If you’ve ever sold a car in Victoria, you’ll know that it’s not just about finding a buyer and handing over the keys. There are a few legal steps you need to take, and one of the most important is securing a roadworthy certificate. Most people selling their car will eventually come across this requirement, and if you’ve spoken to mechanics in Mordialloc, chances are they’ve already told you it’s a must-have.
Getting a roadworthy certificate isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about proving your vehicle is safe, trustworthy, and ready for its next chapter. In this article, we’ll unpack exactly why having a roadworthy certificate is so important before you hand over your keys.
It’s a Legal Must-Have in Victoria
Let’s start with the obvious—you legally need a roadworthy certificate to sell a registered car in Victoria. This isn’t just a guideline or a suggestion; it’s a hard rule.
Whether you’re selling privately or through a dealership, VicRoads requires you to provide a valid certificate before ownership can be transferred. Without it, the buyer can’t register the car in their name, and the sale might fall through altogether.
The certificate is all about safety. It covers the basics—things like brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, and even your windscreen wipers. It doesn’t mean the car is perfect, but it does mean it’s safe to drive.
Skipping this step isn’t worth the risk. Apart from delaying the sale, it could land you in legal trouble. By getting it done early, you’re showing buyers that you’re serious and doing things the right way.
It Builds Buyer Confidence
Buying a used car can be nerve-wracking, especially for people who don’t know much about vehicles. When you present a current roadworthy certificate, you’re giving buyers peace of mind.
They don’t have to guess whether the car is in decent shape. The certificate proves it’s passed a professional inspection and meets all the minimum safety standards. That’s something they can trust, and trust is everything when money’s on the table.
In fact, buyers are more likely to engage—and pay a fair price—when they see that a car is already certified. It saves them time, removes doubt, and makes the decision easier. In short, it makes your car more attractive in a competitive market.
And let’s be real: when you’re trying to sell, anything that helps build confidence is a win.
It Makes the Whole Sale Process Easier
Selling a car involves paperwork, phone calls, test drives—and sometimes a fair bit of back and forth. But having a roadworthy certificate in Mordialloc simplifies a lot of that.
If you’ve already done the inspection, you can hand over the paperwork at the same time as the sale. There’s no waiting around for the buyer to organise their own check, and no awkward questions about whether the car is roadworthy.
You also avoid last-minute surprises. Imagine you’ve found a buyer, and then they take it to their own mechanic—only to be told it needs hundreds in repairs. That could mean a lost sale or tough negotiations.
By handling it upfront, you’re keeping things smooth, simple, and stress-free for everyone.
It Gives You a Chance to Fix Problems Early
Let’s be honest—not every car passes inspection the first time. That’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes, a roadworthy check brings up issues you didn’t even realise were there.
If you get the inspection done before you start advertising the car, you’ve got time to fix any problems. No pressure, no rushing. You can choose your own mechanic and get the work done properly.
It’s way better than scrambling to do urgent repairs when a buyer is already waiting. Plus, fixing things early means your car is in top shape when people come to inspect it.
You’re not just making the car safer—you’re also giving yourself an edge when it comes to negotiating a better price.
It Protects You After the Sale
Once the car’s sold, you don’t want to hear back from the buyer with complaints. A roadworthy certificate can help with that.
The certificate proves the car was roadworthy at the time of sale. If something goes wrong later, the buyer can’t turn around and say the car wasn’t safe when they bought it. That paperwork is your proof that you did the right thing.
This is especially important in private sales. Unlike dealers, you’re not offering warranties. But having the certificate in place helps protect you from post-sale drama. It sets clear expectations and closes the deal cleanly.
It Makes Your Car More Appealing and Valuable
In a crowded marketplace, small things make a big difference. Including a roadworthy certificate in your ad can give you a serious advantage.
Buyers are often comparing similar cars—and one that comes certified usually stands out. It shows you’ve put in the effort, and buyers appreciate that.
It can even help justify your asking price. When people know the car has passed an inspection, they’re more likely to pay what you’re asking—or at least come to the table ready to negotiate fairly.
At the end of the day, it’s a smart move that can speed up the sale and help you get more value out of your vehicle.
Ready to Sell? Get Roadworthy with Confidence
Selling your car doesn’t have to be complicated. With a roadworthy certificate, you’re not only following the rules—you’re giving buyers every reason to trust you, act quickly, and pay what your car is worth.
If you’re ready to take the next step, book an inspection with the friendly team at Continental Mordialloc. Our licensed testers will make sure your car meets VicRoads standards and is ready for its next owner.
📞 Call us today on 03 9590 9669 to book your roadworthy inspection in Mordialloc and make selling your car a stress-free experience.
