In Queensland, a Safety Certificate (formerly known as a Roadworthy Certificate or RWC) is a mandatory document needed if you are selling a vehicle, re-registering an unregistered vehicle, or transferring registration to a new owner. It proves that your vehicle meets basic safety standards to be driven on public roads.

A standard mobile inspection typically takes between 40 to 60 minutes. We perform a comprehensive check of the vehicle on-site, and you'll receive your digital results immediately after completion. 

An inspection for a Mobile Roadworthy (Safety Certificate) is highly structured. The inspector follows a checklist mandated by the Department of Transport to ensure the vehicle is safe for the road.

Here is the breakdown of the specific parts of the vehicle that are inspected:

1. The Exterior & Body

• Lights: All exterior lights (headlights, high beams, indicators, hazards, brake lights, reverse lights, and license plate lights) must be functional and the lenses must not be cracked or faded to white.

• Body Integrity: No structural rust, jagged edges from damage, or loose body panels.

• Wipers & Washers: Wiper blades must be intact (not splitting), and the washer jets must spray water onto the screen.

• Windscreen: No cracks or large chips in the "driver’s line of sight" (an area about the size of a steering wheel directly in front of the driver).

2. The Interior

• Seatbelts: Every seatbelt is pulled out fully to check for frays, cuts, or fading. They must retract quickly and lock when tugged sharply.

• Seats: Must be securely bolted to the floor; the adjustment rails must lock into place properly.

• Dashboard Warnings: When you turn the key, the SRS (Airbag) and ABS lights must come on and then turn off. If they stay on, it’s an automatic fail.

• Controls: The horn must work, and the speedometer must be functional.

3. Under the Vehicle (Chassis & Driveline)

The inspector will usually use a heavy-duty jack to lift the car in your driveway to check:

• Steering: They check the "play" in the steering rack and ensure the power steering pump isn't leaking.

• Suspension: Shock absorbers are checked for leaks, and "bushes" (the rubber cushions between metal parts) are checked for cracks or perishing.

• Brakes: They measure the thickness of the brake pads and rotors. They also check the flexible brake hoses for cracks or leaks.

• Tyres: All tyres (including the spare if it's being used) must have at least 1.5mm of tread depth. They also check for "uneven wear," which suggests an alignment issue.

4. The Engine Bay

• Fluid Leaks: While a small "sweat" of oil is usually okay, any active dripping or a "covered in oil" engine will fail.

• Battery: Must be securely clamped down (it shouldn't move if shaken).

• Engine Mounts: Checked to ensure the engine isn't vibrating excessively or loose.

Don't panic! If your vehicle doesn't pass, we will provide a rejection report detailing exactly what needs to be fixed. You have a set window 14 days to repair the items and call us back for a re-inspection. Please note if your vehicle fails an inspection there is $40 call out fee.

We issue Digital Safety Certificates. The moment your vehicle passes, the certificate is uploaded directly into the Queensland Transport system, and a PDF copy is instantly emailed to you for your records. 

To make the process smooth, please ensure:

• The vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface.

• There is enough room to walk around the vehicle (approx. 1 meter).

• The vehicle is relatively clean (excessive mud can hide structural issues).

• You have the keys and access to the interior/engine bay

Yes! We can inspect unregistered vehicles so you can get them back on the road. However, please note that we cannot "test drive" an unregistered vehicle on public roads unless you have a valid Unregistered Vehicle Permit. 

Anywhere! We come to you. The inspector comes to your location, it could be your home, workplace, holiday resort or the local movie thertre. 

1. The Identification Check

The inspector starts by verifying that the car in front of them matches the paperwork. They will:

• Locate and record the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

• Check the engine number and compliance plate.

• Verify the odometer reading.

2. The Comprehensive Walkthrough

The inspector follows the Queensland Light Vehicle Inspection Manual (QLVIM). They are looking for "Roadworthiness," which is the minimum safety standard, not necessarily mechanical perfection.

• Tyres & Wheels: They check tread depth across the whole surface and look for any sidewall damage or "plugs" in the wrong place.

• Brakes: They inspect the pads and rotors for wear and check the brake lines for leaks. They will also test the handbrake (emergency brake).

• Suspension & Steering: The car is often jacked up to check for "play" in the steering, worn ball joints, and leaking shock absorbers.

• Lights & Electrical: Every exterior bulb must work—headlights (high and low beam), indicators, brake lights, reverse lights, and even the tiny license plate bulb.

• Body & Chassis: They look for structural rust or sharp edges from previous accidents. Surface rust is usually fine, but "pitting" rust in structural areas is a fail.

• Interior & Safety: Seatbelts are pulled to check for fraying or locking issues. They also check the horn, mirrors, and ensure the SRS (Airbag) and ABS lights on the dash turn off after the engine starts.

• Windscreen: They check for cracks, chips in the "primary vision area" (directly in front of the driver), and the condition of the wiper blades.

3. The Road Test

The inspector must take the vehicle for a short drive. They are listening for unusual noises and feeling for:

• Vibrations in the steering wheel.

• The car pulling to one side under braking.

• Proper speedometer function.