Where do I send my application?

Completed application forms need to be sent to:

Licensing Assessments
NZ Transport Agency Private Bag 11777
Palmerston North 4442

Alternatively scan and email the application form to inspectors@nzta.govt.nz

Download

• VI1B Vehicle inspector application (WoF)

Accepting conditions and requirements

Submitting an application to the NZ Transport Agency will amount to acknowledgement and acceptance of the conditions and requirements of the appointment.

Incomplete applications

We can only process your application if you complete the form accurately, provide all the required documentation and pay the application fee.

If you submit an incomplete application or do not pay the fee your application will be delayed.

Fees and payment

The fee for applying to become a WoF vehicle inspector is $494.50 (including GST).

The options for paying your fees are:

• provide contact information in the payment section of your completed application form and the Transport Agency will contact you to arrange payment via Visa, MasterCard or Debit Visa/MasterCard
• send in a cheque for the full amount with your completed application.

Full payment details are listed on the application form.

For more information on fees see our Vehicle certification and administration fees guide.

You may also want to read about the 2014 fees review.

Fit and proper check

We will conduct a fit and proper police check on everyone who applies to be a vehicle inspector.

We reserve the right to conduct a fit and proper check at any time during the course of your appointment.

• Fit and proper person guidleines

Qualification requirements

To be eligible to become a WoF vehicle inspector, you must:

• be qualified as an automotive technician with either an NZ Trade Certificate in Automotive Engineering, National A-Grade Registration, NZ Advanced Trade Certificate, or equivalent,

OR

• be qualified as an automotive technician in Automotive Engineering with either National Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 4 or higher), National Registration, or equivalent, and references of 3 years continuous relevant work experience,

OR

• be a person who has worked in full-time employment carrying out repairs and maintenance to the safety aspects of motor vehicles for at least five cumulative full-time years.

Application requirements 

As the applicant you are required to:

• include copies of relevant qualifications. See ‘Qualification requirements’ above for qualifications required to be eligible to become a WoF vehicle inspector.
  Note:
  • if you have overseas qualifications you must apply to the NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to have your qualifications assessed. Once you have completed this process and received the assessment report you must include this with your application provide references from previous or current employers
  • include the dates (dd/mm/yyyy) you were employed, clearly detailing the full mechanical repairs you carried out in each position. This includes any overseas references you may have.

• provide evidence of having completed WoF training within the last six months. This can either be a certificate from an approved course/training provider or in-house training records that have been dated and signed off (including full name and authority number) by an authorised vehicle inspector. Training records must indicate what training was completed. Please note we do not accept WoF check sheets as evidence of WoF training.
• call us on 0800 699 000 extension 8212 to discuss what you are required to provide if you have been self-employed.
• confirm the details of a Transport Agency-approved inspecting organisation at which you can complete the theory and practical assessment.

Visit www.nzqa.govt.nz.

Code of conduct for vehicle inspectors

You must sign and agree to the NZ Transport Agency vehicle inspector code of conduct, which provides the minimum ethical and behavioural standards that are expected of all VIs whom we appoint.

You will be asked to sign a code of conduct when you have passed your practical assessment conducted by the Transport Agency.

Transferring sites

If you transfer sites, you must advise the Transport Agency by completing a Notification of vehicle inspector transfer form.

Conflict of interest

Financial interest

Vehicle inspectors can’t inspect vehicles that they have a financial interest in. The only exception to this is a vehicle that the inspecting organisation is primarily using for the purpose of delivering inspection and certification services.

Other conflicts of interest

The terms of your appointment require you to avoid situations that may lead to conflicts of interest. The most common situations are likely to be where friends and family are involved.

Repairs and servicing

You are permitted to carry out repairs and servicing in respect of a vehicle you are inspecting, provided that there is no conflict of interest.

Download

• Conflict of interest scenarios

Compliance with the rule

You must carry out inspection and certification activities in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 and the conditions and requirements imposed by the Transport Agency under this rule. Imposed conditions and requirements are included in the Vehicle inspection requirements manual: In-service certification (VIRM).

Re-appointment process

Your appointment as a vehicle inspector is for a three-year term, at which time you will be considered for reappointment for a further three years.

Certificate of appointment

Once you're authorised to be a vehicle inspector we'll ussue you a certificate. We’ve rebranded the certificate and this is what certificates created from 1 December 2017 will look like: Sample Vehicle inspector certificate of appointment.

More information

If you have any questions regarding the application process for WoF vehicle inspectors please email inspectors@nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 699 000.