Before you trade keys, sign papers, or say ‘deal done,’ there’s one odd little document that decides if your car is even allowed to move. The Roadworthy Certificate.
And in Victoria, this piece of paper is not a formality. It is a stamp of permission. Without it, your sale, transfer or even your plans to hit the road could stall before they start.
Let us break down what it really means, who is paying for it, what gets poked and prodded during the check, and why the wrong call here could leave you shelling out far more than you think.
The Real Cost of a Roadworthy in Melbourne
The price is not printed on the certificate itself, but it is written in the peace of knowing your car is legally drivable.
In Melbourne, the cost of an RWC is not set by VicRoads and is dependent on the individual licensee offering the service. As all businesses have different overheads, not all prices are the same. Other factors that affect pricing include the type of car, its age and its condition. High-end cars, commercial vehicles or anything with modifications can attract a higher fee.
Here is what people rarely factor in:
● The inspection fee does not cover repairs. If the car fails the check, any required repairs are separate.
● Some cars pass on the first go. Some do not. If it fails, you have 14 days to get everything fixed and re-checked. And yes, you could be charged again for the second inspection.
● Mobile inspections often cost more than workshop ones. But they save you the towing drama if your car is not legally drivable.
For a vehicle that is genuinely safe and well maintained, it is a tick-box step. For one hiding issues, it can be a money pit or a wake-up call, depending on how you look at it.
Who Actually Pays for the Certificate in Victoria
Let us clear this up because it is one of the murkiest assumptions out there.
In private sales, it is typically the seller who foots the RWC bill. That is because a car legally cannot be transferred without one.
But here is where it gets interesting:
● The buyer and seller can technically agree to any arrangement. The seller can say “as-is” and make the buyer responsible. But that car will not be registrable until the buyer gets an RWC themselves.
● Dealers, by law, must supply a roadworthy when selling a registered car.
● Transferring registration between names? You will need a current RWC. So if Dad is handing down the ute or you are buying from a mate, someone still has to cough it up.
Who pays is negotiable. But without it, you are not going anywhere.
What Is Actually Checked on a Roadworthy in Victoria
An RWC is not a deep mechanical analysis. It is focused on safety. And that is where it gets serious.
Here is what is put under the magnifying glass:
● Tyres and Wheels: Tread depth, damage and rim condition
● Brakes: Operation, brake pads, fluid leaks
● Steering and Suspension: Stability, leaks, unusual movements
● Lights and Indicators: Visibility and function
● Seats and Seatbelts: Secure fittings and smooth operation
● Windscreen and Wipers: Chips, cracks and visibility
● Exhaust and Emissions: Secure mountings and safe emissions
● Body and Chassis: Structural integrity, rust, damage
● Vehicle ID and Number Plates: Proper display and matching numbers
It is all about checking whether the vehicle is safe to drive on public roads.
Can You Sell a Car Without a RWC
Yes. And no.
If the car is unregistered or you are selling it for parts, you can technically sell it without an RWC. But if it is still registered and you want the buyer to legally drive away, then no, you cannot.
Trying to get around this usually leads to one of these outcomes:
● The buyer knocks down the price to account for RWC uncertainty.
● The sale drags on while you both scramble for inspections and repairs.
● You waste time on ads and enquiries from people who will not touch a car without an RWC.
It is far smoother, faster and legally sound to have the certificate in hand.
Is a Roadworthy Required to Transfer Rego in Victoria
Short answer? Yes.
Longer answer? Even if the car was roadworthy a week ago and you are transferring it to a family member, VicRoads needs a current RWC unless you are transferring between spouses or domestic partners.
People often assume a car’s recent sale history makes it exempt. It does not. Every new registered owner needs to provide one, and if it is older than 30 days, it will not count.
And here is the kicker. If the RWC is missing, the car cannot legally be registered in the new name. That means no insurance, no tolls and if you are pulled over, you are staring down a fine.
What Most People Do Not Realise About the RWC Process
This is where things get surprisingly complicated and important.
● Mechanics can vary wildly in how strict they are. Some will pass things others will not.
● Not all damage is visible. Cars that have been in accidents can pass a quick look but fail during the RWC inspection due to hidden frame issues.
● A passed RWC is not forever. It is valid for 30 days in Victoria. After that, it is expired.
● One missed detail can derail your plans. Forget a working rear demister or your reverse lights are flickering? You are looking at delays and maybe another inspection.
Skipping this step or treating it casually can cost you time, stress and potentially legal issues.
Final Word
An RWC in Victoria is your ticket to transfer, sell, register and drive without a hitch. It saves you from unexpected costs, protects you legally and keeps your buyer from running into grief. Done the right way, it is quick, reliable and clears the path for whatever is next on your automotive journey.
If you want it done right, without the games and with full clarity, we at Roadworthy & You make sure you are covered start to finish.
Drive safely, sell confidently, and keep those wheels turning.
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