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Get a vehicle inspected

You may need to get your vehicle inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) to license it, remove a defect notice, or for an annual inspection.

Vehicle inspections by location and type

Search for metropolitan or regional Authorised Inspection Stations (AIS).

What is checked in a vehicle inspection?

Your vehicle is being inspected to ensure it complies with safety standards. Here is a list of some of the standard safety aspects of a vehicle. Please note this list is provided for general advice only:

  • Body work.
  • Brakes.
  • Chassis and suspension.
  • Drive Line.
  • Electrical.
  • Steering.
  • Tyres and rims.
  • Vehicle identification.
  • Vehicle modifications.

Reasons you may need to get your vehicle inspected

You may need to get your vehicle inspected for the following reasons:

  • You want to license (register) your vehicle in Western Australia.
  • You receive a defect notice (often referred to as a yellow sticker or work order).
  • You have modified your vehicle (for example: change body, engine, dimensions).
  • Your vehicle is subject to an annual inspection*.
  • You want to license a repairable written-off vehicle.
  • Your vehicle passed an inspection, but the inspection certificate has expired**

*Annual inspections

Some vehicles must be inspected every time the vehicle licence (registration) is renewed.

You will be sent a notification letter informing you of this annual requirement. If you have not received a notification letter and you believe your vehicle may be subject to an annual inspection, you should contact us.

Vehicles subject to annual inspection include:

  • Buses.
  • Passenger Transport Vehicles (PTV)
  • Regular passenger transport (RPT)
  • Tow trucks.

Find out more about PTV inspections and compliance checks.

**Expired inspection certificates

A vehicle that passes inspection will be issued with an inspection certificate, which is valid for three calendar months. The certificate is printed with the expiry date on it.

Defective Takata air bags and vehicle inspections

Prior to booking your vehicle for an inspection you must ensure that the vehicle is not subject to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) compulsory recall notice for vehicles fitted with a defective Takata air bag.

The ACCC has advised a defective Takata air bag can misdeploy causing death or serious injury and if your vehicle is fitted with a defective Takata air bag you should contact your vehicle manufacturer immediately to have the defective air bag replaced.

To check if your vehicle is affected prior to booking an inspection visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)'s Compulsory Takata air bag recall  and select the Vehicle manufacturer helplines & contact details, then select your vehicles manufacturer.

The ACCC has also compiled a number of FAQs about the compulsory recall.

Step 1: Select a metropolitan or regional Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) service provider

The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) has authorised private businesses - Authorised Inspection Stations (AIS) - to provide vehicle inspections in metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia. Their hours of operation may vary and some providers may offer weekend bookings, so you may need to contact several providers to find a suitable booking.

IMPORTANT: Please check that your vehicle is suitable for inspection at the time of pre-booking. Prior to booking a light vehicle inspection please ensure the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of your vehicle is less than 4,500kg. The GVM of the vehicle is captured on the vehicle licence paper (i.e. registration paper) or the compliance plate on the vehicle. If the GVM is 4,500kg or greater the vehicle must be inspected at a heavy vehicle AIS.

Motorcycle owners should tell the AIS the engine capacity/LAMS category of their motorcycle to ensure that the AIS has the correct class of licence (RE/R) to ride and examine the motorcycle being presented.

Note:

  • If your vehicle is unlicensed (unregistered) you will need a Temporary Movement Permit to drive the vehicle to the AIS.
  • For inspections of written-off vehicles, refer to our list of authorised written-off vehicle AIS.
  • AIS do not inspect personal import vehicles.
  • Owners of stretch limousines should tell the AIS of the dimensions of their vehicle when making a booking to ensure they are equipped to conduct an inspection
  • Light vehicles (4,500 kg and under gross vehicle mass) may also include caravans, trailers and motorcycles.
  • Heavy vehicles (over 4,500 kg gross vehicle mass) may also include caravans and trailer
  • Exclusions may apply, please contact your preferred outlet for full details.

When DTMI needs a new AIS, an ad is placed under Govt Tenders in the Saturday West Australian newspaper and in the local newspaper for that area. An ad will also be placed on the Tenders WA website.

DTMI maintains a skilled group of examiners at its appointment-only Kelmscott Vehicle Inspection Centre (VIC). These examiners inspect high risk, highly modified, and oversized vehicles, as well as tow trucks being licensed for the first time. They also provide ongoing training to all AIS examiners. Only customers instructed directly by DTMI can make an appointment for an inspection at Kelmscott.

Tractor plant, machinery, oversize and new heavy vehicles (only)

The following vehicles cannot be moved via a Movement Permit, so must be inspected on the customer's premises.

Tractor plant:

  • Excavators.
  • Forklifts.
  • Front end loaders.
  • Road graders.
  • Road rollers.
  • Skid steers.
  • Telehandlers.
  • Tractors.

New heavy trailers and trucks:

  • Concrete pumps.
  • Drill rigs.
  • Mobile cranes.
  • Oversize vehicles.
  • Overweight vehicles.

Metropolitan tractor plant, machinery, oversize and new heavy vehicle inspections

Inspection of tractor plant, machinery, oversize and new heavy vehicles. Pre-booking required.

Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure mobile service
34 Gillam Drive
Kelmscott WA 6111

Phone:
(08) 9216 8561

Business hours:
Please call for details.

Regional tractor plant, machinery, oversize and new heavy vehicle inspections

If you live in a regional area, and require a tractor plant, machinery, oversize or new heavy vehicle inspected, please use the following process.

  1. Contact your local/nearest AIS.
  2. Ask whether they are able to inspect the tractor plant, machinery, oversize or new heavy vehicle.
  3. If so, your local/nearest AIS will seek the appropriate approvals from DTMI to attend the site.

Tow trucks (only)

All tow trucks being licensed in WA for the first time, must be inspected at the Kelmscott VIC.

You can contact the Kelmscott VIC on 1300 776 065 to book the initial tow truck inspection. At the time of inspection, you must ensure that:

  • the modification plate contains T1 and T2 modification codes; and
  • supporting modification paperwork is presented.

Once licensed, subsequent tow truck inspections are to be carried out at an AIS.

Note: No rear overhang exemptions will be issued to tow trucks. 

You must have the relevant licence for the class of vehicle you will be driving. Depending upon the size of the tow truck you wish to drive, you may need to apply for a higher licence class.

Refer to Vehicle Standards Bulletin 06 (Section T), which can be downloaded from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

Step 2: Book your vehicle inspection

Book at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS)

  • Online payments are not available for AIS. You need to book and pay for the inspection fee directly with your chosen provider.
  • AIS telephone numbers and hours of operation vary. Check the list of metropolitan providers on this page.
  • Pre-payment is not available at an AIS.
  • You will need to contact your chosen AIS directly to make any changes to your vehicle inspection booking.

Repairable written-off vehicles

To license a repairable written-off vehicle, two inspections are required. The initial inspection must be undertaken by an Authorised WOVR Provider. For more information visit License a repairable written-off vehicle.

Hail damaged vehicles

For more information on hail damaged vehicles refer to Hail-damaged vehicles (purchased at auction).

Unlicensed vehicles

You must first get a temporary movement permit (see Step 3).

Tow trucks

All tow trucks being licensed in WA for the first time, must be inspected at the Kelmscott Vehicle Inspection Centre (VIC).

Customers can contact 1300 776 065 to book the initial tow truck inspection. At the time of inspection, you must ensure that:

  • the modification plate contains T1 and T2 modification codes; and
  • supporting modification paperwork is presented.

Once licensed, subsequent tow truck inspections may be carried out at an AIS.

Step 3: Buy a temporary movement permit (if required)

You can obtain a temporary movement permit in three ways:

  • Light vehicle owners have the option of purchasing a temporary movement permit online provided they are the holder of a WA Driver’s licence.

Light and heavy vehicle owners can:

Contacting us

When you contact us:

  • Ensure you have your vehicle's engine number, chassis number and plate number (if still attached) ready and
  • Ensure you have the details of travel for the permit; including your point of departure, intended streets and suburbs and your destination.

Notes

A light vehicle is one that is less than 4,500 kg gross vehicle mass/aggregate in weight. This includes vehicles such as motorcycles, motor cars, utes, vans, trailers, caravans, small trucks and buses.

Vehicle permit and modification fees

Fee description Amount
Temporary movement permits (except trailers and caravans) $31.65
Temporary movement permits (trailers, caravans, invalid wheel chairs) $26.25
Vehicle modification permit $75.80

Footnotes

Temporary movement permits (except trailers and caravans) and Temporary movement permits (trailers, caravans, invalid wheel chairs) include Motor Injury Insurance (MII), Vehicle Licence Duty and GST.

Step 4: What to do and what to bring with you on the day of the inspection

  1. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to avoid delay. 
  2. Weighbridge certificate if the tare/mass weight of the vehicle cannot be established from the manufacturer's specifications, previous licence documents or licensing records. 
  3. You are required to give 24 hours (business/working days only) notice of a cancellation or to re-schedule an appointment. 
  4. If a vehicle fails an inspection, the faults identified must be fixed before the vehicle can be presented for re-inspection. 
  5. You can book a vehicle re-inspection by calling your preferred Authorised Inspection Station (AIS). A re-inspection fee is applicable. 
  6. When calling, please ensure that you advise that you are booking a re-inspection and provide the inspection reference number from your initial inspection receipt as this is required to make the re-inspection booking. 

Note: A Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure vehicle examination is solely for determining whether a vehicle complies with applicable vehicle standards and statutory requirements for vehicle licensing purposes. It is not intended to be relied on as an assessment of a vehicle’s condition or of any of its parts. It is also not intended to be relied on for any decisions involving the value of a vehicle.

For a list of public weighbridges see the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources website.

Step 5: After the inspection

Once the vehicle has successfully passed inspection, you must submit the following to a DTMI service centre or regional agent.

Review your vehicle licence documents carefully

If you believe that any of your vehicle's details such as engine, VIN, colour, or weight details were recorded incorrectly at an AIS, DTMI service centre or regional agent, you can call the Customer Contact Centre on 13 11 56 to have the matter investigated.

If the original paperwork is showing the same details as your vehicle licence documents and you still believe your vehicle details are incorrect, you must provide documentary evidence of the vehicle’s details to have the vehicle record updated.

To find out how to license your vehicle, please visit License a vehicle in Western Australia

Note: If you change the colour of your vehicle or you replace the engine in your vehicle, you must complete and submit a Change of Vehicle Details (E36) form.

A modification permit is not required when changing the colour of your vehicle, or when changing the engine if the new engine is a like-for-like replacement.

Any increase made to a vehicle's Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) requires a vehicle inspection. If the vehicle has been modified to facilitate the increase, it must be weighed, and a weighbridge certificate must be provided to the vehicle examiner for the vehicles new tare weight to be recorded. Certification from an authorised modifier, second stage manufacturer or engineering and recognised signatory may be required for any modifications made to the vehicle.

Maintain your vehicle

Maintaining your vehicle ensures it is safe for you and your passengers, as well as other road users. Regular maintenance also helps your vehicle run more efficiently, thereby reducing smoky emissions with the potential to affect our health and environment. Read on for advice on how to maintain your vehicle.

Parts of your vehicle you should check and maintain

Faults such as worn steering components, defective or bald tyres, spongy brakes or faulty headlights may make a motor vehicle dangerous to the driver, passengers or other road users. It is therefore important to ensure you vehicle is regularly checked, maintained and serviced.

Items that need to be checked regularly include:

  • Brakes.
  • Lights.
  • Steering.
  • Structural rust.
  • Tyres.

Common indicators of faults

Check
Brakes Check brake fluid levels are correct and seek an automotive professional's help if your brakes feel spongy, need to be pumped, or pull your vehicle to one side when applied.
Coolant Check that your coolant levels are correct, according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
Oil Check that your engine oil levels are correct, according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
Lights Check that your lights work, do not have cracked lenses and that your headlights are correctly aligned.
Steering Seek an automotive professional's help if your vehicle wanders, has excessive play in the steering or requires continual correction.
Tyres Ensure your tread depth is 1.5mm or more, check the tyre pressure is correct, and check for damage to the tyre carcass.
Windscreen Washers Check that your windscreen washing bottle levels are correct, according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

Vehicles and the environment advice

Visit our Vehicles and the environment page for more information about how vehicle emissions affect air quality, our health and the environment.

Vehicle inspection related links

Fees

Metropolitan vehicle inspection fees (2025/2026)

Book at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS)

  • You will need to book and pay for the inspection fee directly with your chosen provider. 
  • AIS telephone numbers and hours of operation vary; please check with the individual provider. 
  • Privately operated AIS arrangements vary, please refer to individual booking procedures below. 

Please note: Goods and Services Tax (GST) was removed for vehicle inspection fees from 5 October 2013.

Metropolitan area vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Metropolitan area

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Metropolitan area

Vehicle inspection fees for DTMI examination centres only

Tow Trucks or School Buses - Metropolitan area

General vehicle inspection fees - Metropolitan area

Regional vehicle inspection fees, by location (2025/2026)

Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) vehicle inspection fees are bench marked against the Regional Price Index (RPI) rate applicable to their location.

The RPI, developed by the Department of Regional Development, is the most appropriate measure available for calculating the cost differentials between Perth and the regions.

For more information about the RPI, please visit the Department of Regional Development.

Please note:

Goods and Services Tax (GST) was removed for vehicle inspection fees from 5 October 2013.

Gascoyne region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Gascoyne region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Gascoyne region

Tow trucks or school buses - Gascoyne region

General vehicle inspection fees - Gascoyne region

Goldfields/Esperance region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Goldfields/Esperance region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Goldfields/Esperance region

General vehicle inspection fees - Goldfields/Esperance region

Tow trucks or school buses - Goldfields/Esperance region

Great Southern region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Great Southern region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Great Southern region

Tow Trucks or school buses - Great Southern region

General vehicle inspection fees - Great Southern region

Kimberley region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Kimberley region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Kimberley region

Tow trucks or school buses - Kimberley region

General vehicle inspection fees - Kimberley region

Mid West region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Mid West region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Mid West region

Tow trucks or school buses - Mid West region

General vehicle inspection fees - Mid West region

Peel region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Peel region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Peel region

Tow Trucks or school buses - Peel region

General vehicle inspection fees - Peel region

Pilbara region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Pilbara region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Pilbara region

Tow trucks or school buses - Pilbara region

General vehicle inspection fees - Pilbara region

South West region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - South West region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - South West region

Tow trucks or school buses - South West region

General vehicle inspection fees - South West region

Wheatbelt region vehicle inspection fees

Light vehicles (MRC 4,500 kg or less) - Wheatbelt region

Heavy vehicles (MRC over 4,500 kg) - Wheatbelt region

Tow trucks or school buses - Wheatbelt region

General vehicle inspection fees - Wheatbelt region

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