Road worthiness test regulations vary between states and territories in Australia – but if your car had to have a test today, would it pass?
Even though vehicle inspections vary across the country and motorists need to be aware of any specific regulations relevant to their location, the examiners are generally all looking for the same things when they do their checks. Basically, the vehicle has to comply with standards that make it safe for normal road use and which protect unwary buyers from buying vehicles that may not be safe to drive.
The UK has a totally different approach, and requires every vehicle to undergo an annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test to ensure it meets road safety and environmental standards.
These MOT tests are done at licensed examination centres which employ around 53 000 testers to check vehicles for compliance on aspects of roadworthiness, safety and exhaust emissions. The test involves dozens of different checks including brakes, tyres, mirrors, seatbelts, windscreen wipers and exhaust systems.
Roadworthy tests in Australia involve similar inspections but for more detailed information, you should check with your state’s Department of Transport or organisations like the RAC which conduct vehicle inspections.
So how would your vehicle hold up if it were to be scrutinised by an inspector with an eye for detail and an in-depth knowledge of the law?
Well, if your car has been a bit neglected and hasn’t been as well cared for as it should have been, then it’s probably going to meet the same fate as many vehicles in the UK.
Have a look at these top five reasons that cars fail their MOT roadworthiness tests:
- Non-functioning lights and/or indicators
- Worn or damaged tyres
- Malfunctioning brakes
- Inefficient windscreen wipers and washers
- Suspension problems
You should always keep an eye on your vehicle to make sure the key components are in good working order.
For example, do a regular check of your exterior lights (front and back) and your indicator to make sure there’s nothing faulty, loose or damaged. Your brake lights are another vital part and need to be in perfect working order otherwise you’re putting yourself and road users at risk.
Inefficient tyres accounted for over seven per cent of MOT failures in 2014/15, but don’t wait until an inspection to check your tyres. They are a critical component for optimum performance and safety and you should regularly check the pressure, look for signs of damage and make sure the tread is within legal limits.
Your car windscreen is another key component which should be in perfect condition ALL the time. Over 6.5% of cars failed their MOT because the driver’s view of the road was unclear – so clean your windscreen regularly and check for any chips or cracks.
Most chips and cracks can be repaired quickly and easily to the same strength as the original glass for a fraction of the cost of a windscreen replacement, but the trick is to get in early before the damage escalates.
If you’ve got a damaged windscreen or need a windscreen replacement in Perth, get in touch with Autoscreens on 0400 200 086. They are professional, mobile, experienced and well-priced, so don’t jeopardise your roadworthy test, incur unnecessary costs or put yourself or others at risk because of a damaged windscreen.
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.