A vehicle needs to remain safe between WoF inspections, not only on the day it is checked. NZ Transport Agency recommends basic owner checks at least monthly and before a long journey. Focus on visible items such as tyres, glass, wipers, lights and obvious damage.
This checklist can help you notice a change early. It does not replace a WoF, servicing or diagnosis. If the vehicle feels unsafe, a warning light stays on, or something changes while driving, stop relying on a visual check and get professional advice.
1. Start with all four tyres
Tyres can pass a WoF and then wear or become damaged before the next inspection. If you cannot judge the tread or damage confidently, ask a workshop to check it rather than guessing.
- Look across the tread and check that it is not worn to the legal minimum.
- Use the pressure specified for your vehicle, usually shown on the door frame or in the handbook.
- Look at the sidewalls for cracks, bubbles or other visible damage.
- Check for sharp objects and repeated pressure loss.
2. Check the windscreen, wipers and mirrors
Clear glass and working wipers matter before rain arrives. A small-looking chip can still need assessment, especially if it affects the driver's view or begins to spread.
- Clean the windscreen and mirrors inside and out.
- Look for chips or cracks in the windscreen.
- Check the wiper blades for splits, smearing or missed areas.
- Confirm that the washer reservoir has fluid and the spray works.
3. Walk around the lights
Turn on the hazard lights and confirm that every indicator flashes. Check the headlamps, rear lights, reversing lights and brake lights. If you are checking alone, reflections from a nearby wall can help with rear lamps, but ask someone to confirm the brake lights when possible.
Clean dirty lenses and look for cracks or heavy clouding. Replacing a failed bulb is useful maintenance, but an electrical fault that keeps returning needs diagnosis.
4. Notice visible rust, belts and damage
Look for rust or damage around the vehicle, especially around structural areas such as door pillars. Check that safety-belt webbing is not damaged and that the buckles latch and release normally. Do not dismantle trim or safety equipment as part of a home check.
Rust severity and structural safety are specialist assessments. If you see corrosion, cracking or previous repair damage, ask a qualified person to inspect it rather than deciding from appearance alone.
5. Pay attention while driving
NZTA lists several changes that need attention: a spongy brake pedal, squealing while braking, pulling to one side, or vibration through the brake pedal. A smoky or unusual-sounding exhaust, unstable steering after bumps, continued rocking after stopping, and unfamiliar noises can also point to a problem.
These signs do not identify one specific fault. Note when the symptom happens and tell the workshop whether it changes with speed, braking, steering, road surface or engine temperature. Clear observations are more useful than trying to diagnose the part yourself.
What this checklist cannot confirm
A driveway check cannot test brake performance, steering and suspension security, structural strength or hidden mechanical condition. A WoF inspection looks more deeply at required safety items, while servicing and diagnosis cover different systems again.
Do not wait for the WoF expiry if you have a safety concern. If you believe the vehicle may be unsafe to drive, arrange advice before taking it onto the road.
Official sources
The checklist was reviewed against current New Zealand government guidance on 2 August 2026. It is general information, not a diagnosis for a particular vehicle.