Thread: Advice on getting an older vehicle registered/licensed in WA?

The first thing to consider is that the car only needs to be the same as when it was produced e.g. it does not need indicators; seat-belts. The only upgrades required by WA law, are reflectors on the rear and a reflectorised number plate.

You need to know the rules so that you can negotiate with an inspector who doesn't know them. Have a look at the Federal and WA govt transport sites, so that you can quote the relevant legislation if needed.

If your car has been modified and has seat-belts for example, then they must be in good condition and work.

If it has a major modification such as a non-standard engine, then it will require approval in principle from the Dept of Transport and and engineer's certificate of approval.

Unfortunately, oil leaks were an original feature but they are frowned-upon nowadays; so a quick wipe with a rag minutes before entering the test-station is a good idea,

Cheers Charlie

Have the car transferred into your name by QLD Transport and list an address over there as the garaging address. Once you have owned it for 12 months, it's just a matter of filling in paperwork to transfer it to WA.

Or do as above, just get it inspected here.

Thanks for the tips/advice.

I looked into transferring the QLD rego to me and you need to prove that you reside at/own the garaging address - which I can't do - and so going straight to licensing in WA is the only real option.

The vehicle has very few/no modifications - and so it should be ok. I will check the various standards/legislation and see how I go!

I got my 95 RRC with QLD plates and a blue slip for the engine transplant done at an authorised garage in Spearwood. They did liaise with DoT, but did not have to go to a DoT station.

Originally Posted by chazza

The first thing to consider is that the car only needs to be the same as when it was produced e.g. it does not need indicators; seat-belts. The only upgrades required by WA law, are reflectors on the rear and a reflectorised number plate.

You need to know the rules so that you can negotiate with an inspector who doesn't know them. Have a look at the Federal and WA govt transport sites, so that you can quote the relevant legislation if needed.

If your car has been modified and has seat-belts for example, then they must be in good condition and work.

If it has a major modification such as a non-standard engine, then it will require approval in principle from the Dept of Transport and and engineer's certificate of approval.


Unfortunately, oil leaks were an original feature but they are frowned-upon nowadays; so a quick wipe with a rag minutes before entering the test-station is a good idea,

Cheers Charlie

Charlie, Thanks for the tips - I have had a look on the WA Transport website and the Commonwealth website and cannot find reference to the legislation that would have been in place in 1958 - from the Dept of infrastructure and regional development - the ADR 2nd edition came into force in 1969 and compliance (or not) was dictated by each state but can't find what presumably WA state legislation that would have been in place in 1958?

Originally Posted by westernterra

but can't find what presumably WA state legislation that would have been in place in 1958?

Basically, none.
First edition ADRs were for discussion only.

If they do pull you up on a second or third edition ADR, it does not apply. If they pull you up on something else, they should be able to back it up with the appropriate legislation, which probably no longer exists.

I think you are over thinking the issue. Just present the car and see what they say. There is a very good chance it will sail through without a problem.

Originally Posted by westernterra

My 1958 Series1 is on its way to Perth. It has been subject to a full restoration by it previous owner and is in very good condition and is currently registered in QLD.

Does anyone have experience getting an older vehicle licensed in WA? I assume I just need to book a vehicle inspection and that should be all, but would prefer to find an inspection station that has experience with older vehicles, i.e. no seatbelts etc etc, Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

I had my 1951 80" inspected in Northam, & even though it had been subject to a full rebuild, still had the usual oil leaks from transmission, & one minor leak from 1 swivel. The inspector there was very considerate of old vehicles & his only request was to get the vehicle over the weigh bridge to determine it's TARE, why I have no idea, but I did manage to find this online on his computer which seemed to keep him happy.

Thanks all, I will see how I go!