Can You Get a Roadworthy Done in an Underground Car Park?
I inspected this Hyundai i20 in an underground car park in West End today. Apartment living means underground parking, and underground parking means people wonder whether a mobile roadworthy is even possible down there.
The answer is yes – but there are a few things you need to sort out before I arrive.
I need to get in and out
The most important thing is access. I need to be able to drive the vehicle out of the car park and back in. A roadworthy inspection includes a mandatory test drive and a recorded brake test on the road. I can’t skip this – the Queensland Government inspection app requires it.
If the car park has a boom gate or security access, I need a way through. This could be a visitor pass, a remote, a swipe card, or you meeting me at the entrance. However you arrange it, I need to be able to take the car out for the test drive and bring it back in afterwards.
If I can’t get the car out of the building, the inspection can’t be completed.
Space around the vehicle
Underground car parks are often tight. I need enough space around the vehicle to open all doors fully, check the underbody, inspect the tyres and brakes, and move around all four sides of the car.
If your car is squeezed between two pillars with no room to open the doors, the inspection becomes very difficult. If possible, park in a spot with an empty bay on at least one side. End bays or visitor bays near the entrance usually have more room.
I also need to get underneath the car to check the underbody, suspension, and look for oil leaks. A flat concrete surface is fine for this – underground car parks are actually good for underbody inspections because the surface is clean and level.
My car needs to be parked next to yours
I carry tools, a jack, and inspection equipment in my car. I can’t carry all of this across multiple levels of a car park. My vehicle needs to be parked close to yours – ideally in the next bay or on the same level nearby.
If your car is on level 3 and visitor parking is on level 1, that doesn’t work. I need a spot next to or very close to the vehicle I’m inspecting. If possible, keep an adjacent bay free for me or arrange with your building manager for me to park on the same level.
Phone signal
After the inspection, I need to submit the safety certificate through the Queensland Government app. This requires phone signal or data. Some underground car parks have very weak or no mobile reception. If the certificate can’t be submitted underground, I’ll submit it as soon as I drive out of the car park for the test drive. Either way, the certificate will reach your email on the same day.
How to book an underground car park inspection
Book online as normal. In the booking notes, mention that the car is in an underground car park and include any access instructions – which level, which bay number, how to get through the boom gate.
If you can meet me at the entrance to let me in, that’s the easiest option. If you want an unattended inspection, leave a visitor pass, swipe card, or remote with the car key so I can get in and out independently.
The inspection process is the same as anywhere else. I check the car, take it for a test drive, complete the brake test, and send the certificate to your email. The only difference is the location.
Parking fees are on you
If the car park charges a fee, that’s the customer’s responsibility. Some underground car parks in the city charge $60 or more for the first hour. I can’t absorb that cost when the inspection itself is $110.
Inspections in underground car parks usually take longer than a driveway inspection. Getting in and out takes time. Finding a suitable spot nearby for the brake test takes time, especially in the city centre where quiet streets aren’t easy to find. I can’t rush the inspection because the first 15 minutes of parking are free.
If the car park charges fees, arrange a visitor pass, validate my parking, or reimburse me for the cost. Let me know the parking situation when you book so there are no surprises on the day.
Motorcycles in underground car parks
The same applies to motorcycles. I need to be able to ride the motorcycle out for a test ride and bring it back in. Make sure I have access through any boom gates or security barriers.
Motorcycles are actually easier to inspect in underground car parks than cars because they take up less space and are easier to move around.
