ROADWORTHY CERTIFICATES NOW ONLY $50 – GUARANTEED!
A COI is a mandatory annual safety document required by Queensland law for all rideshare vehicles – including those operating on Uber, DiDi, and Ola.
A Certificate of Inspection – commonly called a COI or CL inspection – is an official safety assessment required by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for all personalised transport vehicles. This includes every car used for commercial passenger services such as Uber and DiDi.
Unlike a standard roadworthy certificate, which is typically issued when a vehicle is sold or re-registered, a COI is specifically designed for vehicles used to carry paying passengers on a regular basis. It confirms that your vehicle meets the ongoing safety standards required under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management — Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 2010.
As a rideshare driver in Brisbane, your COI must be obtained from an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) — a provider authorised and audited by Transport and Main Roads. VTQ is a fully accredited AIS, qualified to issue COIs electronically directly to the TMR system.
Many drivers ask whether a roadworthy certificate is the same as a COI. They are not. A roadworthy (safety) certificate is a one-off check required when selling or re-registering a vehicle. A COI is an ongoing annual requirement for rideshare and other personalised transport vehicles – and it’s a higher standard of inspection, assessing both safety and the vehicle’s suitability for carrying passengers commercially.
If you drive for Uber or DiDi and only hold a standard roadworthy certificate, you are not compliant. You need a current COI to legally operate on any rideshare platform in Queensland.
Your COI is issued for 12 months from the inspection date. You can renew up to 2 months early without losing time on your existing certificate.
Your COI is issued for 12 months from the inspection date. You can renew up to 2 months early without losing time on your existing certificate.
Your COI is issued for 12 months from the inspection date. You can renew up to 2 months early without losing time on your existing certificate.
Who needs it: All rideshare drivers in Queensland — Uber, DiDi, Ola, and other booked hire platforms.
How often: Annually. Your COI is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Where to get it: Only from a TMR-accredited Approved Inspection Station (AIS) like VTQ.
New drivers: Must obtain a COI before activating their account on any rideshare platform.
New vehicles: Exempt from COI requirements in the first 12 months after initial registration — after that, an annual COI is mandatory.
Without a valid COI: You cannot legally carry passengers, renew your vehicle’s registration, or remain active on rideshare platforms.
If you drive passengers for money on any platform in Queensland, a current COI is a legal requirement – not optional.
Uber requires all Queensland drivers to hold a valid Certificate of Inspection before activating their account and to renew it annually to stay on the platform. Your COI must be uploaded directly to the Uber Driver App. VTQ can assist with this submission.
DiDi operates under the same Queensland Transport regulations as Uber. All DiDi vehicles must hold a current COI issued by a TMR-accredited Approved Inspection Station. Without it, you cannot accept ride requests or remain active on the DiDi platform.
The COI requirement applies to all booked hire service operators in Queensland — including Ola, GoCatch, and any other licensed rideshare platform. The Queensland Government's rules apply platform-wide, not platform-specific.
Our accredited inspectors assess every safety-critical system on your vehicle against the Queensland Light Vehicle Inspection Manual — the same standard required by TMR.
- Foot brake effectiveness
- Handbrake operation
- Brake pad and disc condition
- Brake lines and hoses
- Steering play and response
- Suspension travel and condition
- Shock absorbers
- Ball joints and tie rods
- Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm)
- Tyre condition and sidewall
- Wheel rim integrity
- Even tyre wear
- Headlights - low and high beam
- Indicators front and rear
- Brake lights and hazards
- Number plate and reverse lights
- Vehicle body condition
- Door operation and latches
- No cosmetic damage affecting safety
- Windscreen and windows
- Seatbelt condition and operation
- Seat mounting and condition
- Mirrors - internal and external
- Horn functionality
- Exhaust system integrity
- Fuel system condition
- Fluid leaks
- Chassis and frame condition
- Brake performance under load
- Exhaust noise levels
- Windscreen wiper effectiveness
- Overall vehicle handling
Most vehicles in good running condition pass without issue. A few checks before you arrive can save you time and a return visit
`Walk around your vehicle and test every light — headlights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights, and hazards. A single blown globe is one of the most common and easily avoided COI failure points
Tread depth must be a minimum of 1.6mm across the full width of the tyre. Check for uneven wear, sidewall damage, or bulges. If your tyres are close to the limit, replace them before your inspection.
TMR requires the vehicle to be reasonably clean so inspectors can properly examine all components. A clean interior also signals good vehicle maintenance — and rideshare platforms expect a presentable passenger environment.
In a safe location, test both your foot brake and handbrake. Your brakes should feel firm and responsive. Any sponginess, grinding, or pulling to one side should be investigated by a mechanic before the inspection.
Windscreen wipers are checked as part of the COI road test. Blades that streak, skip, or fail to clear the screen effectively can result in a fail. Replace blades if they're more than 12 months old.
Have your driver's licence and current vehicle registration papers with you. Make sure the vehicle details - registration number and VIN - are correct before you arrive to avoid any administrative delays on the day.
5/915 Nudgee Rd, Banyo QLD 4014
0420 733 550
Contact@vtq.com.au
VTQ was built to offer Queensland drivers a better experience when it comes to vehicle inspections and safety certificates. As an independent Approved Inspection Station, our focus is simple – provide honest, professional and straightforward vehicle safety services without the pressure often associated with repair workshops.
Because we don’t carry out repairs, our inspections are completely unbiased. Whether you need a roadworthy certificate, rideshare inspection or registration-related service, you can trust our team to provide clear advice and efficient service every step of the way.
Founded by Richard Scott and backed by generations of automotive experience, VTQ combines industry knowledge with a customer-first approach. Our hand-picked team is committed to making the inspection process quick, stress-free and reliable for drivers across Brisbane and Queensland.
At VTQ, we’re proud to help keep Queensland roads safer with trusted vehicle inspection services built on honesty, professionalism and transparency.
Your COI must be renewed every 12 months. It is valid for 12 months from the date it was issued. You can renew up to 2 months before your current COI expires without losing any time on your existing certificate — the new one simply takes effect the day after the old one expires.
No. They are two different certificates for two different purposes. A roadworthy (safety) certificate is a one-time inspection required when selling or re-registering a vehicle. A COI is an annual ongoing requirement for rideshare and other commercial passenger vehicles. They overlap in some safety checks but a COI applies higher standards and is mandatory for rideshare operation – a roadworthy certificate alone is not sufficient.
Most COI inspections are completed in under one hour, including the road test component. The exact duration depends on your vehicle’s condition and type. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe when you book so you can plan your day accordingly.
Bring your current driver’s licence and your vehicle’s registration papers. Make sure your vehicle is reasonably clean — inside and out — so our inspectors can properly examine all components. If you’re unsure what else to bring for your specific situation, call us before your appointment and we’ll confirm exactly what you need.
New vehicles are exempt from the COI requirement for the first 12 months after their initial Queensland registration. However, this exemption does not apply if the vehicle was previously registered elsewhere, or if ownership has been transferred. After the first year, the annual COI is mandatory regardless of vehicle age. Contact us if you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies for the exemption.
Yes. One current COI covers your vehicle for use across all rideshare platforms — Uber, DiDi, Ola, and others. You don’t need a separate COI for each platform. The certificate is tied to the vehicle, not to any particular rideshare company.
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