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Roadworthy inspections

A roadworthy inspection checks a vehicle’s key components meet a certain standard and that it is safe for road use.

Once the roadworthy inspection is completed you get a Certificate of Inspection stating if your vehicle has passed or failed the check.

What is included in the inspection

A road worthy inspection checks the vehicle's:

  • wheels and tyres
  • steering, suspension and braking systems
  • seats and seatbelts
  • light and reflectors
  • windscreen and front and rear windows
  • front wipers and washers
  • overall structure
  • identifying numbers - for example, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), chassis number, engine number
  • other safety related items on the body, chassis or engine.

A roadworthy inspection does not:

  • check the mechanical reliability or general condition of a vehicle
  • check non-safety related accessories, such as the air conditioner, rear window wipers, and rear window demister are working
  • mean the vehicle is mechanically sound
  • mean the items checked during the roadworthy inspection will continue to function after the inspection. For example, a brake light can stop functioning at any time after the inspection.

If you want a comprehensive check of your vehicle’s condition, you should get a separate inspection from a licenced motor vehicle repairer.

When you need a roadworthy inspection

You will need to get a roadworthy inspection and Certificate of Inspection if you are:

  • transferring ACT registration for a vehicle over 6 years old
  • changing interstate registration to the ACT
  • clearing a defect notice
  • presenting for a vehicle recall inspection
  • re-establishing a cancelled or lapsed registration
  • establishing new registration for a vehicle brought privately (not from a dealer)
  • renewing registration for public vehicles (for example, taxis, buses, hire cares, motorcycles and rideshare vehicles)
  • establishing or renewing heavy vehicle registration.

Certificates of Inspection are valid for one month from the initial inspection date.

In some cases you may also need a Vehicle Identity Inspection.

If your vehicle is not registered, or your registration has lapsed, you will need an unregistered vehicle permit to drive the vehicle to the roadworthy inspection. Find out how to get an unregistered vehicle permit.

New vehicles from an interstate Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer (LMVD)

If you purchased your vehicle brand new from an LMVD in another state or territory and you have a Type Approval Number (TAN), you may not need a roadworthy inspection.

To request a TAN, call the Access Canberra Vehicle Safety Standards team on 02 6207 7236 and provide them with your:

  • Vehicle Compliance Plate Approval (CPA) number
  • Vehicle Identified Number (VIN)
  • vehicle make and model
  • vehicle body type
  • engine size
  • motive power (kW).

Note: Some vehicles are not eligible for a TAN and will require a roadworthy inspection prior to establishment, VSS will be able to provide further information.

New vehicles purchased privately

If you purchased a vehicle outside the ACT from a private seller (not from a dealer) and the vehicle has a year of manufacture equal to or less than 10 years old you will need both:

  • a roadworthy inspection and
  • a vehicle identity inspection.

Find out more about a Vehicle Identity Inspection.

Where to get a roadworthy inspection

Where you can get a roadworthy inspection depends on the type of vehicle and how it is used.

Vehicles for private use or rideshare accredited

If your vehicle is not a public, heavy, modified or imported vehicle and falls into one of the above categories you can book a roadworthy inspection at:

If you book a roadworthy inspection at an authorised inspection station or licenced gasfitter you will need to provide your Certificate of Inspection and the following documents to an Access Canberra service centre.

What you will need to bring:

  • your roadworthy Certificate of Inspection
  • acceptable proof of identification
  • proof of ownership of the vehicle, such as a registration certificate or a receipt from the seller.

Vehicles used for rideshare

Vehicles used for rideshare must have:

  • an annual roadworthy inspection
  • an annual gas inspection if they use liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG).

Vehicles used for rideshare can be inspected at any authorised inspection station.

Vehicle which must be inspected at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station

Vehicles that are:

  • public vehicles (taxis, hire car and motor omnibus)
  • over 4.5 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM)
  • special purpose vehicles (SPV's)
  • modified vehicles and street rods
  • imported vehicles
  • left hand drive vehicles
  • vehicles with identifier discrepancies. more info: Vehicle Identity Inspections.

can only be inspected at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station in Hume.

Imported vehicles

Imported vehicles registered in the ACT

Complied under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

Imported vehicles, currently registered in the ACT with:

  • green compliance plates (vehicles produced in low volume)
  • yellow compliance plates (personally imported vehicles)

Complied under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018

  • Concessional RAV entry vehicles;
    1. Low ATM trailers
    2. Personal effects import
    3. Vehicles more than 25 years old

can be inspected at any ACT ACT authorised inspection Station.

Note: All other concessional RAV entry vehicles which are not listed in the pathways above, must be inspected at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection station in Hume.

Imported vehicles which are unregistered but were last registered in the ACT

Complied under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

  • green compliance plates (vehicles produced in low volume)
  • yellow compliance plates (personally imported vehicles)
  • magenta (purple) compliance plate (Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme)

Complied under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018

  • All concessional RAV entry vehicles other than Low ATM trailers

must be inspected at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station in Hume.

Imported vehicles registered in another state territory and/or establishing registration in Australia for the first time

Complied under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

  • green compliance plates (vehicles produced in low volume)
  • yellow compliance plates (personally imported vehicles)
  • magenta (purple) compliance plate (Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme)

must be inspected at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station in Hume.

Imported vehicles information resources

Booking an inspection at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station

You must book your inspection by calling 13 22 81 or visiting a Service Centre.

All vehicle inspections are undertaken by appointment only.

If your vehicle passes the inspection you may be able to establish registration immediately after, provided you are able to remove your interstate licence plates and you have all the necessary documentation, otherwise you can register your vehicle at any Access Canberra Service Centre within 30 days of the initial roadworthy inspection.

Note: No transactions will be performed at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station without a booking appointment.

What you will need to bring:

  • your vehicle’s registration number or current interstate numberplates where applicable
  • a debit or credit card to pay the inspection fee - the Inspection Station doesn't accept cash or cheque
  • tools to remove the interstate numberplates and attach the new ACT numberplates.

On the day of your inspection booking:

  • arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time.
  • go to reception to confirm your inspection requirements. Station staff will direct you to the appropriate inspection lane.
  • you must remain at the Inspection Station for the duration of the inspection. Staff may ask you to stay in your vehicle during the inspection process.