Western Australia roadworthy guide: WA Vehicle Examination
In Western Australia the roadworthy is officially called the WA Vehicle Examination. It typically costs $80–$150 for a car (average around $115), and is valid event-based (issued for the transaction at hand, not on a calendar).
Need an inspection in Western Australia?
Pick your vehicle type to see what's required and find a mobile inspector.
What it's called in Western Australia
Western Australia does not require an annual roadworthy. Inspections are needed when a vehicle is over 12 years old at change of ownership, re-licensing an unregistered vehicle, or as directed by DoT.
The official document is the WA Vehicle Examination. Both names refer to the same regulatory inspection.
When you need one
- Selling or transferring a vehicle that is over 12 years old at the time of sale
- Re-licensing an unregistered vehicle
- Transferring a vehicle into WA from interstate
- After a written-off vehicle has been repaired
- When the Department of Transport directs an examination
How long it's valid
Western Australia does not operate a calendar-based validity for routine inspections. The inspection is required at the trigger event (sale, transfer, re-registration, or response to a defect notice) and is consumed by that event. There is no rolling validity to manage.
What it costs
A standard car WA Vehicle Examination in Western Australia costs $80–$150, with an average around $115. 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 Western Australia covers approximately ten major categories. The inspector works through each one and records pass or fail per item.
- Brakes and braking system
- Steering and suspension
- Tyres, wheels and bearings
- Body and chassis structural integrity
- Lights, indicators and reflectors
- Wipers and washers
- Windscreen and glazing
- Seatbelts and restraints
- Exhaust and emissions equipment
- Identification (VIN, engine numbers)
What happens if it fails
- WA does not operate the same fixed re-inspection window as the eastern states.
- A failed examination is recorded by the inspector; rectification is required before the inspector will pass the vehicle.
- For sale-related examinations, the inspection must be passed before the transfer can complete.
- Some inspectors offer a discounted re-inspection if you return promptly with the listed items rectified.
Mobile vs fixed: pros and cons
Mobile pros
- Mobile examiners travel across the Perth metro area and many regional centres
- Convenient for sellers in suburbs distant from Department of Transport-approved fixed stations
- No need to drive an unregistered vehicle to an examination station
Mobile cons
- Travel fees apply outside the inspector’s base radius
- Heavy vehicle examinations have a smaller pool of authorised mobile inspectors
- Government-run inspection centres exist for some examinations and do not have a mobile equivalent
Heavy vehicles, caravans and motorcycles
Heavy vehicles in Western Australia (over 4.5 tonnes GVM) are examined under a separate framework administered by the Department of Transport. The pool of authorised heavy vehicle inspectors is smaller and bookings can run a week or two ahead.
Motorhomes, caravans and motorcycles use the standard light vehicle examination framework when under 4.5 tonnes. LPG-equipped vans require a separate Gas Compliance Certificate at sale.
Government source
For the current authoritative text, fees and forms, see Department of Transport WA, Vehicle examinations.