A vehicle inspection report, sometimes called a safety check or safety certificate, is an official document that details the condition of your car. It’s put together by a licensed inspector and covers all the key areas to make sure your vehicle meets road safety standards.

In Australia, certain states require a vehicle inspection report for things like buying, selling, or transferring ownership, as well as when registering or re-registering a vehicle. It’s also necessary when periodic inspections are due. Depending on where you are, the inspection checks whether your car is roadworthy and meets safety regulations. Getting your car through the inspection can help you avoid expensive repairs down the line and keep it safe to drive.

What is involved in a vehicle inspection?

A thorough vehicle inspection looks at all the important areas to make sure your car is roadworthy and safe. The inspector will check things like the engine, transmission, brakes, tyres, and underbody, among other key components. They’ll also take the car for a road test to assess its performance on the road. If there are any issues or concerns, they’ll be flagged in the report, so you know exactly what needs attention to keep your car in top shape.

How to get a vehicle inspection report

Getting a vehicle inspection report is pretty straightforward. Start by reaching out to a trusted vehicle inspector, either by phone or by booking online through reliable services like Yellow Pages. You can choose to take your car to the inspection site or have a mobile inspector come to you. Once the inspection is done, the inspector will note any issues, take the necessary photos, and provide you with a detailed report on your vehicle’s condition.

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Vehicle inspection requirements by state

Each state and territory in Australia has specific laws and requirements when it comes to vehicle inspections or automotive checks. Below is an overview of the inspection and safety check requirements in each region.

ACT Car Rego Check

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), certain situations require a vehicle inspection. These include:

• Vehicles over 6 years old requiring a transfer of ownership

• Interstate vehicles transferring registration, regardless of age

• Vehicles whose registration expired or was cancelled over 12 months ago

• Vehicles issued with a defect notice

• Brand new vehicles needing registration

• Vehicles running on LPG or CNG, which require annual inspections

Additionally, the ACT implements a random vehicle inspection system, meaning any vehicle can be randomly inspected in car parks or other road-related areas, regardless of whether it is occupied. If issued a defect notice, the vehicle must be inspected and cleared within 14 days.

New South Wales (NSW) Rego Check

In New South Wales, a vehicle safety check is required if your car is more than five years old and you need to renew its registration. Once the inspection is completed, you’ll receive an e-Safety Check, which allows you to renew your registration online or by phone.

Northern Territory (NT) Rego Renewal Requirements

From 9 February 2026, the old rule requiring inspections for vehicles over three years old no longer applies. Roadworthy inspections for light vehicles in the NT will only be required for vehicles 7 years and older when ownership is transferred, registration is reinstated after more than 12 months unregistered, or the vehicle is first registered in the NT. There are no changes for heavy vehicles, commercial passenger vehicles, modified vehicles, or trailers 750 kg or less.

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Car Safety Certificate in Queensland (QLD)

In Queensland, a Car Safety Certificate confirms that a vehicle has passed a minimum safety standard inspection. This certificate must be displayed when selling any light vehicle. It applies to both unregistered second-hand vehicles and registered interstate vehicles.

There are some exemptions for certain situations. For example, if selling to or between licensed motor dealers, or if the vehicle is unregistered, a safety certificate is not required. Additionally, if the vehicle transfer meets one of the following exemption criteria, a QLD car safety certificate is not necessary:

• The vehicle is located in an exempt area
• The transfer is from a beneficiary of a deceased estate
• The transfer occurs between spouses
• The vehicle is in a remote location

For further details, contact the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Vehicle Inspection in South Australia (SA)

In South Australia, privately owned vehicles typically do not require an inspection, even when transferring registration. However, there are certain situations where a roadworthy inspection is mandatory, such as:

• The vehicle has a non-standard engine
• The construction of the vehicle has been modified
• The vehicle is a bus with a capacity of 13 or more passengers
• The vehicle has been issued a defect notice
• The vehicle is imported, originally right-hand drive, and requires exemption from compliance plate fitting
• The vehicle was originally left-hand drive and needs conversion
• The vehicle is brand new and needs a compliance plate
• The vehicle has been registered in another state, is seven years old, and weighs 4.5 tonnes or more
• The vehicle has been written off and subsequently repaired
• The vehicle is used in country regions or for carrying 12 or fewer passengers for hire or reward
• The vehicle is a rally car or street rod
• The vehicle has modifications to its brakes, steering, or suspension

For these cases, a roadworthy inspection must be conducted before the vehicle can be registered.

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TAS Rego Check

In Tasmania, a safety inspection is required if you’re registering or re-registering your vehicle. The following situations require a vehicle inspection:

• Transferring registration from interstate

• The vehicle’s previous registration expired or was cancelled more than three months ago

• The vehicle was written off and has been repaired

• The vehicle was converted from left-hand drive to right-hand drive

Once the inspection is complete and your vehicle meets the required standards, you can proceed with registration.

VIC Rego Check: Certificate of Roadworthiness

In Victoria, a Certificate of Roadworthiness (VIC rego check) is mandatory when selling or re-registering a vehicle, whether it’s from interstate or another source. A safety inspection is required to obtain this certificate. Additionally, the certificate will be required if a defect notice or notice of unroadworthiness has been issued. This ensures the vehicle complies with road safety standards before it can be sold or re-registered.

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