Roadworthy checklist - want to know what your vehicle will need before you get an RWC test?

Before you get a roadworthy, it's a good idea to inspect some of the items that will be checked. This will give you an idea of what might need to be replaced or adjusted before your car is approved as 'roadworthy' and could save you some time avoiding a failed roadworthy test.

Brakes roadworthy test requirements

• It is imperative that all brake components work correctly, are mounted securely, and are located appropriately and are free from visible wear, distortion or damage.
• Parking brakes and emergency brakes must work properly.
• Park brakes must be competent of keeping the vehicle stationary on any grade of hill up or down.
• Brake lights (warning signs) must be fitted correctly and functioning.
• Brakes system must be without leaks.
• Brake linings must not be worn down to the wear indicators.

Wheel and tyre roadworthy test requirements

• Rims and tyres should not have any cracks or damage that could cause failure.
• No dented, buckled, or unbalanced wheel/rims.
• If you have a temporary use spare tyre, it should be left as a temporary spare tyre and not be mounted to your car as a road wheel.
• All spoke wheels must have all spokes intact, straight, fitted and laced or tensioned properly.
• In the straight-ahead position, wheels and tyres shall not extend beyond the mudguards or contact any part of the vehicle during steering or suspension.
• Wheels must be securely fastened with the appropriate type and number of studs, nuts or both.
• At any point on the tread which is in normal contact with the road, a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm is required (other than at tyre tread indicators) Tyre tread wear indicators cannot contact the road surface if they are present. Tyre size must be compatible with the rim size. It is mandatory that retreaded tyres are marked with the retreader's ID and the word "retreaded" as well as any other markings required by the Australian standard.

Steering and suspension roadworthy test requirements

• The vehicle must not wander or pull left or right when driving straight ahead.
• Dust and grease seals, as well as all steering components, must be securely mounted and free from damage or excessive wear.
• Oil leaks should not be present in power steering fittings.
• Suspension components and the vehicles body must have adequate clearance between them.
• All types of pivots, joints, seals, mounts, and wheel bearings must be in good condition.
  Shock absorbers and struts must be free from leaks and securely mounted.

General vehicle roadworthy test requirements

• It is necessary for steering wheel covers to be securely fitted.
• There cannot be any deterioration to the point of affecting the performance of steering wheels, pedals, and control wheel knobs.
• Vehicles manufactured after 1 July 1988 must have a operating speedometer calibrated in km/h.
• All motor vehicles must have rear vision mirror capable of providing a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
• There must be one or more effective horns or warning devices installed on all vehicles.
• It is not acceptable to use plastic emergency caps for fuel filler caps. Proper fuel filler caps must be present, secure, and sealed properly.
• Car horn must be working correctly (warning signs).

Seats and seatbelts roadworthy test requirements

• Every seat must be intact, stable and contain no jagged points, hooks or claws sticking out, especially the drivers seat which must be free from any defect that could impede driving ability.
• Seat sliders must be functioning correctly.
• Any head restraints present must be secure and in a sound condition.
• Seatbelts must be present and Seatbelt webbing must be firmly secured and free from cuts, damage, wear, knots or fraying.
• Seatbelt components cannot be modified in any way.

Windscreen and windows roadworthy test requirements

• Glass that is necessary for the driver to see the road and other road users must be free from damage and cannot be altered to the extent that it interferes with safe driving.
• Although minor wear and tear can sometimes be approved, chips, scratches, or cracks in the windshield that impair the driver's vision are not acceptable.
• Windscreens primary vision area cannot be tinted to more than 70% in vehicles made after 1971.
• Tinting in the primary vision area of the windscreen must have been manufactured not via coating or tint films added after manufacture.
• Windscreen wipers must be installed properly and functioning effectively.
• Windscreen washer jets must be positioned correctly

Lights, signals and reflectors roadworthy test requirements

• All vehicles must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps (brake lights), position lamps, number plate lamps, and turn signal lamps (blinkers), and they must be in reasonable working order.
• The lenses or light covers must be in good repair, clean, undamaged, and not faded.
• Headlamp reflectors must be in good condition.
• All lamps and lights must be securely fitted and facing correctly.

Vehicle body and chassis roadworthy test requirements

• There must be no damage to the vehicle's structural components, cracks, faulty repairs or modifications, rust, or any other condition that could cause structural failure or safety related issues.
• Vehicle's floor should be physically sound and free of any loose material with no loose objects, rips or tears that could hinder the driver from being able to operate the vehicle safely.
• All door, boot, lid, bonnet, hatch and tailgate latches and latch mechanisms must be in correct working order.
• Vehicles with a tray type body require correctly installed mudflaps.
• Bumper bars must be securely fitted and designed to eliminate any sharp corners or protrusions.
• Towbars must be in good condition.