Roadworthy and Licensing in South Africa

A certificate of roadworthiness is required in South Africa when a vehicle changes ownership, when it is registered for the first time, or when it is being licensed after being deregistered. The test is done at a registered testing station and checks brakes on a roller test, steering and suspension play, lights and indicators, tyres and tread depth, glass and wipers, seatbelts, the exhaust and emissions, the chassis and body condition, and that the engine and chassis numbers match the papers. The certificate is valid for sixty days from the date of issue, so timing the test with the sale matters. Common failures are worn tyres, blown bulbs, cracked windscreens in the driver's view, worn wiper blades, perished bushes, oil leaks and a handbrake that will not hold. Fixing the obvious items yourself before the test is cheaper than paying for a retest. Ask whether a retest within a set period is included in the fee.