A vehicle safety inspection is a government-recognised check that confirms your car meets minimum roadworthiness: tyres, brakes, steering, lights, windscreen and basic structure. It’s used to register, re‑register or transfer a vehicle, or clear a defect notice, and it isn’t a full mechanical diagnosis. Names vary by state — NSW pink slip (eSafety), blue slip (AUVIS) or VIIU, Queensland safety certificate, Victoria roadworthy certificate, WA vehicle examination — but the goal is the same.
This guide brings 2025 vehicle safety inspection costs into one place, state by state. You’ll get price ranges and each jurisdiction’s official fees and validity periods, what’s checked (and what isn’t), when inspections are required (renewals, transfers, re‑registration, write‑offs), and how rules apply to heavy vehicles, motorcycles, caravans and trailers. We’ll also cover where to book — government stations, AIS sites and mobile providers — plus prep tips, ways to avoid re‑inspection fees and what it means for insurance. Let’s start with the types of inspections.
Types of vehicle inspections in Australia and how they differ
Australia uses the same concept but different labels and triggers for inspections. In practice, they cluster into a few types, with some priced by government schedules (NSW/QLD/ACT) and others set by testers (Victoria). Motorcycles, caravans and trailers are often captured as light vehicles; heavy, modified and commercial vehicles can have extra requirements. Choosing correctly avoids delays and unexpected vehicle safety inspection cost.
- Safety/roadworthy check: For renewal or transfer; NSW pink slip, QLD safety certificate, VIC roadworthy.
- Safety and identity checks: For unregistered/expired or interstate vehicles; NSW blue slip (AUVIS) and VIIU.
- Defect/modified/heavy/public examinations: Clear defect notices or meet special schedules; WA taxis/buses annually, ACT heavy at Hume.
- Optional pre‑purchase inspections: Non‑regulatory, provider‑run condition checks (NRMA, RAC, RedBook, mycar, JAX).
What a vehicle safety inspection covers (and what it doesn’t)
A roadworthy or safety check is a visual and functional assessment against minimum standards. Inspectors focus on safety‑critical items, and in identity checks (NSW blue slip) they also verify VIN and compliance. Knowing what’s in scope helps you avoid a second vehicle safety inspection cost for re‑inspection.
- Tyres and wheels: tread depth and condition.
- Brakes: foot brake and park/emergency brake.
- Steering and suspension: play, wear and leaks.
- Electrics and lights: headlights, indicators, brake and hazard lights, horn.
- Glazing and visibility: windscreen, wipers/washers, windows, mirrors.
- Restraints and structure: seatbelts/mounts and rust or damage that affects safety.
Inspectors will also check number plates and, where required (e.g., NSW AUVIS), identity/VIN. It doesn’t include comprehensive diagnostics, engine/transmission teardown, service history, cosmetic issues that don’t affect safety, or valuation reports.
How much does a vehicle safety inspection cost? National ranges for 2025
Across Australia in 2025, the vehicle safety inspection cost for a standard light vehicle typically sits between about $42 and $101, depending on the state and whether you need a basic safety check or a safety‑and‑identity check. NSW sets regulated fees for pink and blue slips (~$42 and ~$66 inc GST), Queensland’s government‑set safety certificate is $101.10 for light vehicles, and the ACT charges $85.90 for a light vehicle inspection. Repairable write‑offs in NSW attract a separate Vehicle Identification and Inspection Unit (VIIU) fee of $70 booking plus $454 for the first inspection. Victoria pricing is set by licensed testers (varies by age, type and condition); in WA, examination fees vary by location. Heavy vehicles cost more than light vehicles everywhere.
New South Wales: pink slip, blue slip and VIIU costs in 2025
NSW has three main inspection types. Pink slip (eSafety) is for registration renewals on light vehicles over five years old. Blue slip (AUVIS) is a safety and identity check for unregistered/expired or interstate vehicles. VIIU inspections apply to repairable write‑offs and some high‑risk cases. Light vehicles cover cars, motorcycles and trailers/caravans ≤4.5t ATM. For NSW drivers, here’s what you’ll typically pay in 2025 and how long each lasts.
- Pink slip (eSafety): about $42 inc GST; valid 6 months; results lodged electronically; fix failures before renewing.
- Blue slip (AUVIS): about $66 inc GST; valid 42 days; identity/VIN check; for unregistered, expired/cancelled or interstate vehicles.
- VIIU: repairable write‑offs/high‑risk; $70 booking + $454 first inspection.
These NSW vehicle safety inspection costs give you a baseline; next up is Queensland’s safety certificate fees.
Queensland: safety certificate inspection fees in 2025
In Queensland, the required check is a Safety Certificate. You’ll need one when selling a registered light vehicle, transferring registration, transferring an interstate vehicle to QLD plates, or re‑registering an unregistered vehicle. The good news is the vehicle safety inspection cost is fixed by the Queensland Government in 2025, so you know what you’ll pay and it won’t vary by provider. Certificates are electronic; inspections occur at Approved Inspection Stations (many offer mobile service). Under specific conditions you can drive an unregistered vehicle to the inspection; if it fails, use an Unregistered Vehicle Permit to reach a repairer.
- Light vehicles ≤4.5t GVM (CL): $101.10
- Over 4.5t to 16t GVM: $141.90
- Over 16t GVM: $177.50
Victoria: certificate of roadworthiness costs in 2025
In Victoria, the required check is a Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC). Unlike other states, fees aren’t government‑set; licensed vehicle testers set their own pricing. That means the vehicle safety inspection cost in 2025 varies by the vehicle’s age, type and condition, and whether a re‑inspection is needed. An RWC is typically required to sell a vehicle, re‑register a used vehicle or clear a defect notice, with some exemptions applying.
- Who can issue it: Only a licensed vehicle tester.
- Pricing: Tester‑set; ask for an itemised quote. Repairs are separate to the inspection fee.
- Validity: For transfer/registration, the certificate is valid for 30 days from issue.
- If it fails: You have 7 days to fix listed items and return; after 7 days a full inspection is required again.
- Where to book: Any licensed vehicle tester (most mechanical workshops that advertise RWCs).
Western Australia: vehicle examination fees in 2025
In Western Australia, the check is a Vehicle Examination. You’ll need one to license a vehicle in WA, clear a compliance notice (yellow sticker), after certain modifications, for vehicles subject to annual examinations (buses, taxis, driving‑instructor vehicles), or to license a repairable write‑off. The vehicle safety inspection cost isn’t fixed statewide; fees differ between Metro and Regional sites, and opening hours vary by location.
- Where to book: DVS Vehicle Examination Centres or Approved Inspection Stations; personal imports must attend DVS.
- Unregistered travel and annuals: Obtain a Temporary Movement Permit to drive to the exam; annual‑exam vehicles are notified by letter to the registered address.
South Australia: when inspections apply and typical costs in 2025
South Australia takes a lighter approach than most. Routine checks aren’t required for standard renewals, but inspections apply if a vehicle is modified, defective, written‑off or falls into specific heavy or passenger‑service categories.
- Modifications: non‑standard engine, structural changes, brakes/steering/suspension.
- Compliance/identity: imported without compliance plate, LHD, seating change.
- Defects and write‑offs: defect notice, repaired economic write‑off.
- Passenger services: hire/reward vehicles ≤12 seats; buses 13+.
- Heavy transfers: >4.5 t GVM/ATM, 3+ years, being transferred.
- Interstate heavy: >7 years and ≥4.5 t unladen, moving to SA.
A $24 booking fee applies to all inspections (some exemptions). The vehicle safety inspection cost itself is set by the SA Government and varies by vehicle class and inspection type, with heavy and commercial categories costing more than light vehicles.
Tasmania: AIS inspection costs in 2025
Tasmania doesn’t require a roadworthy for private sale, but an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) check may be needed to re‑establish rego or in set scenarios. If your Tas rego expired under three months, you can usually back‑pay renewal without an inspection.
- Registration expired 3+ months
- Ex‑mainland vehicles
- Ex‑government auction purchases
- Cancelled registration
- Repairable write‑offs — three levels of inspection (two if wrecked); statutory write‑offs cannot be re‑registered
Contact an AIS for a firm quote. Confirm the total vehicle safety inspection cost, any re‑inspection charges and lead times, especially for multi‑stage write‑off checks, before you book.
Australian Capital Territory: inspection fees and validity in 2025
In the ACT, a roadworthy inspection is required when you transfer ownership of a vehicle over six years old, bring an interstate vehicle onto ACT plates, clear a defect, establish registration, or if rego has expired for 12+ months. Fees are government‑set. Inspections happen at Authorised Inspection Stations or at Access Canberra’s Hume test station for certain vehicle classes.
- Fees in 2025: Motorcycle $65.90; Light vehicle $85.90; Heavy (>4.5‑t GVM) $196.30.
- Validity: Certificates are valid for 30 days from issue.
- Book at Hume: Not an AIS if the vehicle is over 4.5‑t GVM, a public vehicle, modified, imported, or lacks a compliance plate.
Northern Territory: inspection schedule and fees in 2025
The NT ties roadworthy timing to vehicle age and class rather than every sale. Light vehicles generally need inspections at five years and ten years, with older vehicles moving to annual checks. Commercial passenger vehicles (CPVs) have extra obligations. The vehicle safety inspection cost in the NT isn’t centrally published; pricing varies by vehicle class and inspection type, so confirm when booking with an MVR test shed or an authorised inspector.
- Light vehicles ≤4.5 t GVM: Inspection at 5 years and 10 years; annually once 10+ years old.
- Heavy vehicles/trailers >4.5 t GVM/ATM: Annual inspections (some new rigid trucks up to 24 t excepted).
- Small trailers (≤750 kg ATM): Checks from 5 years and again at 10 years.
- CPVs (taxis, rideshare, limos, minibuses): Annual roadworthy plus a CPV inspection.
Heavy vehicles, motorcycles, caravans and trailers: fees and rules in 2025
Rules and fees shift by vehicle class. Heavy vehicles and public‑service vehicles cost more and may face annual checks; motorcycles, caravans and trailers are usually treated as light below set mass limits. When budgeting your vehicle safety inspection cost, remember these 2025 specifics.
- Heavy vehicles: QLD $141.90 (4.5–16 t), $177.50 (>16 t); ACT $196.30. WA buses/taxis annual; SA heavy transfers (>4.5 t, 3+ yrs) inspected.
- Motorcycles: Treated as light in NSW; ACT $65.90. QLD requires a Safety Certificate for sale/transfer/re‑registration.
- Caravans/trailers: NSW ≤4.5‑t ATM counts as light; QLD 750 kg–3,500 kg ATM need a Safety Certificate; NT eligible trailers checked at 5 and 10 years, then annually 10+.
When you need an inspection: transfer, renewal, re-registration and write-offs
Inspections aren’t universal; they’re triggered by specific events. Across Australia you’ll need a check when ownership changes, when reviving an unregistered or interstate vehicle, to clear a defect notice, or after significant modifications. Some jurisdictions add renewal checks (NSW pink slip for light vehicles over five years), age‑based schedules (NT), and special obligations for heavy and passenger‑service vehicles. Knowing the trigger up front helps you plan timing and your vehicle safety inspection cost.
- Transfer or sale: QLD Safety Certificate; VIC Certificate of Roadworthiness; ACT transfer if the vehicle is over six years old.
- Renewal: NSW pink slip (eSafety) for light vehicles over five years old.
- Re‑registration/unregistered/interstate: NSW blue slip (AUVIS); QLD Safety Certificate; TAS AIS to re‑establish rego; WA Vehicle Examination to license.
- Write‑offs/high‑risk: NSW VIIU (booking + inspection fee); WA licensing of repairable write‑offs; SA repaired economic write‑off inspections.
- Defects/compliance notices: WA yellow sticker clearances; VIC defect clearance; ACT defect clearances; SA defect notices.
- Modifications/imports/identity: WA after body/engine/dimension changes; SA non‑standard engines/structural/seating changes; ACT imported/no compliance plate or modified vehicles at Hume.
- Heavy/public vehicles: QLD government‑set heavy fees; ACT public vehicles at Hume; WA taxis/buses annual exams; SA heavy transfers (>4.5 t GVM/ATM, 3+ years).
How long certificates last and what happens if you fail
Inspection certificates are time‑limited. If yours expires before you lodge your rego, transfer or clearance, you’ll need a fresh inspection and fee. If you fail, you must repair the listed items and return for re‑inspection; rules and charges vary by state, so confirm upfront and book repairs quickly.
- NSW pink slip (eSafety): valid 6 months; no renewal until faults are repaired.
- NSW blue slip (AUVIS): valid 42 days from the inspection date.
- Victoria RWC: valid 30 days; 7 days to fix and return, otherwise a full re‑inspection applies.
- ACT certificate: valid 30 days from issue.
- QLD failures: you can use an Unregistered Vehicle Permit to drive the vehicle to a repairer; otherwise arrange towing.
Where to book near you: government stations, AIS sites and mobile providers
Where you book depends on your state, vehicle class and the type of check. Most light‑vehicle inspections happen at Authorised Inspection Stations (AIS) or licensed testers, while government test centres handle heavy, modified and identity‑sensitive cases. Confirm booking requirements, any re‑inspection fees and lead times before you schedule.
- NSW: AIS/AUVIS stations; VIIU via booking.
- QLD: Approved Inspection Stations; mobile available.
- VIC: Licensed vehicle testers (RWC).
- WA: DVS centres or AIS.
- SA: Government sites; $24 booking.
- TAS: Approved Inspection Stations (AIS).
- ACT: AIS or Hume station.
- NT: MVR test sheds or authorised inspectors.
Pre‑purchase inspection costs: provider price ranges (NRMA, RAC, mycar, RedBook, JAX)
If you’re buying a used car and want more than a government roadworthy, pre‑purchase inspections are sold by private providers. Expect a higher vehicle safety inspection cost than a pink slip/RWC, but with detailed reports, photos, road tests and often mobile service. Here are typical 2025 price points and inclusions from major brands.
- NRMA: Mobile pre‑purchase inspections from $185.
- RAC (WA): Standard cars priced $293–$325 (<10 yrs), $333–$370 (10–25 yrs); non‑standard from $372–$414.
- mycar: Pre‑purchase inspection from around $249.
- RedBook Inspect: Tiered packages (Lite, Standard, Ultimate) with mobile service and digital reports; pricing varies by package.
- JAX Tyres & Auto: Standard safety inspection $59–$69 (complimentary with any purchase); check store for pre‑purchase scope/pricing.
Compare inclusions (photos, OBD scan, history report, travel fees) before you choose, not just the headline price.
How to prepare for your inspection: paperwork and pre-checks to avoid re‑inspection fees
Turn up organised and fix simple faults first to avoid re‑inspection fees that inflate your vehicle safety inspection cost. Inspectors can’t pass what they can’t identify or safely test. Use this quick prep list.
- Paperwork: licence, ownership/authority, renewal/transfer/defect notice, mod approvals.
- Make identity easy: VIN/compliance plate clean and matching; plates secure/legible.
- Electrics: all lights (incl. number‑plate) and horn; no dash warnings.
- Tyres/brakes/leaks: sound tread/pressure, park brake holds, no fluid leaks.
- Visibility/test: clear windscreen, wipers/washers, seatbelts, mirrors; remove loose items; fuel; wheel‑lock key.
Money‑saving tips to reduce inspection and compliance costs
To keep your vehicle safety inspection cost down, focus on timing and preparation. Smart bookings, a quick home pre‑check and choosing the right site can avoid repeat fees and transport costs. Use these practical tips to pay the minimum, pass first time and keep your compliance on schedule.
- Use government‑set fees: In NSW, QLD and the ACT prices are regulated—don’t pay above schedule.
- Lodge within validity: NSW pink 6 months; blue 42 days; ACT/VIC 30 days—act before expiry.
- Fix cheap faults first: Bulbs, wipers, borderline tyres and loose plates often trigger fails.
- Confirm re‑inspection costs: Get the return policy and any fees in writing before you book.
- Cut transport costs: Consider mobile inspections to avoid towing/permit fees; in VIC, get itemised quotes from licensed testers and compare repair pricing separately.
Inspections and car insurance: what it means for cover, claims and premiums
A roadworthy/pink or safety certificate — and the vehicle safety inspection cost you pay — proves the car met minimum standards on the day; it doesn’t normally change premiums. Insurers rate on driver, vehicle, usage and claims history. If a car is unroadworthy or illegally modified and that contributes to a crash, a claim can be reduced or declined. For interstate transfers, re‑registration or repaired write‑offs, expect to provide inspection evidence.
- Disclose usage: rideshare, courier, taxi, business.
- List mods/accessories and keep approvals/certificates.
National Cover offers tailored cover with claims support and 365‑day assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about the vehicle safety inspection cost and process? Here are the answers Australians ask most when booking a pink slip, safety certificate or roadworthy. Use these to pick the right inspection, budget correctly and avoid paying for a second visit.
- Are prices fixed? NSW, QLD and ACT fees are regulated; VIC by tester; WA by location.
- How long is it valid? NSW pink 6 months; NSW blue 42 days; VIC/ACT 30 days.
- Can I drive unregistered to an inspection? In QLD you can under specific requirements; otherwise use a permit or tow.
- Do fees include repairs? No—inspection only; repairs and parts are extra.
- What if I fail? Fix listed items and return; VIC allows 7 days before full re‑inspection.
- Do pre‑purchase checks replace a roadworthy? No—useful for buyers, but not a government certificate.
- Where can I book? AIS/licensed testers or government stations; mobile options in QLD and via providers.
Key takeaways
Across Australia, inspection type and price hinge on your state, vehicle class and trigger (renewal, transfer, re‑registration or defect). Certificates are time‑limited and failures must be repaired before you can proceed, so plan the booking window and prep the car to pass first time, especially for heavy, modified and write‑off cases where costs rise quickly.
- NSW: pink about $42 (6 months); blue about $66 (42 days); VIIU $70 booking + $454 first.
- QLD: light‑vehicle Safety Certificate $101.10; fees government‑set; mobile AIS common.
- VIC: tester‑set pricing; 30‑day validity; fix fails in 7 days or full re‑inspection.
- ACT: motorcycle $65.90; light $85.90; heavy $196.30; 30‑day validity.
- Prep smart: fix bulbs, wipers and tyres; book within validity to avoid second fees.
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