WOF in New Zealand: how often, what's checked and how to pass first time

A Warrant of Fitness (WOF) is the regular safety inspection every light vehicle in New Zealand needs to stay on the road.

How often: most vehicles first registered on or after 1 January 2000 need a WOF every year, and brand-new vehicles get a longer first warrant. Vehicles first registered before 2000 need one every six months. The NZ Transport Agency website confirms the rule for your exact vehicle.

What's checked: tyres and tread depth, brakes, lights and indicators, windscreen and wipers, seatbelts and airbags, steering and suspension, structural rust, doors, exhaust and fuel leaks, and the speedometer.

Avoid an easy fail: walk around with the lights and indicators on, check every tyre has at least 1.5 mm of tread with no bulges, top up washer fluid, make sure the wipers clear the screen, and look for warning lights on the dashboard.

If something fails, you usually have a set time to fix it and return for a free or reduced recheck at the same inspector. Book the repair early so you are not driving without a current warrant.

Need a WOF, or the repairs after one? Compare workshops near you on MYLES — and some checks can be prepared by a mobile mechanic before your inspection.