Mechanic crouched at the front of a white sedan with an inspection checklist

Open Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm, Sat by appointment only

Safety certificates and rideshare COI in Lawnton

Roadworthy paperwork, inspected by a licensed team

Selling your car or driving for a rideshare app? We inspect it, explain any failed items in plain English and fix only what you approve.

5.0 Google rating · 184 reviews
  • Licensed for safety certificates
  • Licensed for rideshare COI
  • Saturday morning bookings
  • Fully licensed and insuredSafety certificates, COI and air con
  • 20+ years experienceTrusted by Brisbane families
  • 5.0 from 184 Google reviewsReal reviews from real customers
  • All makes and modelsIncluding Euro cars and diesel

What these certificates are

Two inspections, two different reasons

A Queensland safety certificate shows that a registered light vehicle met the minimum safety standards when it was inspected. You need one before you offer a registered car for sale, and it must be displayed on the vehicle. Buyers in Kallangur or Albany Creek will expect to see it.

A Certificate of Inspection (COI) is a more detailed check for vehicles used for booked hire, which includes rideshare. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) requires booked hire vehicles to be inspected. Many rideshare drivers rack up long hours on the Gateway Motorway and airport runs, which is exactly the kind of wear an inspection looks for.

Both inspections follow standards set by TMR. We check the car, give you the result and explain clearly what any failed item means.

Mechanic checking the headlight of a white sedan during an inspection

What we inspect

What the inspection looks at

The exact checklist comes from TMR's standards and differs between a safety certificate and a COI. These are the main areas covered.

  • Brakes

    Pads, rotors, lines and handbrake must work properly, with no dangerous wear or leaks.

  • Tyres and wheels

    Tread depth, damage and matching sizes. Worn or cut tyres are among the most common fails.

  • Lights and indicators

    Every light working and every lens intact, including the number plate light that's easy to forget.

  • Steering and suspension

    No excess play in steering joints, and shocks and mounts in sound condition.

  • Body and structure

    Rust that weakens the body, sharp edges and crash damage. Cars kept near the salt air at Redcliffe are worth an extra look.

  • Windscreen and wipers

    No cracks or chips in the driver's view, and wipers and washers that clear the glass.

  • Seatbelts and seats

    Belts that latch and retract, undamaged webbing and seats firmly anchored.

  • Booked hire extras

    A COI can include extra items that apply to passenger vehicles. We'll tell you what applies to yours.

When you need one

When to book an inspection

These are the most common reasons people across Moreton Bay call us for an inspection.

  1. You're about to list your car

    You need a safety certificate before you advertise a registered car for sale.

  2. You're starting rideshare driving

    Your car needs a COI for booked hire. Check your platform's requirements too.

  3. Your COI is coming due

    Book ahead of the due date so you don't lose days on the road.

  4. You're re-registering a car

    An inspection is usually part of putting an unregistered car back on the road. Ask us what applies.

  5. You want no surprises

    Not sure your car will pass? We can look it over first so you know what might need work.

How it works

How an inspection works with us

  1. 1

    Book the right inspection

    Tell us whether you need a safety certificate or a COI, plus your make and model.

  2. 2

    Inspect against the standard

    We work through the TMR checklist for that certificate, from lights and tyres to brakes and body.

  3. 3

    Pass, or a clear list

    If it passes, we issue the certificate. If not, you get the failed items, a video and a price to fix them.

  4. 4

    Fix and re-check

    Approve the repairs you want, and we fix and re-check those items. Ask us about re-inspection rules and timeframes.

Why DreamWorks

A fair inspection, not a fishing trip

Some drivers worry an inspection is just a way to sell them repairs. We don't see it that way.

  • Licensed for both

    We hold licences for Queensland safety certificates and rideshare COI inspections.

  • The standard, not our opinion

    Items fail because they don't meet the TMR standard. We show you the item and explain the rule.

  • You choose the repairs

    You decide what gets fixed. We explain each item clearly and quote it before we start.

  • Saturdays for drivers

    Rideshare drivers can book a Saturday morning instead of losing a weekday shift.

From our Google reviews

“Very honest and professional. Good prices and I trusted them to check used cars before buying. Really helpful and good reports”

Milagros

COI and safety certificates questions

Your questions, answered

How long is a safety certificate valid?

It depends on who is selling. Private sellers and licensed dealers have different validity periods, each with a time and a distance limit. Check the current TMR rules or ask us when you book, so your inspection lines up with your sale.

Do I need a safety certificate to transfer a car to a family member?

Some transfers, such as between spouses, may not need one, but specific conditions apply. Check with TMR or ask us before you book.

How often does a rideshare car need a COI?

TMR sets the inspection requirements for booked hire vehicles, and rideshare platforms may add rules of their own. Check your platform and the current TMR requirements, or call us on 0488 059 878 and we'll talk you through it.

What happens if my car fails?

We list every failed item and explain each one, with video where it helps. You can approve repairs with us, and we'll re-check those items. Ask us about the re-inspection process and timeframe.

Is a safety certificate the same as a full mechanical check?

No. It confirms the car met minimum safety standards on the day. It doesn't assess engine health, the gearbox or how long parts will last. If you're buying or selling, a service or separate inspection gives a fuller picture.

What can I check before I bring my car in?

Get someone to help you check every light, including brake lights and the number plate light. Look at tyre tread, wipers, washers and the horn. These simple items cause a lot of fails.

Book an appointment

Get your certificate sorted locally

Tell us which inspection you need and your car's details. We'll book you in, including Saturday mornings.

Call 0488 059 8780488 059 878
DreamWorks Automotive shopfront at Unit 4, 5 Leanne Crescent, Lawnton