A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) in Victoria is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, or until the vehicle travels 1,000km – whichever comes first.
That’s the direct answer. Now here’s what that means in practice.
The 30-Day / 1,000km Rule Explained
When a licensed VicRoads tester issues a roadworthy certificate, it comes with two expiry conditions:
- 30 calendar days from the date printed on the certificate
- 1,000km of travel from the odometer reading at the time of inspection
Whichever of these two conditions is reached first makes the certificate expire. If you get an RWC today and drive 1,000km within two weeks, the certificate is no longer valid – even though the 30 days hasn’t passed.
This is why timing your roadworthy inspection matters.
What This Means for Sellers
If you’re selling a vehicle, get the roadworthy done close to when you expect to settle the sale. Getting one done weeks before you list the car and then driving it regularly means it could expire before the sale goes through – and you’d need to pay for another inspection.
Practical tip: Don’t get your RWC until you have a serious buyer. Once you’re at the point of a handshake deal, that’s the right time to book the inspection.
What This Means for Buyers
When a seller provides an RWC, check the date on it. If it was issued more than a few weeks ago, verify the odometer reading on the certificate against the current odometer. If the car has done more than 1,000km since the certificate was issued, or if 30 days have passed, the certificate has expired and the seller needs to get a new one before you can legally transfer the registration.
Never accept a photocopy or a screenshot of an RWC. The original document must be provided at the time of the sale.
When Does an RWC Expire Early?
The certificate expires before 30 days if:
- The vehicle travels more than 1,000km after the inspection
- The vehicle is involved in an accident that affects the inspected safety components
- The vehicle is modified after the inspection in a way that affects the safety components that were checked
In any of these cases, a new roadworthy inspection would be required.
Does a Registered Car Need an RWC?
No – a currently registered vehicle does not need an RWC to continue being driven or renewed. An RWC is specifically required when:
- Selling a registered vehicle (seller provides it to the buyer)
- Transferring registration to a new owner
- Re-registering a vehicle that has been unregistered for more than three months
- VicRoads requires one as a specific condition of registration
A registered car that you own and continue to drive in its name does not need an RWC until one of the above situations applies.
How Long Does the Roadworthy Inspection Take?
The inspection itself typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the vehicle. At Instant Auto Reach, we organise your roadworthy through licensed VicRoads testers and coordinate everything for you – you don’t need to find a workshop or manage the booking yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a roadworthy last in Victoria?
30 days from the date of issue or 1,000km of travel – whichever comes first.
Can a roadworthy certificate expire before 30 days?
Yes – if the vehicle travels more than 1,000km after the inspection, the certificate expires regardless of the date.
Does a roadworthy transfer to the new owner?
Yes – a valid RWC transfers with the vehicle at the time of sale, provided it has not expired. The buyer uses it to transfer registration into their name at VicRoads.
What if my RWC expires before I sell the car?
You’ll need a new roadworthy inspection. In Victoria, the seller is responsible for providing a valid RWC at the time of sale.
Is the 30-day/1,000km rule the same across all of Victoria?
Yes – this applies to all registered vehicles sold privately or through dealers anywhere in Victoria.
How long does a motorcycle roadworthy certificate last in Victoria?
The same rules apply – 30 days or 1,000km, whichever comes first.
Does a caravan need a roadworthy in Victoria?
Caravans (trailers) do require a roadworthy for registration transfer in Victoria. The same 30-day/1,000km validity applies.
Can I drive the car after the roadworthy expires?
If the vehicle is registered, you can still drive it – the registration remains valid. The expired RWC only becomes a problem if you’re trying to sell, transfer, or re-register the vehicle after the certificate has lapsed.
Book Your Roadworthy Certificate in Melbourne
Fixed $350 pricing. Licensed VicRoads testers. We handle all the coordination.
Available 7 days a week, 7am–7pm
