Before you proceed with the LVT application process, you’ll need to fill out a pre-approval application and understand the requirements for your workshop. You’ll still need to apply for a LVT licence even if you have purchased a LVT workshop. The licence is not transferable.
We recommend not purchasing any additional roadworthy equipment until we’ve confirmed your pre-application and you’ve successfully completed your accredited training.
Are you eligible to become an LVT?
A criminal record may affect your ability to be granted a LVT licence. All Business Directors and testing staff must not have any outstanding charges or have been convicted of:
- any offences which indicates poor judgement of character or dishonesty in the last ten years
- failing to notify police while being the driver of a vehicle which was involved in an accident which resulted in the injury of persons or damage to property
- an offence involving the risk of injury to the public within the last ten years.
You’ll need to give us an original National Police Certificate (External link) from Victoria Police or Australian Federal Police for yourself as the licence applicant and for anyone you wish to have as a testing mechanic (issued within the previous three months) as part of your pre-approval application. This can take up to six weeks to obtain.
If you’re eligible to apply for a LVT licence, there are a few steps in the process to complete before you get your licence
- Submit your pre-approval application [PDF 106 Kb] and application fee (cheque only)
- We’ll assess your eligibility and let you know within ten business days of what your next step is
- You’ll then need to complete the required accredited training
- Have a final interview with us at your work premises
- We’ll notify you of the outcome of your application (if you’re successful you’ll need to pay a Licence Start-Up Fee)
Step 1: Pre-approval application
You need to complete the pre-approval application [PDF 106 Kb] and submit all the required documents. We’ll assess whether you can continue with the next steps of the application process.
Along with your form, you’ll need to pay the pre-application assessment fee (cheque only). This fee is for processing your application. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application isn’t approved. Incomplete applications will be rejected, and you’ll need to pay the fee again in full to re-submit.
For an individual operating your own workshop you’ll need to provide:
- the completed pre-approval application form [PDF 106 Kb]
- an original National Police Certificate (External link) from Victoria Police *
- a certified copy of your mechanical qualifications
- a detailed outline of history as a motor mechanic involved in the repair and inspection of motor vehicles, including verifiable references
- detailed floor plan of premises/workshop
- a completed pre-application workshop inspection checklist which is attached on the pre-approval application form
- photos of workshop including: Building exterior, customer parking area, main workshop entrance, hoist area, customer area etc. Read more about the workshop equipment
- payment for pre-approval application (cheque only).
For a company application you’ll need to provide:
For each additional employee nominated as testing staff as part of your licence pre-application:
- a list of all nominated testing staff including divers licence number on company letterhead
- an original National Police Certificate (External link) from Victoria Police *
- a certified copy of their mechanical qualifications
- a detailed outline of history as a motor mechanic involved in the repair and inspection of motor vehicles, including verifiable references.
* Note: Non-Victorian applicants will need to apply for a National Police Certificate in the jurisdiction of their address. Overseas applicants must apply for a National Police Certificate issued by the Australian Federal Police. No other certificates will be accepted.
You can submit your pre-approval application with all the required documents and application fee by mailing it to Vehicle Safety and Compliance Group, 60 Denmark Street, Kew, Vic, 3101.
Step 2: Outcome of pre-approval
We’ll review the submitted documents and assess whether you’re eligible to apply for a LVT licence and outline the next steps for you. You’ll receive an email with your outcome within ten business days.
Step 3: Complete accredited training
You need to attend and successfully complete the accreditation training. This training can only be accessed if you’ve been granted pre-approval from us. The type of accredited training depends on the vehicle category being applied for.
See a full list of providers and training courses at accredited training for LVT.
Company Directors need to complete the Licenced Vehicle Tester Administration course.
Testing staff need to complete the relevant Tester training and Structural Awareness course for the categories being applied for.
Once all accreditation training is completed, you’ll need to send us a Application to authorise employee [PDF 95 Kb] form for each testing mechanic.
Step 4: Final review of applicants and workshop premises
If you’ve successfully completed your training you need to ensure your workshop is correctly equipped for the types of vehicles that’ll be tested.
A final review will be the last step of the licence approval process. The review will be onsite at your workshop premises. You’ll be contacted to arrange a suitable time for this review once we’ve been advised of you successfully completing the accredited training.
The review will cover the following subjects, where you and/or your nominated staff may be assessed on your knowledge of the:
- Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021 (External link)
- Licensed Vehicle Testers & Examiners Accreditation Course Manual
- VicRoads Vehicle Standards Information sheets
- VicRoads Licensed vehicle testers web pages - how to use and locate information on the Licensed vehicle testers pages
- Vehicle inspection process, including the use and understanding of mandatory testing equipment
- Correct procedures of required bookwork.
You’ll also need to agree and abide by the
Licensed Vehicle Testers Licence Conditions [PDF 387 Kb].
Step 5: LVT licence outcome
You’ll be notified of the outcome within ten business days of the final review.
If your application is successful, you’ll need to pay the Licence Start-Up Kit Fee (cheque only). Once the payment has been received, the start-up kit will be posted out and you can begin testing.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the application process:
email:
[email protected]
call: Vehicle Safety and Compliance on 1300 309 571