What a warrant inspection covers

The WoF inspection is a general safety check. The aspects checked are set out in our Vehicle inspection requirements manual (VIRM) and include:

• tyre condition (including tread depth)
• brake operation
• structural condition (rust is not allowed in certain areas)
• lights
• glazing (is your windscreen safe?)
• windscreen washers and wipers
• doors (do they open and close safely?)
• safety belts (must not be damaged or overly faded; buckles must work properly)
• airbags (if fitted)
• speedometer (must be working)
• steering and suspension (must be safe and secure)
• exhaust (there must be no leaks and the exhaust must not be smoky or louder than the original exhaust system)
• fuel system (there must be no leaks).

If you’ve modified your car, motorcycle, van or other light vehicle you may need low volume vehicle certification. Find out if you’ll need a certificate plate and how to get one.

What a warrant is not

A WoF is not a pre-purchase inspection. It doesn’t include many areas of a vehicle’s condition. For example it doesn’t check:

• engine, clutch, gearbox and differential
• lubricant levels and condition
• brake pad thickness or life expectancy
• paint work condition and rust in non-structural areas.

To book  your car in for a warrant click here

It’s your job is to keep your vehicle in Certificate of Fitness condition at all times.

For example, while the tyres on your vehicle may pass on the day of your certificate inspection, you’ll need to replace them as soon as the tread gets to the minimum depth. If you wait until the next inspection you run the risk of receiving a fine.

What a Certificate of Fitness inspection covers

The CoF inspection is a general safety check, similar to that of a WoF. Approved testing station inspectors check the aspects set out in our vehicle inspection requirements manual (VIRM) including:

• tyre condition (including tread depth)
• brake condition and operation
• lights (are all bulbs working? do lights comply?)
• glazing (is your windscreen safe?)
• load restraints such as load anchorages, log bolsters, or curtain systems for condition and applicable certification
• speedometer (must be working)
• structural condition (rust is not allowed in certain areas)
• windscreen washers and wipers
• doors (do they open and close safely?)
• safety belts (must not be faded or damaged; buckles must work properly)
• airbags (if fitted)
• towing connection condition and certification
• certificate of loading (display and validity)
• transport service licence number (if required)
• steering and suspension (must be safe and secure)
• exhaust (there must be no leaks and the exhaust must not be smoky or louder than the original exhaust system)
• fuel system (there must be no leaks).

If your vehicle is required to operate under a transport service licence (eg goods vehicles 6000kg or over, vehicle recovery vehicles or large passenger vehicles) then you must provide your transport service licence number to the inspector before the CoF will be granted. See Factsheet 47: Transport service licences for more information about who requires a transport service licence.

What a Certificate of Fitness is not

A Certificate of Fitness is not a pre-purchase inspection. It doesn’t include many areas of a vehicle’s condition. For example it doesn’t check:

• engine, clutch, gearbox and differential
• lubricant levels and condition
• brake pad lining (unless visible) or life expectancy
• paint work condition and rust in non-structural areas.

Other vehicle requirements

As well as six-monthly CoF inspections you need:

• a certificate of loading. This states the various required weight ratings, such as axle and tyre ratings; and the maximum number of passengers for passenger service vehicles. It’s usually on the front windscreen or in the cab
• a road user charges licence for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (3500kg) or if powered by diesel or another fuel not taxed when sold
• an approved hubodometer for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (3500kg).

Your vehicle also must pass ‘walk-round’ condition checks – the categorisation of defects tests that we or the Police carry out during audits and roadside/weigh station inspections. Any defects identified during these tests can result in you receiving an instruction to repair the vehicle or to park it up. If the defect is serious you may receive a non-operation order issued as a green or red sticker.

Drivers and operators of freight and passenger transport services may also need to hold a transport service licence. Find out more.

Expiry dates

Your Certificate of Fitness starts from the date your vehicle passes inspection and expires six months later.

If the inspection is completed a few days before the label expiry date, we may extend the new expiry date (up to 28 days) to equal the number of days left on your old Certificate of Fitness.

When your vehicle fails its Certificate of Fitness inspection

If your vehicle fails a CoF inspection you cannot drive it on the road unless you’re taking it somewhere to get it repaired or get a new CoF – and it’s safe to do so.