved examiner.

Motorcycles need a motorcycle-authorised LVT for the RWC. Confirm at booking.

Caravans and trailers under 4.5 tonnes ATM use the standard RWC framework. LPG-equipped vans require a separate Gas Compliance Certificate at sale.

Government source

For the current authoritative text, fees and forms, see VicRoads, Roadworthy certificates.

Find a mobile RWC provider in Victoria

Reservoir
Craigieburn
Point Cook
Berwick
Melbourne
Pakenham
Werribee
Glen Waverley

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Victorian RWC valid?
A Certificate of Roadworthiness in Victoria is valid 30 days from the date of issue. Time it tightly to the sale date, once it expires, you must inspect again at full cost.
Do I need an RWC to sell my car in Victoria?
Yes. The seller is required to provide a current RWC at the point of transfer. Selling a registered vehicle without one is an offence and the buyer can refuse to complete the transfer.
How much does an RWC cost in Victoria?
Mobile RWCs in Victoria typically cost $150–$220 for a car. Fixed Licensed Vehicle Testers may be marginally cheaper but you must drive the car to them.
Can a mobile inspector issue an RWC?
Yes. The Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT) authorisation is held by both fixed and mobile operators. The inspector logs the certificate electronically with VicRoads.
What happens if my car fails the RWC?
You receive a written defects list. You have 14 days to rectify and re-present to the same LVT for a re-inspection at half rate. Outside 14 days, it is treated as a fresh inspection.
Is an RWC the same as a service?
No. An RWC is a regulatory inspection of safety items, it does not replace or include routine servicing. A car can pass an RWC and still be due for an oil change.
Do I need an RWC for an interstate transfer into Victoria?
Yes. Any vehicle being registered in Victoria for the first time, including interstate transfers, requires a current RWC.
Do new cars need an RWC?
New cars sold by a licensed dealer do not require an RWC at first sale because they are covered by the dealer’s compliance plate and supply chain. Subsequent private sales do.
Can I drive my car between an RWC fail and a re-inspection?
Generally yes, provided registration is still current and there is no defect notice. The RWC fail itself does not suspend registration.