Certificate of Fitness Certificate of Fitness

Certificate of Fitness

From horse trucks to motorhomes, we’re the experts in assessing heavy vehicles. We’ll have your vehicle checked and back safely on the road in no time. Visit one of our 60+ commercial branches nationwide.

What is a Certificate of Fitness?

A Certificate of Fitness (CoF) is a regular check for heavy vehicles (and commercial passenger vehicles) to ensure they’re safe to drive on New Zealand roads.

 

Do I need a Wof or a CoF?

Vehicles that need a CoF, rather than the more common a Warrant of Fitness (WoF), are heavy vehicles like trucks, larger trailers & motorhomes with a gross vehicle mass of over 3,500kgs.

Commercial passenger vehicles, like taxis and rental cars also require CoF assessments. Find out about commercial CoF assessments.

 

How Often do I need a CoF?

If your vehicle is for personal use only, you need to bring it in for a CoF every six months. If your vehicle is used for commercial purposes, check out our information on CoFs for businesses.

Getting prepared to pass

Here’s a quick checklist of simple things you can do before coming to VTNZ that can help your vehicle pass its CoF:

  • Lights
    Check that all your lights work? Check the indicators, park lights, brake lights, and headlights – both dipped and on high beam. Get a friend to help you or park your vehicle next to a window so you can see the reflection of the lights. Got a blown bulb? Bring it in. We can replace most light bulbs on the spot.
  • Wipers
    Check your windscreen wipers are in good order. Do your windscreen washers deliver water onto the windscreen? Do the wipers clear the screen without leaving lines or patches? If they need replacing we can sort that for you during your assessment.
  • Oil
    Not enough oil can cause increased wear to your vehicle’s engine or to seize up. Use the dipstick to assess how much oil you have. If the oil doesn’t reach the indicator mark on the dipstick, you need more oil. We can fill up your oil while you’re here, just let us know when you arrive.
  • Tyre pressure and tread
    Pumped up tyres make it easier to grip the road and because it makes your vehicle more efficient, it saves on fuel. Always check the recommended pressure readings for your car before you pump your tyres. You can also make sure your tyre isn't bald by checking the tyre tread depth indicators.
  • Seatbelts
    When you come in, ensure all the seatbelts are accessible for testing and have no tears or rips.
  • Pets
    It's best to leave pets at home if you can. Alternatively, take them for a walk while we carry out your assessment.

“My experience was great, from the moment I came to reception up to receiving my CoF. I found the people I dealt with so helpful and friendly I made a point of discussing it with my fellow workers when I got to work.” Owen, customer of VTNZ Fenton Park

Is your CoF due? Visit one of our VTNZ branches and we'll be happy to help.

Find Your Local Branch

What to do when you arrive

Simply drive in and follow the lane markings. Park your vehicle, take your keys and take note of your licence plate number. Walk into reception and let us know you’ve arrived. When we’re busy, it really helps if you go back to your vehicle to move it up the lane queue until you get to the lane entrance.

While you wait

While our Automotive Technicians are assessing your vehicle, you’re welcome to come in for a coffee, tea or water and read a magazine. Kids are welcome too. Or you can leave your vehicle with us and pop back later. Just let the team at reception know.

 

What happens if my vehicle fails?

We sort the simple stuff

If it’s something small we can usually fix it on the spot. Our trained Automotive Technicians can usually replace most types of wipers and bulbs. They can also adjust your headlights and top up the water, oil, and clutch and brake fluid.

Major Repair Work

If something larger needs fixing, our Automotive Technicians will explain exactly what needs to be repaired and write clear notes you can give to your mechanic or garage, so you can save on repair bills.

If you don’t have a preferred repairer, try a VTNZ Certified Repairer or ask our staff for some other local options. Also the MTA has a register of quality assured mechanics online you can check out. (link to MTA register).

Once your mechanic has repaired your vehicle, visit any one of our branches with your VTNZ assessment sheet for a re-check. We’ll check the repairs and issue your Certificate of Fitness. This needs to be done within 28 days of your initial COF assessment.

VTNZ

What gets checked?

*As each vehicle is different, we may check more or fewer items than listed below.

  • Wheel and tyre condition
  • Mudguards & mudflaps
  • Brake performance and condition
  • Structural condition
  • Lighting performance and condition
  • Glazing
  • Windscreen washers and wipers
  • Doors
  • Safety belts
  • Occupant protection systems
  • Speedometer
  • Steering and suspension
  • Exhaust condition and performance
  • Fuel system condition
  • Towing connections
  • Load archorage systems
  • Stock crate and crate retention system condition

Other Relevant Sections

Visit one of our 80+ branches nationwide

We'll have you road ready in no time.