From horse trucks to motorhomes, we’re the experts in assessing heavy vehicles. We’ll have your vehicle checked and back on the road in no time.
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’s 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 all of your lights work? Check the indicators, park lights, brake lights, and headlights – both dipped and high beams. 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 at the branch 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 is not 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
Sign up to receive a reminder when your next CoF is due
Sign up to remindersWHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO COME?
No need to book. Just drop in when it’s convenient for you. Most branches are open weekends, but Saturdays are our busiest time, particularly between 10am and 12 noon. Our quietest times are usually weekdays from 9am to 10am and 2pm to 3pm.
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 in to 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 our friendly staff at reception know.
DROP ‘N’ GO
Talk to our staff about our weekday Drop and Go service. You can arrange to drop your vehicle off at your local branch and leave it with us for a full or half day. We’ll give you a call when everything’s finished and ready to go. If possible, we can also give you a free courtesy ride to a nearby location like home or work.
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 replace most types of wipers, and bulbs, as well as batteries. 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, you can find contact details for local mechanics in our branches or ask our staff for some local options. Also the MTA has a register of quality assured mechanics online you can check out. (link to MTA register).
Visit any one of our branches with your VTNZ assessment sheet for a re-check, once your mechanic has repaired your vehicle. We’ll check the repairs and issue your Certificate of Fitness. This needs to be done within 28 days of your initial COF assessment.
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 any one of our 80+ branches nationwide
No need to book. Wait for your vehicle or leave it with us.