Need a roadworthy certificate Gold Coast to sell your car, re-register it, or transfer ownership? You’re in the right place. At Roadworthy Gold Coast, we take the stress out of compliance by offering fully licensed, mobile roadworthy inspections that come to you. Whether your vehicle is at home, work, or even parked in a shopping centre, we’ll meet you there and handle everything on the spot.

If you’re not sure what a roadworthy certificate involves, who needs it, or how to prepare for the inspection, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is a Roadworthy Certificate?

A roadworthy certificate (also called a safety certificate) is a legal document that confirms your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for use on Queensland roads. It’s issued after a qualified inspector has checked key components of your car to ensure it’s safe to drive.

You’ll need a safety certificate if you’re:

• Selling a registered vehicle
• Transferring ownership (even within your family)
• Registering a used or unregistered vehicle
• Moving a vehicle’s registration from another state to QLD

Once issued, the certificate is valid for a limited time and must be presented to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) when completing your paperwork.

What Does a Roadworthy Inspection Involve?

A roadworthy inspection isn’t a deep mechanical service — it’s a safety check designed to assess whether your vehicle is in suitable condition for use on the road. At Roadworthy Gold Coast, we follow TMR guidelines to inspect the following components:

Braking System

We check brake pads, rotors, callipers, fluid levels, and performance.

Suspension and Steering

Bushings, struts, springs, tie rods, and steering play are checked for wear or looseness.

Tyres and Wheels

Tread depth, even wear, correct tyre type, and overall condition — including the spare.

Lights and Electrical

Headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, and number plate illumination must all work correctly.

Windscreen and Wipers

No major chips or cracks in the driver’s line of vision. Wipers and washers must operate properly.

Seatbelts and Restraints

All seatbelts must function, lock, and retract properly. Any fraying or failure means non-compliance.

Mirrors and Visibility

Side and rear-view mirrors must be secure, intact, and provide clear visibility.

Structure and Body

The chassis and body must be free from significant rust, cracks, or damage that could affect safety.

Number Plates and VIN

Plates must be securely attached and clearly visible. VIN must match registration and be legible.

If everything checks out, we issue the roadworthy certificate immediately. If not, we’ll explain what needs to be fixed and help you through the next steps.

Who Can Issue a Roadworthy Certificate in Queensland?

Only approved inspection stations (AIS) and licensed mobile inspectors like Roadworthy Gold Coast can legally issue a roadworthy certificate. These inspectors are authorised by the Queensland Government to conduct inspections and certify vehicles that meet road safety standards.

Our mobile service offers the same legitimacy as a workshop, with added convenience — we come to your location, on your schedule.

How Long Is the Certificate Valid?

The validity of your roadworthy certificate depends on who you are:

• Private sellers: Certificate is valid for 2 months or 2,000 km (whichever comes first)
• Motor dealers: Valid for 3 months or 1,000 km

If your certificate expires before the sale or transfer is finalised, you’ll need to complete another inspection.

Mobile Roadworthy Inspections – Why They’re So Popular

Mobile roadworthy inspections have become the preferred option for car owners across the Gold Coast — and it’s easy to see why.

With Roadworthy Gold Coast, you get:

• No need to drive or tow your car
• No long workshop queues
• Appointments that fit your routine
• Same-day service available (where possible)
• Inspection at home, work, or roadside
• Fully licensed and insured examiners

We cover all major suburbs, including Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Robina, Varsity Lakes, Southport, Surfers Paradise, and surrounding areas.

Whether you’re selling a car from your driveway or registering a used vehicle you just bought, we’ll come to you and sort it out — fast.

Common Reasons Vehicles Fail the First Inspection

We want every client to pass the first time, but occasionally, vehicles don’t meet all requirements on the spot. These are some of the most common reasons:

• Worn-out tyres with low tread or cracking
• Faulty lights, including brake lights or indicators
• Suspension issues like worn bushings or loose joints
• Brakes that pull or make noise
• Windscreen damage in the driver’s field of view
• Seatbelts that don’t lock or retract properly
• Rust or corrosion near structural areas or suspension mounts

These issues can usually be repaired quickly. Once addressed, you can book a re-inspection and complete the certification.

How to Prepare for Your Roadworthy Inspection

To increase your chances of passing the inspection on the first visit, here’s a quick checklist you can run through:

• Test all lights and indicators.
• Check tyre condition and pressure (don’t forget the spare)
• Make sure windscreen wipers are working.
• Inspect for visible rust or loose panels.
• Ensure seatbelts are in good condition.
• Confirm the number plates are clean and secure.
• Clean your vehicle inside and out — a tidy car helps with visual inspections.

A little preparation can save you time and money in the long run.

When You Don’t Need a Roadworthy Certificate

There are a few exceptions where you don’t need a roadworthy certificate in Queensland:

• The vehicle is unregistered and will be towed or transported (not driven)
• The vehicle is being sold to a dealer or wrecker.
• The sale is between spouses.
• The vehicle is registered interstate, and the buyer will re-register it elsewhere.

However, even when not legally required, getting a safety check is still recommended if you want to ensure peace of mind — especially in private sales.

Why Locals Trust Roadworthy Gold Coast

At Roadworthy Gold Coast, we’ve built a reputation for making the roadworthy process simple, reliable, and professional. Here’s why more locals turn to us:

• ✔️ Licensed mobile inspectors approved by TMR
• ✔️ 7-day availability, including weekends and public holidays
• ✔️ No hidden costs or surprise fees
• ✔️ Clear reports, so you understand exactly what passed or failed
• ✔️ Friendly, down-to-earth service
• ✔️ Based in Palm Beach and serving suburbs across the Gold Coast

We take pride in offering a no-fuss solution that gets your vehicle certified and ready — with minimal disruption to your day.

Book Your Roadworthy Certificate Gold Coast Today

Need a safety certificate? Don’t wait in line at a workshop or deal with back-and-forth phone calls. Roadworthy Gold Coast brings the service to you — so you can get back to business, selling, registering, or just driving legally.