How To Get a Roadworthy Certificate

February 3, 2023

It’s important to make sure your car is in good working order before taking it out on the road. You can do this by getting a roadworthy certificate (RWC). Here’s what you need to know about RWCs.

What is a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)?

A roadworthy certificate is a safety certificate for cars given out by authorised inspectors in Australia. Whenever you buy or sell a vehicle, an RWC certifies that the vehicle is in safe condition for use on public roads.

When Should You Get an RWC Inspection Done on Your Vehicle?

When it comes to keeping your vehicle safe, getting an RWC inspection is a must. The RWC inspection checks that the vehicle meets all safety standards set by the government. 


But when should you get one? Before buying or leasing a new or used car, you should ensure a roadworthy inspection is carried out and a certificate provided. A RWC makes sure everything is up to date and running correctly, if something was to go wrong down the road, then you’re covered!

What are the Steps in Getting a Roadworthy Certificate?

To get an RWC, you’ll have to head over to a qualified vehicle tester who will inspect your car to ensure it meets safety standards. The inspection includes checking the suspension, braking system, tyre condition, steering system and more. The vehicle tester will meticulously look around (including under the hood) for any signs of physical damage and check that all systems are functioning correctly. They’ll let you know if anything needs fixing, as the repairs must be completed before getting a certificate. Once the tester is certain your car passes all criteria, they’ll sign off on your approval.

List of Documents Needed to Get a Roadworthy Certificate

Knowing what documents you need to bring will take all the hassle out of getting an RWC. To get you on the right track, here’s a handy list of things you’ll need:


  • Valid proof of ID such as your driver’s licence
  • Registration paperwork
  • Any relevant receipts
  • All keys for the vehicle, including spare keys if available
  • A valid Safety Certificate for the vehicle, which a qualified certifier has completed


A roadworthy certificate gives you peace of mind that your vehicle is safe and running at its best. Cars need to be inspected for a roadworthy certificate every time they change ownership or if they are more than 30 years old.


Once you have your RWC, you can rest assured that your car is safe to drive on Australian roads. So, remember that if you’re buying or selling a car, you’ll need an RWC! Book a roadworthy certificate inspection with 
Hervey Bay Brake & Exhaust today on (07) 4124 3166.

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