Getting a Roadworthy in Shepparton: How It Works
The quick answer
How do I get a roadworthy certificate in Shepparton?
Book it with us and we organise it all. A licensed roadworthy tester inspects your vehicle first, we repair only what it needs to pass, then it goes back for the tick and your certificate is issued.
- You only pay for repairs the tester says are needed
- One workshop from start to finish
- Cars, utes, 4WDs, vans and light commercials
Selling your car, transferring registration or bringing a vehicle back on the road in Victoria usually means one thing: you need a roadworthy certificate.
The good news is it doesn't have to be a hassle. Here's how a roadworthy works, what gets checked, and how to make sure you only pay for the repairs your vehicle actually needs.
When do you need a roadworthy certificate in Victoria?
You'll generally need a roadworthy certificate (RWC) when you:
Sell a registered vehicle
Transfer registration to a new owner
Re-register a vehicle that's been unregistered
Register an interstate vehicle in Victoria
Clear certain defect notices
Rules can vary depending on your situation, so check VicRoads if you're not sure.
What does a roadworthy check cover?
A roadworthy checks that your vehicle is safe to drive on the road. The tester looks at things like:
Tyres and wheels
Brakes
Steering and suspension
Lights and indicators
Windscreen, wipers and windows
Seats and seatbelts
Body and structure, including rust
It's a safety check, not a full mechanical inspection. A car can pass a roadworthy and still need a service, so it's worth booking both if it's been a while.
How a roadworthy works at Paulo's Automotive
We keep it simple. You book once and we organise the rest:
Book in. Book online or call us on (03) 5821 1066.
Inspection first. A licensed roadworthy tester we work with inspects your vehicle and lists anything that won't pass.
Repairs. We explain what needs fixing and why, then repair it properly.
Back for the tick. Your vehicle goes back to the tester for sign-off, and your certificate is issued.
Why the tester inspects before we do any repairs
Some workshops repair first and test later. We do it the other way around, on purpose.
When an independent licensed tester inspects your vehicle first, they decide what needs fixing, not the workshop doing the repairs. That means you only pay for the repairs your vehicle actually needs to pass. No guesswork, no extras.
Common reasons cars fail a roadworthy
In our experience, these are the usual culprits:
Worn tyres, or tyres with damage to the sidewall
Brakes: worn pads, scored discs or a soft pedal
Blown globes: headlights, brake lights, indicators and number plate lights
Windscreen cracks or chips in the driver's line of sight
Worn suspension parts such as bushes, ball joints or shocks
Oil or fluid leaks
Warning lights on the dash
Get ready: a few checks you can do yourself
Before your roadworthy, take five minutes to:
Walk around the car with the lights and indicators on
Check your tyre tread and look for bulges or cuts
Test your wipers and washers
Make sure every seatbelt clicks in and retracts
Note any warning lights on the dash
If you spot something, let us know when you book and we'll keep an eye on it.
Paulo's Automotive, Shepparton
Need a service or repair? We'll look after it.
Locally owned since 2002, Repco Authorised and across the road from Lincraft. Book online or call our local team.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a roadworthy certificate valid for?
When you're selling or transferring a vehicle in Victoria, a roadworthy certificate is generally only valid for a limited time after it's issued, so get it close to when you plan to sell or register. Check VicRoads for the current rules for your situation.
Is a roadworthy the same as a pre-purchase inspection?
No. A roadworthy only checks that a vehicle is safe to drive. It doesn't check the engine, gearbox or overall mechanical condition. If you're buying a used car, a full inspection gives you a much better picture.
Can you do roadworthies on utes, 4WDs and vans?
Yes. We organise roadworthies for cars, utes, 4WDs, vans and light commercial vehicles.
What if my car fails?
That's normal, and it's how the process works. The tester gives us a list of what needs fixing, we explain it to you, repair it properly, and send it back for the tick.
Ready to book? See our roadworthy certificates page, or call us on (03) 5821 1066.
