Registered testing station
Use a registered public or private vehicle testing station that is authorised for the class of vehicle being tested.
Roadworthy guide
Roadworthy Certificate South Africa
Current price guidance, documents, test requirements, inspection areas, common problems and a printable pre-test checklist for South African buyers and sellers.
The essentials in one minute
A roadworthy test is a safety examination carried out at a registered public or private vehicle testing station. It is not a full mechanical inspection and does not prove that a used car is fault-free or good value.
National guidance says to take the registration certificate, ID and prescribed fee and complete the ACR form. There is no single national test price: contact the station you plan to use and ask whether its quote includes the test, certificate issue and any retest.
What is a roadworthy certificate?
A roadworthy certificate is issued after a vehicle passes a roadworthiness test. The test considers whether the vehicle meets prescribed safety requirements for use on South African public roads at the time it is examined.
It is a safety examination, not a comprehensive technical or buyer's inspection. A vehicle can pass and still have worn components, service needs, accident repairs, intermittent faults or future repair costs that were outside the scope of the roadworthy test.
Same-day processing
National guidance says the application is processed on the same day, although booking, queues, repairs and retests can add time.
Safety and registration
The certificate supports registration and licensing where required, including during a used-vehicle ownership transfer.
Roadworthy certificate price in South Africa
There is no single nationwide price for a roadworthy certificate. The South African Government and Department of Transport direct motorists to contact the relevant testing station for the current fee. Prices can differ between municipalities, private stations, vehicle classes and locations.
Inspection fee
The station may charge a prescribed fee for examining the vehicle. Ask whether the quote applies to your exact vehicle class.
Certificate issue fee
Some published municipal tariffs separate the test fee from the fee for issuing the roadworthy certificate or notice.
Repairs and retesting
A failed test can create repair and retest costs. Ask how long a retest window lasts and whether a full or reduced retest fee applies.
A current municipal example—not a national price.
Mogale City currently publishes a vehicle roadworthy-test fee of R180 for “any other vehicle” and a separate R72 certificate-issue fee. This is a local public tariff and may change. Private stations and other municipalities can charge differently, so confirm the complete current amount before booking.
Questions to ask when requesting a price
- Does the quote include both the test and issue of the certificate?
- Does the price differ for a car, motorcycle, trailer, bus or heavy vehicle?
- Is booking required and is there a booking deposit?
- What happens if the vehicle fails?
- Is a retest included, discounted or charged at the full rate?
- Which payment methods does the station accept?
Roadworthy certificate requirements
National guidance says you should go to the testing station with the vehicle's registration certificate, an identity document and the prescribed fee, and complete the Application for Certification of Roadworthiness form, known as the ACR form.
| Document or item | Why it matters | Check before visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle registration certificate | Connects the vehicle, registration record and titleholder details. | Ask whether the station wants the original, a copy or both. |
| Acceptable identification | Identifies the applicant or person presenting the vehicle. | National guidance lists an ID; some stations also accept a valid driving-licence card. |
| Prescribed fee | Covers the test and any separately charged certificate issue. | Confirm the total and accepted payment method before arriving. |
| Completed ACR form | Applies for certification of roadworthiness. | Forms are available at testing stations and through official traffic-form sources. |
| Vehicle in testable condition | The examiner must inspect the vehicle's systems, equipment and identifiers. | Remove unnecessary loads and make sure the vehicle can be safely driven and examined. |
| Booking or station-specific documents | Local procedures can differ. | Ask about appointments, copies, proxy details and vehicle-class requirements. |
ACR form versus roadworthy certificate.
The ACR is the application you complete before the test. It is not the final certificate. After the vehicle passes, the testing station issues the relevant roadworthiness notice or certificate through the official process.
What does a roadworthy test check?
Western Cape Government roadworthiness guidance lists the following inspection areas. The exact testing method and acceptance standards are prescribed, so this overview should not be treated as the examiner's full technical standard.
Identification and documents
Vehicle identifiers, registration information and documentation are checked for consistency and acceptability.
Electrical systems
Lighting and other relevant electrical equipment must function correctly and safely.
Fittings and equipment
Windows, mirrors, safety belts and other required fittings and equipment are examined.
Braking system
The service and parking-brake systems are tested for safe operation and acceptable performance.
Wheels and tyres
Tyre condition, wheels and related components are examined for safety and suitability.
Suspension and undercarriage
The examiner checks relevant suspension, chassis and underbody components and condition.
Steering
Steering operation and components are examined for safe control and excessive wear or play.
Engine
The engine and relevant installation or operating condition form part of the examination.
Exhaust system
The exhaust and related components are checked for safe condition and operation.
Transmission, drive and instruments
Relevant transmission and drive components and required driver instruments are inspected.
Vehicle dimensions
The vehicle's dimensions and configuration are checked where applicable to its classification.
Overall testability
Identifiers and equipment must be visible and accessible enough for the authorised examiner to complete the test.
How to get a roadworthy certificate
Choose an appropriate testing station
Use a registered private or public vehicle testing station authorised for your vehicle class. Contact it before travelling to confirm booking, operating hours, documents and fees.
Confirm the complete price
Ask for the inspection fee, certificate-issue fee, retest terms and accepted payment methods. Do not assume an advertised figure includes every charge.
Prepare the documents and vehicle
Gather the registration certificate and identification, complete or obtain the ACR form and use the pre-test checklist to identify obvious problems.
Present the vehicle for examination
The authorised examiner will inspect and test the vehicle against the prescribed roadworthiness requirements. Follow station instructions and do not obstruct access to identifiers or components.
Repair and retest if it fails
Ask for the failure findings or defect list, clarify the retest deadline and confirm whether all items or only failed areas will be examined again. Use a competent repairer where needed.
Check the issued details
After a pass, check the vehicle identifiers, dates and other particulars on the issued notice or certificate. Keep the document safe for registration, licensing or sale records.
How long does the test take?
South African Government guidance says the application is processed on the same day. Western Cape Government guidance says the roadworthy test itself takes approximately 30 minutes.
That does not mean every visit will take only half an hour. Booking availability, queues, document checks, payment, vehicle class, failed items, repairs and retesting can extend the process. Build in additional time when a sale or registration deadline depends on the result.
Common problems to check before the test
The list below is a practical pre-test screen based on the systems that official guidance says are examined. It is not a national ranking of failure causes and cannot guarantee a pass.
Lights that do not work
Check headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, number-plate lights and warning lamps that are required to function.
Tyre or wheel problems
Look for obvious damage, severe or uneven wear, unsafe inflation, missing wheel fasteners and unsuitable tyre condition.
Brake concerns
Investigate weak braking, pulling, unusual noise, warning lights, fluid leaks or an ineffective parking brake before testing.
Windscreen and visibility faults
Check significant glass damage, mirrors, wipers, washers and anything that obstructs the driver's required field of view.
Seat-belt or fitting defects
Make sure required safety belts latch, retract and are not visibly damaged, and that required fittings are secure.
Steering or suspension symptoms
Do not ignore looseness, knocking, poor control, excessive play, severe pulling or visible damage beneath the vehicle.
Exhaust or fluid issues
Check for insecure or damaged exhaust components, excessive noise, obvious smoke and significant fluid leaks.
Identifier or document mismatch
Verify that the VIN, registration number and available vehicle particulars match the vehicle and documents before the appointment.
Do not use a roadworthy pass as a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
A buyer's inspection can examine service condition, diagnostic faults, accident repairs, wear, future maintenance and value questions beyond the roadworthiness test. Consider a separate inspection before buying an expensive, older, high-mileage or privately sold vehicle.
Roadworthy certificate sample: what should you check?
A public example of the final issued document is not always easy to find, and document presentation can change. The safe approach is to verify the information on the official notice or certificate you receive rather than relying on an image found online.
Illustrative field checklist
Check these details on the issued document
This is not a reproduction of an official certificate. It is a practical list of information to compare with the vehicle, registration record and transaction documents.
- Vehicle registration number
- VIN or chassis number
- Make, model or vehicle description
- Testing station details
- Test or issue date
- Result or certification status
- Certificate, notice or transaction reference
- Any conditions, remarks or relevant expiry information
Do not confuse the ACR form with the certificate
Search results for a “roadworthy certificate sample” may show the Application for Certification of Roadworthiness form. The ACR is the form used to apply for the test. The successful test result is issued afterwards through the testing station and official system.
Roadworthy certificate and change of ownership
South African Government and Department of Transport used-vehicle registration guidance lists a certificate of roadworthiness if the current certificate is older than 60 days. The vehicle must also be supported by the seller's registration certificate, proof of purchase and a valid licence, together with the buyer's registration documents.
Treat the 60-day reference as part of the registration-document requirement, not as a promise that every certificate can be used for every transaction for exactly 60 days. Confirm the current requirement with the registering authority that will process the transfer.
For the complete paperwork sequence, read the Change of Ownership Guide, the seller's NCO Form Guide and the buyer's RLV Form Guide.
Who should arrange and pay for the test?
The buyer and seller should agree this before completing the deal. Record who will book the test, pay the testing and certificate fees, pay for repairs, handle a failure and deliver the final document. A vague promise that the seller will “sort out roadworthy later” creates unnecessary payment and handover risk.
Vehicles that need periodic testing
National guidance says public-transport vehicles and heavy-load vehicles other than buses must be tested annually before licence renewal, while buses must be tested every six months. Private cars and light vehicles may have different periodic requirements, but roadworthiness remains relevant during ownership transfer and where otherwise required by law.
Printable tool
Check the vehicle before paying for the test.
Work through documents, identifiers, lights, glass, tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, belts, engine and exhaust. The checklist can be completed on screen or printed.
Open the roadworthy pre-test checklist
Confirm the local process before visiting.
Testing-station prices, appointment systems, document-copy rules, vehicle-class authorisation and retest arrangements can differ. Contact the station directly and confirm the latest requirements for your vehicle and purpose.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a roadworthy certificate cost?
There is no single national price. Contact the public or private testing station you plan to use and ask for the test fee, certificate-issue fee and retest terms. Published municipal tariffs can provide examples but should not be treated as nationwide prices.
What gets checked in a roadworthy test?
Official guidance lists vehicle identification and documentation, electrical systems, fittings and equipment, brakes, wheels and tyres, suspension and undercarriage, steering, engine, exhaust, transmission and drive, instruments and dimensions.
What must I take with me?
National guidance lists the vehicle registration certificate, an identity document and the prescribed fee. You must also complete the ACR form. Confirm whether the station needs originals, copies, a booking confirmation or additional details.
How long does it take?
The government says the application is processed on the same day, and Western Cape guidance says the examination takes approximately 30 minutes. Allow longer for booking, queues, administration, repairs or retesting.
Does a roadworthy certificate mean the vehicle is mechanically sound?
No. It is a safety examination, not a full technical inspection, warranty or buyer's condition report.
Is the certificate valid for 60 days?
Used-vehicle registration guidance refers to providing a roadworthy certificate when the current certificate is older than 60 days. Confirm how the authority processing your transaction applies this rule and whether any other timing requirement affects the vehicle.
What happens if the vehicle fails?
Obtain the failure findings from the testing station, repair the identified defects and confirm the station's retest deadline, scope and fee. Do not assume the original fee automatically covers unlimited retests.
Related guides and tools
Official sources
- South African Government: Roadworthy certificate
- Department of Transport: Roadworthiness
- Western Cape Government: Roadworthiness testing and inspection areas
- South African Government: Register a motor vehicle
- Department of Transport: Register a motor vehicle
- Mogale City: Vehicle testing station documents and published fees
- NaTIS: Road traffic related forms, including ACR
Last reviewed: 21 July 2026. This guide provides general information only and is not legal, mechanical or safety advice. Fees, forms, standards and local procedures may change. Confirm the current requirements with the vehicle testing station and registering authority involved before acting.