How to Make Sure That You Pass Your Roadworthiness Test
If you're a newly minted immigrant, you may be getting used to the Australian way of life and learning very quickly about its idiosyncrasies. If you're from another westernised society then the culture shock should not be too bad, but a number of rules may still be alien to you. For example, you may not be used to getting a 'roadworthy' certificate each year for your primary mode of transportation, and if this date is quickly approaching, you may need to take some action first. After all, you don't want to fail this test as this will simply lead to a waste of time, effort and money. What should you do to prepare?
Can You Be Seen?
Firstly, don't overlook the obvious and assume that all of your vehicle lights are in good working order. The tester will check each one of them and you should do this as well. You'll probably need an assistant to help you when it comes to reversing lamps, fog lights and any other rear-facing items. Don't forget, if you have fitted any accessories to your vehicle that are aftermarket, these will be included in the checkup as well.
Can You See?
Certainly, the roadworthy test will look at the 'big' items such as suspension and brakes, but the inspector will also look at smaller items like windscreen wipers. When was the last time you changed these? If they have deteriorated and you've been putting up with substandard performance and those annoying streaks whenever it rains, don't expect the inspector to be happy. It's relatively easy for anyone to change a wiper blade, and while you're doing so, make sure that the washer jets are pointing onto the windscreen and not towards the eye of a passing pedestrian.
Neat and Tidy
Some people treat their dashboard as a secondary storage area and may hang all manner of pendants, jewellery or good luck charms from the rear-view mirror. The inspector may consider these to be obtrusive and something that may take your attention away from the road in front of you. Tidy all of this up before you present your vehicle to make sure the inspector doesn't give you an 'F' for this.
While you are in the mood to tidy everything up, make sure that your spare wheel is accessible and is securely tied down in the boot.
Making Sure
If you're happy that you have taken care of all these non-technical areas, you might still reach out to a mechanic so they can confirm that your car is roadworthy before you even take the test.