A Certificate of Roadworthy test is required when a vehicle is sold, if a used vehicle is to be re-registered or, in some cases to clear a Vehicle Defect Notice. A Certificate of Roadworthy test can only be issued when a vehicle is passed by a licensed vehicle tester, operating from a nominated garage or service station. A certificate is only issued when a vehicle passes the inspection.

The cost of obtaining a certificate is not fixed and can depend on the age, type and the condition of the vehicle.

The roadworthy test is not a complete assessment of a vehicle’s compliance with the Standards for Registration, which in most cases are the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The ADRs are set a set of minimum standards for the construction of motor vehicles and trailers.