How to Use the Roadworthy Failure Checklist 2026 - Pass Your SA Vehicle Test

A roadworthy certificate is required in South Africa whenever you renew a vehicle licence disc (for vehicles over a certain age), register a vehicle in a new owner's name, or get a vehicle back on the road after extended storage. Failing the test wastes money on re-testing fees and delays your process. The Roadworthy Failure Checklist walks you through the most common failure points so you can fix them before booking your test.

When Is a Roadworthy Certificate Required in SA?

Under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 (NRTA), a roadworthy certificate is required for:

• Ownership transfer (NCO): Before registering a vehicle in a new owner's name
• Re-licensing after lapse: Vehicles whose licence disc has expired beyond a certain period may need a fresh roadworthy
• Re-registration after storage: Vehicles removed from the road and re-registered
• Specific provincial requirements: Some provinces apply roadworthy requirements for annual disc renewal on vehicles above a certain age or with high mileage

Where required, the test must be conducted at a SABS-accredited vehicle testing station or a municipal testing station. Private garages do not issue roadworthy certificates.

What Inspectors Check: The Full SA Roadworthy Scope

1. Brakes

Brakes are one of the most common failure points. Inspectors check:

• Footbrake effectiveness (measured on a brake roller test)
• Handbrake effectiveness (should hold the vehicle on an incline)
• Brake pad and disc wear (excessive wear will fail)
• Brake fluid level and hose condition

Pre-test fix: Have a mechanic inspect brake pad thickness and disc condition. Replace if worn beyond the vehicle manufacturer's minimum.

2. Tyres

• Tread depth: minimum 1mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre width (SA legal minimum; many inspectors flag at 1.6mm following international safety practice)
• No sidewall bulges, cuts, or exposed cords
• Spare tyre is often also inspected
• Tyre sizes must be compatible — mismatched sizing can fail

Pre-test fix: Check tread depth with a tread depth gauge (available at motor spares stores). Replace tyres below 2mm before the test — the re-test cost exceeds the cost of a set of budget tyres in most cases.

3. Lights

All lighting must be operational and correctly aimed:

• Headlights (both high and low beam)
• Brake lights (all three including the high-level third brake light)
• Indicators (front and rear, both sides)
• Reverse lights
• Number plate light
• Hazard lights
• Fog lights (if fitted as original equipment, must work)

Pre-test fix: Walk around the car with the engine running and check each light. Carry spare bulbs for a quick fix on the day if a minor bulb has failed.

4. Windscreen and Wipers

• No cracks in the driver's line of vision (a crack in the driver's line of sight will fail; a minor chip at the edge may pass)
• Wiper blades must clean effectively without streaking
• Windscreen washer system must produce fluid

Pre-test fix: Replace wiper blades if they streak. Get any central windscreen cracks repaired before testing.

5. Steering and Suspension

• No excessive play in the steering wheel
• Tie rod ends, ball joints, and wheel bearings must not be worn
• Suspension condition checked visually and under load

Pre-test fix: If the steering feels vague or there is unusual noise over bumps, have a workshop check tie rod ends and ball joints before the test.

6. Body and Safety Equipment

• Doors must open and close properly
• Seatbelts: all seatbelts must retract, latch, and release correctly
• Windscreen wiper motor must work
• Horn must be operational
• Vehicle must not have structural damage affecting safety

7. Emissions (where applicable)

Some testing stations include a basic emissions test (visual smoke check and/or exhaust emissions test). Diesel vehicles emitting visible smoke will fail.

8. Modifications

This is the most complex area. Any modification from the vehicle's original factory specification — suspension lowering, alloy wheels outside the original sizing range, engine swaps, non-original tow bar fitments, tinted windows beyond legal limits — can cause a failure if not approved and recorded on eNaTIS. Modifications must be approved by the NRTA's vehicle approval process before the testing station can issue a certificate.

How to Use the Roadworthy Failure Checklist

Step 1: Open the Checklist

Navigate to the Roadworthy Failure Checklist.

Step 2: Work Through Each Section

The checklist walks you through each inspection category in the same sequence used by inspectors. For each item, you mark: Pass, Concern (needs attention), or Unknown.

Step 3: Address Concerns Before Booking

Any item marked "Concern" should be rectified by a qualified mechanic before you book the test. This prevents wasted re-test fees.

Step 4: Book Your Test

Find your nearest accredited testing station — search the SABS accredited testing station list or check your provincial traffic department's website for approved stations.

What Happens If You Fail

• The testing station issues a failure report listing the specific items that did not pass
• You have a period (usually 21 days) to rectify the failures and return for a re-test — the re-test is cheaper than a fresh full inspection
• If you do not return within the stipulated period, a full new inspection is required
• You cannot legally transfer ownership or re-license the vehicle until a valid roadworthy certificate is obtained

Related Guidance

• Explore related guides: Blog hub
• Use our free tools: Roadworthy Failure Checklist

Official References

• Road Traffic Management Corporation - www.rtmc.co.za
• eNaTIS - www.enatis.com

Last Reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03. This article is informational only - verify requirements with official sources before acting.