A roadworthy test is a safety examination of a vehicle at a registered testing station. For a private car under 3 500 kg the law requires one only when the vehicle changes ownership, so there is no annual roadworthy test for an ordinary family car.
Taxis, e-hailing vehicles and heavy vehicles are different: they need a certificate of roadworthiness (CoR) at regular intervals. The details below follow the Western Cape Government guidance.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
- Private vehicle under 3 500 kg: a roadworthy is required by law when ownership changes. It is not required every year.
- Vehicle under 3 500 kg used for reward (taxis, e-hailing, minibus taxis): a CoR every 12 months.
- Vehicles over 3 500 kg: a CoR every 12 months.
- Buses: a CoR every 6 months.
Whichever applies to you, the test is done at a registered public or private testing station.
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
There is no licence or eligibility test for the owner: the vehicle is what is examined. A roadworthy must be done every time a vehicle changes ownership, and where a certificate is required you cannot get a valid licence disc without one.
Driving an unroadworthy vehicle is an offence at any time, whether or not a certificate is due. Confirm anything specific to your vehicle class or situation with your licensing authority or a testing station.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
The test takes about 30 minutes. It is a safety examination only and not a comprehensive technical examination, so a certificate does not mean the car is mechanically sound. It covers:
- identification and documentation
- electrical systems
- fittings and equipment, such as windows, mirrors and safety belts
- brakes, wheels and tyres
- suspension, undercarriage and steering
- engine, exhaust and transmission
- instruments and dimensions
If the vehicle fails, it must be repaired and retested until it passes, as the City of Cape Town explains.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
Take the following to the testing station:
- your ID or driving licence card
- the vehicle registration certificate (the station decides whether it needs it)
- a completed Application for Certification of Roadworthiness (Form ACR)
- the prescribed fee
ACR forms are available at testing stations and on the NaTIS website under downloads, forms, road traffic related forms. A roadworthy certificate is valid for 60 days according to the City of Cape Town, so time the test close to the sale or transfer. Other licensing offices may apply their own rules, so confirm yours.
Registration or Application Process
- Fill in the ACR form, or get one at the station.
- Take the vehicle and the documents above to any registered private or public testing station.
- Pay the fee and have the vehicle tested.
- If it passes you receive the certificate; if it fails, repair it and have it retested.
Because the certificate is needed to process a change of ownership, book the test before you hand the car over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private cars need an annual roadworthy test?
No. A private vehicle under 3 500 kg needs a roadworthy by law only on change of ownership. Vehicles used for reward and heavy vehicles are tested every 12 months, and buses every 6 months.
How much is a roadworthy test?
There is no single national fee. George Municipality lists the gazetted Western Cape fees as R198 for a vehicle up to 3 500 kg, R90 for motorcycles and R240 for goods vehicles over 3 500 kg and buses, plus R72 for the certificate itself. Other stations and provinces may charge differently, so ask the testing station for its price.
What is checked in a detailed vehicle roadworthy test?
The checks listed under Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements above. It is a safety examination covering the main systems of the vehicle, not a full mechanical inspection.
Does a certificate mean the car is mechanically sound?
No. It confirms the vehicle met the safety standard on the day it was tested. It is not a technical or mechanical guarantee.
How long is the certificate valid?
The City of Cape Town states 60 days. Confirm the period with the licensing office that will process your transfer.
Confirm the current fee and process with your local licensing authority or testing station. See driving and transport requirements and, if you drive for a platform, e-hailing driver requirements.