Get your WOF inspection after working hours in Christchurch.
Our expert technicians at AutoTop conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle, checking essential safety features, including:
Drive Safe, Drive Legal – Get Your WOF Done Right the First Time!
If it doesn’t meet WoF requirements.
If it doesn’t display a valid WoF label.
You can drive your vehicle on the road under these circumstances only when taking it somewhere for repair or to get a new WoF – providing it’s safe to do so.
How long the WoF is issued for | |
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To meet the WoF standard, your car must be in good condition, for example, no rust around safety areas, and it must have the following equipment in good working order:
A. A number plate light at the back.
B. 2 red reflectors at the back.
C. 2 red position lights at the back.
D. One or 2 red high-mounted stop lights at the back.
E. 2 or 4 stop lights at the back.
F. A working horn.
G. A windscreen that meets safety standards and is clean.
H. One or more working windscreen wipers.
I. A current WoF.
J. A good sun visor.
K. Safe steering.
L. A rear-view mirror that gives a clear view behind.
M. Working seatbelts.
N. A good silencer and exhaust system.
O. Flashing direction indicator lights at the back.
P. Mudguards.
Q. Doors that open and close safely.
R. Good footbrake and handbrake.
S. Safe tyres – the tread depth must be at least 1.5 millimetres right around the tyre. If your car is fitted with winter tyres, these must be fitted to all 4 road wheels and have a tread depth of at least 4 millimetres right around the tyre.
T. Flashing direction indicator lights at the front.
U. A working speedometer.
V. 2 white or amber position lights at the front.
W. 2 good headlights that can be dipped when another vehicle comes towards you.
Note: this checklist is a guide only. When inspecting your vehicle, the inspector will use the criteria in the Vehicle inspection requirements manual.
The WoF inspection is a general safety check. The aspects checked are set out in our Vehicle inspection requirements manual (VIRM) and include:
If you’ve modified your car, motorcycle, van or other light vehicle you may need a low volume vehicle certificate.
A WoF is not a pre-purchase inspection. It doesn’t include many areas of a vehicle’s condition. For example it doesn’t check:
If your vehicle fails a WOF inspection you cannot drive it on the road unless you’re taking it somewhere to get it repaired or get a new WoF – and it’s safe to do so.
Find out more about what you can do if your vehicle fails because:
Tyres | Windscreen and mirrors |
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Indicators | Rust |
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Lights | |
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Nothing beats a professional check-up. If you have any safety concerns, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or testing station. Don’t wait for the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness to expire.
The professionals take a deeper look at the safety systems of your vehicle, including:
More information about vehicle inspections
These things can be serious, so make sure you take your car to an expert if you notice them or anything else unusual.
You could have a problem with your brakes if:
If it’s smoky or sounding unusual, it could be a sign that there’s a problem.
You could have a problem with shock absorbers, which directly affects steering if:
Listen for unusual noises, they usually indicate something is wrong.
These things can be serious, so make sure you take your car to an expert if you notice them or anything else unusual.
You could have a problem with your brakes if:
If it’s smoky or sounding unusual, it could be a sign that there’s a problem.
You could have a problem with shock absorbers, which directly affects steering if:
Listen for unusual noises, they usually indicate something is wrong.
Brake Issues: Problems with brake pads, discs, or fluid can cause failure. Brake performance and condition are critical for safety.
Tyre Condition: Worn or damaged tyres, including insufficient tread depth and improper inflation, are frequent causes of failure.
Lights and Indicators: Faulty headlights, taillights, brake lights, or indicators can lead to a failed WoF. This includes issues with bulb functionality, alignment, and clarity of lenses.
Suspension Problems: Worn or damaged suspension components such as shock absorbers, springs, and bushings can result in a failure.
Steering Mechanism: Issues with the steering system, including excessive play or worn components, are common failure points.
Windshield Wipers and Washers: Non-functional or ineffective wipers and washers can cause a vehicle to fail, as clear visibility is essential.
Exhaust and Emissions: Leaks, excessive noise, or emission issues in the exhaust system can lead to failure.
Rust and Structural Integrity: Significant rust, particularly in structural areas, can compromise the safety of the vehicle and result in a failed inspection.
Seatbelts: Damaged or non-functional seatbelts, as well as missing seatbelts, are common reasons for failure.
Mirrors: Broken or missing rearview or side mirrors can cause a vehicle to fail the WoF test.
| Minor cracking | Vs | Unacceptable cracking |
