Is Your Light Bus Roadworthy? What Melbourne Operators Need to Know

In Victoria, any vehicle designed to carry 10 to 12 passengers requires a roadworthy certificate in certain situations.

You’ll need one if you’re registering or transferring ownership of a vehicle, selling it, or preparing for a VicRoads inspection. These rules apply to a wide range of operators across Melbourne, including community transport services, private school shuttles, aged care and disability providers, and hire or tour operators using minibuses.

If that’s you, your vehicle must meet the legal safety standards before it can stay on the road.

Our certified inspection checks the full safety setup of your vehicle:

We like to keep things simple. You'll get a clear rundown of what your vehicle needs, and if any repairs are required, we can take care of them for you.

These two months are the busiest time of year for inspections — and for good reason.

Many operators are preparing their vehicles for increased winter usage, while also ticking off compliance obligations ahead of the end of the financial year.

VicRoads audits also tend to increase around this time, so keeping your fleet up to date is not just smart — it’s essential.

Scheduling now gives you the best chance of avoiding last-minute delays, especially when appointments fill up fast.

We’re not just another workshop. JAF Autos is the only licensed mechanic in West Melbourne authorised to complete VicRoads-approved roadworthy inspections for light buses.

We’ve been helping operators like you since 2009, and with more than 29 years of mechanical experience, we know what it takes to keep your vehicle compliant and safe. We offer same-day certification where possible and flexible scheduling to suit both individual operators and larger fleets.

We also go beyond roadworthy inspections. Our team handles log book servicing, suspension checks, auto electrical repairs, and air conditioning maintenance — everything you need to keep your transport business running smoothly.