What is a Roadworthy Certificate
What is a Roadworthy Certificate (Pit Pass)?
A Roadworthy Certificate — commonly called a Pit Pass in Western Australia — is an official certificate issued by a licensed vehicle examiner confirming that a vehicle meets minimum safety standards for road use.
Why Do Imported Vehicles Need a Roadworthy Certificate?
In Western Australia, all vehicles being registered for the first time — including imported vehicles — must pass a roadworthy inspection before they can be registered with the Department of Transport WA.
This is a separate requirement from the Authorised Vehicle Verifier (AVV) inspection. You need both:
- AVV Inspection — verifies the vehicle complies with Australian Design Rules (ADR) and is recorded in ROVER
- Roadworthy Certificate (Pit Pass) — confirms the vehicle is safe to drive on WA roads
What Does a Roadworthy Inspection Cover?
The roadworthy inspection checks the vehicle's safety systems, including:
Braking System
- Brake pad/shoe condition and thickness
- Brake disc/drum condition
- Handbrake operation
- ABS warning light (if fitted)
Steering & Suspension
- Steering play and operation
- Suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers)
- Wheel bearings
Tyres & Wheels
- Tread depth (minimum 1.5mm)
- Tyre condition (no cuts, bulges, or damage)
- Wheel condition and fitment
Lights
- Headlights (high and low beam)
- Tail lights, brake lights, indicators
- Reverse lights
- Number plate lights
Windscreen & Wipers
- Windscreen condition (no cracks in driver's vision zone)
- Wiper operation and blade condition
Body & Structure
- No sharp edges or protrusions
- Door operation and latching
- Seatbelts — condition and operation
Engine & Emissions
- No excessive smoke
- No fluid leaks
Personal Import Vehicles
For personally imported vehicles, the roadworthy inspection is particularly important as the vehicle may have been designed to different specifications than Australian-market vehicles. Common issues include:
- Headlight beam pattern (may need adjustment for left-hand traffic)
- Speedometer calibration (km/h vs mph)
- Tyre specifications
Where to Get a Roadworthy Certificate in WA
Roadworthy inspections in WA are conducted by Approved Inspection Stations (AIS) licensed by the Department of Transport WA. You can find your nearest AIS on the DoT website.
Note: WAAVV provides AVV inspections (ROVER compliance), not roadworthy certificates. You will need to visit a separate AIS for your Pit Pass.
Process Summary
- Complete AVV inspection with WAAVV ✓
- Book a roadworthy inspection at a licensed AIS
- Receive your Roadworthy Certificate
- Register your vehicle at DoT WA