Approved Inspection Station Scheme overview
Before a registered vehicle can be offered for sale, or when an unregistered vehicle is being re-registered, the vehicle must be inspected to ensure it meets minimum safety standards. An Approved Inspection Station can inspect certain types of vehicles. If the vehicle is free from defects and safe to use on a road, they may issue one of the following inspection certificates:
- safety certificate, previously called a roadworthy certificate
- certificate of inspection.
What is an Approved Inspection Station?
An Approved Inspection Station (AIS) is either a:
- premises used as a fixed AIS, such as a mechanical workshop
- premises used as a fixed AIS and a vehicle used as a mobile AIS.
The AIS approval holder is responsible for:
- making sure the premises meet local, State and Australian government requirements
- ensuring the AIS has the necessary approval to do vehicle inspections at the premises, for example, local government approval to carry out vehicle inspections at the premises.
The premises must have a dedicated and suitably sized inspection area and the necessary equipment to inspect all types of vehicles listed on the AIS approval. Learn more about requirements for inspection areas and equipment.
Type of vehicles inspected at an AIS
We may approve an AIS to inspect light and/or heavy vehicle types depending on:
- the size of the premises and inspection area
- equipment kept and maintained at the premises.
The following tables describes the vehicle types that an approved-AIS may inspect.
Queensland Light Vehicle Inspection Manual (QLVIM) — used only in Queensland for vehicles not more than 4.5 tonnes
| Vehicle type | Vehicle description | Inspection type | Inspection purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light vehicle (LV) | A motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) not exceeding 4.5 tonnes. Includes 3-wheel vehicles with car-style seating for the driver. Does not include motorbikes or trikes with motorbike-style straddle seating. |
Light Vehicle (LV) – to issue a Safety Certificate | Safety Certificates are issued for a single registration transaction and typically have a two-month or 2,000km duration. (Three months or 1,000km for dealers.) |
| COI Light Vehicle (CL) – to issue a Certificate of Inspection (COI) | COIs are issued to light vehicles that have accreditation for public passenger transport services and for licenced tow trucks. COIs remain current for 12 months and can be used for multiple registration transactions. | ||
| Motorbikes and trikes (LG) | A motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) not exceeding 4.5 tonnes. Includes 3-wheel vehicles with car-style seating for the driver. Does not include motorbikes or trikes with motorbike-style straddle seating. |
Motorcycle (MC) – to issue a Safety Certificate |
Safety Certificates are issued for a single registration transaction and typically have a two-month or 2,000km duration. (Three months or 1,000km for dealers.) |
| COI Motorcycle (CM) – to issue a Certificate of Inspection (COI) | COIs are issued to motorbikes or trikes that have accreditation for public passenger transport services. COIs remain current for 12 months and can be used for multiple registration transactions. | ||
| Trailer (T) | A trailer with a gross trailer mass (GTM) not exceeding 4.5 tonnes. When GTM is not available, aggregate trailer mass (ATM) is to be used. | Light Trailer (LT) – to issue a Safety Certificate | Safety Certificates are issued for a single registration transaction and typically have a two-month duration. (Three months for dealers.) |
National Heavy Inspection Manual (NHVIM) – used nationally (except WA and NT) for all heavy vehicles more than 4.5 tonnes
| Vehicle type | Vehicle description | Inspection type | Inspection purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy vehicle | A motor vehicle with a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonne. | Heavy Vehicle (HV) – Certificate of Inspection (COI) | COIs are required by all heavy vehicles, unless exempt. COIs remain current for 12 months and can be used for multiple registration transactions. Approved examiners can inspect:
|
| Heavy trailer | A trailer with a GTM exceeding 4.5 tonne. When GTM is not available, ATM is to be used. | Heavy Trailer (HT) - Certificate of Inspection (COI) | COIs are required by all heavy trailers, unless exempt. COIs remain current for 12 months and can be used for multiple registration transactions. Approved examiners can inspect:
|
Vehicle inspections
An AIS must have an approved examiner who is approved to inspect the types of vehicles listed on the AIS approval. Approved examiners are responsible for:
- identifying the vehicle
- inspecting the vehicle
- ensuring the vehicle is not defective and is safe to use on a road before approving an inspection certificate.
Find out how to apply to be an approved examiner, and what qualifications and experience you need.
If an approved examiner considers that a vehicle is not defective and is safe to use on a road, they may approve an inspection certificate. The approved examiner then gives it to the AIS approval holder (or their nominee) to issue the inspection certificate to the driver or the vehicle owner.
Find out how to apply to have a nominee and more about when an AIS is required to have one.
Inspection certificates
When an approved examiner inspects a vehicle, they must record the vehicle identity and inspection results. This is done electronically using Inspection Certificates Online or handwritten on an inspection certificate from an inspection certificate book.
Inspection Certificates Online (ICO)
ICO is a web portal and mobile application that allows an AIS to electronically complete and submit inspection certificates direct to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Using ICO is free and meets all the record keeping requirements.
Paper-based inspection certificate books are still available; however, we encourage you if you are solely using inspection certificate books for issuing certificates that you transition to using ICO for the benefits it offers.
Read more about Inspection Certificates Online (ICO).
Inspection certificates books
You may purchase inspection certificate books from your nearest transport and motoring service centre.
Inspection certificate books are not available for CL and CM vehicle type inspections. An AIS and approved examiner must use ICO to issue COIs for CL and CM vehicle type inspections.
Find out more about purchasing inspection certificate books.
Making an AIS application
Learn more about how to make an AIS application.
Educating the community on safety certificates
We’ve created some resources to help improve community knowledge on safety certificates, and we’d like your help to share them.
Download the safety certificate community education resources to use in your workplace.
Key messages
- A safety certificate inspection only checks the minimum—always get a full mechanical inspection before buying a used vehicle.
- Vehicles must be inspected in person to get a safety certificate. This usually takes around an hour. You cannot get a safety certificate over the phone or via social media.
- If the tyres are worn out or the windscreen is cracked, it doesn’t meet minimum safety standards—the vehicle should not pass a safety certificate inspection.
- If you think you’ve been issued a dodgy safety certificate—report it to TMR online.
Help share the messages
Facebook posts
- Selling without a safety certificate?
- Smart buyers dig deeper and walk if there's no safety certificate
- Myths about safety certificates
Posters
- Buying a used car? (A4 poster)
- Buying a used car? (A3 poster)
- Selling without a safety certificate? (A4 poster)
- Selling without a safety certificate? (A3 poster)
Contact us
| Email: | [email protected] |
|---|---|
| Telephone: | 13 23 80 (ask for AIS Administrator) |
| Post: |
AIS Administrator Approved Inspection Station Scheme Department of Transport and Main Roads PO Box 673 FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006 |
- Last updated
- 10 April 2026