How Much Does a Roadworthy Inspection Cost in Queensland?
I was inspecting this Mercedes Sprinter in Alexandra Hills today and thought this would be a good time to explain how roadworthy pricing actually works in Queensland – because it’s not as straightforward as most people think.
The government sets the inspection fee
In Queensland, the roadworthy inspection fee is set by the government. As of 1 July 2025, the official fees are:
Cars and other motor vehicles up to 4,500kg GVM – $99.35
Trailers over 750kg up to 4,500kg ATM – $49.75
Motorcycles – $63.85
Stationary businesses – mechanics and workshops with a fixed location – are legally required to charge these exact fees for the inspection itself. Some charge less, some charge more, but the official fee is what it is.
Mobile businesses charge a call out fee
A mobile roadworthy service like Local Roadworthys is legally allowed to charge a call out fee on top of the government inspection fee. This covers the cost of travelling to your location, fuel, and the convenience of not having to take your vehicle anywhere.
With Local Roadworthys, the total price including the call out fee is:
Book online – $110 (I arrive between 8am and 4.30pm) or $140 (you choose a 2-hour time window).
Book over the phone – $120 or $150.
These prices are the same for cars, motorcycles, and trailers. They include GST. No hidden fees, no card surcharges. The price you see is the price you pay.
Why cheap isn't always cheap
When you’re comparing prices, there are a few things to watch out for.
Some businesses advertise prices without GST. The price looks lower until you get the invoice and find an extra 10% added on top. Local Roadworthys prices always include GST.
Some mechanics offer very cheap roadworthy inspections – sometimes well below the government fee. Ask yourself why. Most mechanics don’t make their money from inspections. They make it from repairs. A cheap inspection gets you through the door. If the vehicle fails – and it’s in the mechanic’s interest for it to fail – the repair bill is where they make their profit. That’s a clear conflict of interest.
Local Roadworthys does not do repairs. Not at all. There is no incentive to fail your vehicle for work it doesn’t need. If it passes, you get your certificate. If it fails, you get an honest report and you can take it to any mechanic you choose for repairs. There’s no upselling, no pressure, and no hidden agenda.
What about re-inspections?
If your vehicle fails and you get the issues repaired within 14 days, you can book a re-inspection. The government inspection fee for a re-inspection is included in the original fee – so the re-inspection itself is technically free. However, for a mobile service, the call out fee still applies because I still need to drive to your location.
What's included in the price?
For the price you pay with Local Roadworthys, you get:
A full roadworthy inspection carried out at your home, work, or any location you choose. A test drive and brake test. An electronic safety certificate lodged with TMR on the spot if the vehicle passes. A detailed report if the vehicle fails, listing exactly what needs to be fixed. No need to drive anywhere, drop off your car, or sit in a waiting room.
The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes for cars, 15-20 minutes for motorcycles.
