What Happens During a Vehicle Inspection in Perth?

Worried your car might not pass its next inspection?

Vehicle inspection in Perth can feel confusing if you don’t know what to expect. Many drivers feel unsure about what gets checked, how to prepare, or what could cause a failure.

Don’t you worry, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

At Schon Automotive, we’ve helped hundreds of drivers get their cars road-ready and inspection-approved, without confusion or costly delays.

This guide will walk you through exactly what happens during a vehicle inspection, why it matters, and how to get your car ready. From what gets checked to what to bring, and what to do if your car doesn’t pass, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dig in!

Reasons Your Vehicle Needs an Inspection in Western Australia

Vehicle inspections in Western Australia are legally required under specific circumstances to ensure your vehicle meets safety and compliance standards. According to the WA Department of Transport, you must have your vehicle inspected when:

• Registering a vehicle for the first time in WA, or re-licensing one that’s been unregistered for over 3 months.
• A defect notice (yellow sticker) has been issued and needs to be cleared.
• You’ve made major modifications to the engine, body, suspension, or dimensions.
• The vehicle is a repairable write-off and must pass inspection before it can be licensed.
• You own a commercial vehicle, taxi, tow truck, or driving school car, these often require annual inspections.
• Your previous inspection certificate has expired (certificates are valid for 3 months).
• Your vehicle is a Passenger Transport Vehicle (PTV) and may be subject to random on-road compliance checks.

Note: If your car is unregistered, you’ll need a Temporary Movement Permit (valid for up to 48 hours) to legally drive it to an inspection location.

Even when not legally required, regular inspections help identify wear and tear early, protecting your safety and avoiding costly repairs later.

Pre-Inspection Checklist: How to Prepare for a Vehicle Inspection

To make the inspection go smoothly, it pays to do some homework and prep work beforehand. Here are the main steps:

1. Gather Documentation

Bring all relevant paperwork to the inspection:

• your driver’s licence
• current registration papers
• insurance proof
• any previous inspection certificates or repair documents

The inspector needs to verify your identity and the car’s legal status as part of the check. Having these documents ready saves time and avoids delays.

2. Clear the Interior

Before the inspection, clean out your car’s interior and remove any loose items.

Take out bulky belongings, trash or aftermarket accessories that could hide important components. A tidy interior helps the inspector check under seats (seatbelt mounts, anchors) and pedals without obstruction.

3. Clean & Check the Exterior

Arriving with a clean, accessible car helps the inspector do a thorough job of your car safety check. So, make sure to tock all the following.

• Wash your car and ensure all lights and glass are clean and visible.
• Dirt or stickers on headlights, taillights or number plates can obscure them, which may cause a failure.
• Make sure your mirrors are intact and properly adjusted.
• Inspect the car for obvious defects yourself: cracked windscreen, body rust, or bald tyres.
• If your car has major accessories (bull bars, towing gear, or custom mods), ensure they are securely fitted and declared.

Vehicle Inspection Process in Perth | Step-by-Step Guide

When you arrive at an auto repair shop for your car inspection in Perth, a certified examiner will evaluate the car from top to bottom. The process is designed to check for roadworthiness, safety compliance, and alignment with WA Transport Department standards.

In most cases, the inspection includes

• A visual assessment of the body, lights, and interior.
• An undercarriage check using a pit or lift (including suspension, steering, exhaust, and driveline components)
• Brake system tests, including pads, rotors, and fluid levels.
• Tyre and wheel checks (tread depth, wear patterns, and tyre condition)
• Electrical system and emissions testing, covering lights, indicators, battery, and exhaust
• A check of the vehicle’s VIN, engine number, and other documentation for identity verification

The mechanic will record any issues in an inspection report. If your car passes, you’ll receive a roadworthy certificate (valid for 3 months). If not, the report will outline what needs to be fixed before re-inspection.

Now that you know how the inspection process works, let’s dig deeper into what mechanics actually check during a full inspection.

Full Vehicle Inspection Checklist: What Mechanics Look For

Car inspection helps identify hidden issues before they become expensive repairs. Here’s what qualified mechanics look for during a comprehensive check:

1. Exterior Vehicle Check: Body, Lights & Tyres

A vehicle’s exterior reveals a lot about its condition and care history. Here’s what inspectors usually assess:

2. Interior Vehicle Check: Safety, Comfort & Controls

Inside the cabin, the focus shifts to occupant safety and component functionality:

3. Brake Safety Checks

Brakes are the most critical safety component. The mechanic checks brake pad thickness, disc (rotor) condition, and looks for uneven wear or scoring.

The brake fluid reservoir is inspected; it should be near the “Full” mark and free of debris.

Any rusted or corroded brake lines, or a spongy pedal feel, will cause a fail. You should ensure your brakes stop smoothly without pulling to one side during a test drive.

At Schon Automotive, we offer expert brake repair in Perth if your car inspection finds worn brake pads.

4. Engine and Fluids Inspection

The engine is a focus of the inspection. The mechanic will look under the hood at key fluids:

• engine oil
• coolant, brake
• power-steering fluids

Any leaks or very low fluid levels are a problem. Belts and hoses are checked for cracks or wear, and filters (air, cabin) are inspected.

5. Steering and Suspension Check

Your steering and suspension keep the car stable. Inspectors will wiggle the steering wheel to check for excessive play. They will bounce each corner of the car to test shock absorbers.

Worn shock absorbers, broken springs, or loose steering linkage (tie rods, ball joints) will be noted. The car must handle well without excessive shimmy or noise.

6. Tyres and Wheels Inspection

Inspectors measure tyre tread depth and check for damage like cuts, bulges, or uneven wear.

Tyres must meet WA’s legal tread minimum (1.5mm) and be the correct size/pressure for your vehicle. If tyres are worn below the legal limit or show signs of age (dry rot), your car will fail.

Wheel alignment issues can also fail an inspection if they affect tyre wear significantly. Always check your tyres before inspection day.

7. Lights and Electrical System Testing

Inspectors switch on headlights (high/low beam), brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, and reverse lights to verify they illuminate properly.

They’ll also check the horn and instrument cluster warning lights (for example, if an oil light is on). Worn or cracked light covers, or incorrectly aimed headlights, can cause a failure.

Batteries terminals should be clean and secure. In short, nothing electrical should be outright broken or non-functional.

8. Body, Frame and Exhaust System Check

Structural integrity is also checked. Major rust holes in critical areas (floor, chassis rails) or previous frame damage can fail you. Inspectors ensure your vehicle identification plate (VIN) is intact and matches the registration.

The seatbelts and mounting points are tested for strength, and airbag lights are checked for faults.

The exhaust system is examined from front to back. Mufflers, pipes and the catalytic converter must not have big holes, leaks or illegal modifications. Excessive smoke, visible leaks or missing silencers would cause a failure.

What Happens After the Vehicle Inspection: Outcomes and Reports

When the inspection is complete, the mechanic will give you a summary report. This includes:

• An evaluation summary of what was checked, with any issues noted.
• Whether the vehicle passed or failed. If it passed, you receive a printed inspection certificate (roadworthy certificate) valid for 3 months.
• If defects were found, the report (or a separate “yellow sticker” notice) lists what needs fixing.

A passing certificate means your car is considered roadworthy under WA standards. The detailed vehicle inspection report helps you understand any soft spots in your car.

You’ll also get future recommendations along with the report. These might include servicing items like changing worn wiper blades, topping up fluids, or scheduling a timing belt service.

Don’t leave your next inspection to chance…

Get Your Car Inspected by Professionals at Schon Automotives

We offer complete vehicle inspection and repair services to ensure your car passes WA’s roadworthy standards.

Our friendly team provides detailed inspection reports, expert advice on any issues found, and prompt repairs if needed. We prioritise your safety and convenience with fast turnaround and transparent pricing.

Book Your Car Inspection Now

FAQs

How much does a car inspection cost in Perth?

The cost of a pre-purchase car inspection in Perth ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the depth of the inspection, vehicle type, and whether it’s a mobile or workshop service. Some high-end or 4WD inspections may cost more.

What is a car inspection checklist?

A car inspection checklist is a step-by-step guide used by mechanics or buyers to ensure every part of a vehicle is examined properly. It covers key components like brakes, tyres, engine, lights, and fluid levels to verify the car is safe, roadworthy, and free from hidden issues.

What’s included in a pre-purchase car inspection?

A car inspection covers mechanical components, electrical systems, tyres, suspension, engine condition, lights, brakes, and a road test. Interior and exterior checks are also included to assess any damage, wear, or potential future repairs.

What Should I Bring to a Car Inspection in Perth?

When attending a vehicle inspection, bring:

• Your driver’s licence
• Vehicle registration documents
• Proof of insurance
• Ownership or repair history (if required)

Make sure your car is clean and roadworthy, with working lights, brakes, and tyres, to avoid delays or automatic inspection failure. 

Can I inspect a used car myself before buying it?

Yes, you can perform a basic inspection yourself by checking for visible damage, tyre wear, rust, fluid leaks, and warning lights. But only a qualified mechanic can identify hidden or complex mechanical issues. A professional inspection is highly recommended before committing to a purchase.

How long does a car inspection take in Perth?

Most pre-purchase car inspections take between 1 – 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the vehicle and the type of service (mobile vs. workshop). Some premium inspections can take longer if diagnostic scanning or detailed reporting is involved.

What happens if my vehicle fails the inspection?

If your car fails the inspection, don’t worry. At Schon Automotive, we’ll explain what needs fixing and offer a clear repair plan. Once repairs are completed, we’ll help arrange a re-inspection to ensure your vehicle meets WA roadworthiness standards and gets back on the road safely.