When buying, selling or re-registering a vehicle in Victoria, a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is often essential. But for many drivers, the process can feel confusing — especially if your vehicle has received a defect notice or hasn’t been inspected in years.
At Bonola Automotives in Greensborough, we make the process straightforward. As an independently owned Repco Authorised Service centre, we provide comprehensive Roadworthy Inspections and defect repairs all in one convenient location. In many cases, repairs can be completed within the allowed grace period, helping customers avoid paying for an additional inspection.
Whether your vehicle needs minor adjustments or more extensive repairs, our experienced technicians can assess, repair and help return your car to a roadworthy condition quickly and efficiently.
A Roadworthy Inspection is a safety check designed to confirm that a vehicle meets Victoria’s minimum safety standards for use on public roads. It focuses on components that directly affect vehicle safety and roadworthiness rather than the overall mechanical condition of the vehicle.
A licensed vehicle tester will inspect critical systems including:
A Roadworthy Certificate confirms the vehicle met the required safety standards at the time of inspection.
If you’re preparing your vehicle for a Roadworthy Inspection in Victoria, it’s worth knowing exactly what the inspection covers. Vehicle Standards Information (VSI) 26 – Roadworthiness Requirements is the official guideline that sets out the roadworthiness standards used by Licensed Vehicle Testers under the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021. It covers important areas including tyres and wheels, steering and suspension, brakes, lights, body and structural components, seatbelts and other safety-related equipment. VSI 26 applies to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonnes or less. A Roadworthy Inspection is focused on safety and roadworthiness at the time of inspection, rather than being a full mechanical condition or reliability check.
Failing a Roadworthy Inspection does not necessarily mean your vehicle is unsafe to drive immediately, but it does mean certain items need attention before a certificate can be issued.
Common reasons vehicles fail include:
At Bonola Automotives in Greensborough, we can carry out the required repairs promptly and efficiently. Because we handle both inspections and repairs in-house, customers avoid the inconvenience of visiting multiple workshops.
A defect notice is issued when police or transport authorities identify a vehicle with safety-related issues or illegal modifications. These notices usually come with a timeframe — often referred to as a grace period — for repairs to be completed.
Defect notices may relate to:
Our team can inspect the vehicle, explain the defects clearly, complete the necessary repairs and help guide you through the reinspection process. That’s why choosing a workshop like Bonola Automotives is beneficial.
A few simple checks can reduce the likelihood of failing a Roadworthy Inspection:
Keeping service records up to date can also help identify recurring issues before they become serious defects.
Does a Roadworthy Inspection check the engine?
Not completely. The inspection mainly focuses on safety-related items. However, serious oil leaks, excessive smoke or engine issues affecting safety may cause the vehicle to fail.
Can modified vehicles still pass a Roadworthy Inspection?
Yes — provided modifications comply with Victorian regulations. Illegal ride heights, wheel sizes, exhaust modifications or lighting changes may require correction before approval.
How long does a Roadworthy Inspection usually take?
Most inspections take between 45 minutes and 90 minutes depending on vehicle condition and whether repairs are required. All Roadworthy Inspections must be booked in, in advance.
Can uneven tyre wear indicate other problems?
Absolutely. Uneven wear often points to suspension, steering or wheel alignment issues which may also affect roadworthiness.
Why do vehicles often fail for oil leaks?
Oil leaks can contaminate suspension bushes, braking components and road surfaces. They may also indicate more serious mechanical problems if left unresolved.
If your vehicle needs a Roadworthy Inspection, defect repairs or safety-related repairs, trust the experienced team at Bonola Automotives in Greensborough. We provide reliable inspections, practical advice and efficient repairs to help keep your vehicle safe, compliant and ready for Victorian roads.
Book your Roadworthy Inspection with Bonola Automotives today and experience the convenience of a genuine one stop automotive workshop.
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