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WOVR Inspection Perth WA: Complete Guide for Motorcycle Owners
Everything motorcycle owners need to know about repairable write-offs, WOVR inspections and getting a motorcycle back on the road in WA.
If your motorcycle has been recorded as a repairable write-off, getting it back on the road involves more than simply repairing the damage.
In Western Australia, repairable written-off vehicles must go through specific inspection and licensing requirements before they can be relicensed. For motorcycle owners, understanding the WOVR process early can save time, avoid unnecessary repairs and help make sure you have the right documentation ready.
Whether you've bought a repairable write-off, are rebuilding a damaged motorcycle or are preparing a bike for inspection, here's what you need to know about WOVR inspections in Perth and WA.
The WOVR Process
What Does WOVR Mean?
WOVR stands for the Written-Off Vehicle Register.
The register records vehicles that have been classified as written off, including motorcycles. The system helps prevent written-off vehicles from being illegally re-identified and returned to the road without going through the required processes.
Repairable Write-Off
A repairable write-off has been assessed as a total loss, but the damage does not meet the criteria for a statutory write-off.
These motorcycles may be repaired and potentially relicensed, provided they meet the required inspection, safety and licensing requirements.
Statutory Write-Off
A statutory write-off has sustained damage that means it cannot be safely repaired and relicensed.
Statutory write-offs cannot be relicensed and can only be used for parts or scrap metal.
A repairable write-off is not the same thing as a statutory write-off. Knowing which category your motorcycle falls into is the first step.
How Does a WOVR Inspection Work in WA?
If you're dealing with a repairable written-off motorcycle, the process involves two separate inspections.
Repair the Motorcycle
Before your motorcycle can go through the WOV inspection process, the required repairs need to be carried out.
This is where keeping good records becomes extremely important.
- Receipts for major parts purchased and used
- Receipts for repairs
- Photographs taken throughout the repair process
Keep everything together from the beginning — especially invoices for major components and repair work.
WOVR Inspection
Once the relevant structural repairs have been completed, the motorcycle needs to be presented to an authorised WOV business for inspection.
Importantly, this inspection takes place before final body filler, paint, trims and finishes are applied, where applicable.
This allows the inspection process to assess the repairs and relevant components before everything is covered up.
Finish the Repairs
Once the motorcycle has passed the WOV inspection, you can complete the remaining work.
AIS Inspection
Once the motorcycle has passed the WOV inspection and the repairs are complete, it needs to undergo a second inspection at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).
This inspection covers the motorcycle's identity and roadworthiness.
For a motorcycle, it's also important to tell the AIS about the bike's engine capacity and LAMS category when booking.
Apply for Licensing
Once the motorcycle has successfully passed both required inspections, you can proceed with the licensing process.
You'll need documentation including the WOV business inspection and AIS inspection certificates, along with the required ownership and identification documents.
Once the motorcycle is relicensed, its repairable write-off status is updated to inspected. The written-off history does not disappear and remains recorded against the vehicle.
What Should You Have Ready?
Your Motorcycle
- VIN / chassis number
- Registration details, if applicable
- Motorcycle make and model
- Engine details
- Details of the damage
- Details of completed repairs
Your Documentation
- Major parts receipts
- Repair invoices
- Photos from the repair process
- Relevant ownership documents
- Previous inspection documentation
Common WOVR Mistakes
Finishing Everything Before the WOVR Inspection
One of the biggest mistakes is completing paint, filler and final finishes before the motorcycle has been inspected at the required stage.
Losing Your Receipts
Keep invoices and receipts for major parts and repair work. Don't assume you'll be able to find them later.
Not Taking Photos
Take photographs throughout the repair process rather than trying to recreate the repair history afterwards.
Assuming a Visual Check Is Enough
A motorcycle can look great and still have issues that need to be addressed. The required inspection process is there for a reason.
WOVR Inspection vs Licensing Inspection
Can a WOVR Motorcycle Be Relicensed?
Yes — if it is classified as a repairable write-off and successfully completes the required process.
A repairable write-off can potentially be repaired and relicensed in WA once it has passed the required inspections and meets the relevant licensing requirements.
A statutory write-off is different. These vehicles cannot be relicensed and are restricted to use for parts or scrap.
Need a WOVR Inspection in Perth?
Getting a repairable motorcycle back on the road can involve repairs, paperwork and multiple inspections. Understanding the process before you start can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Motorcycle Masters is based in Kewdale and provides WOVR inspections for motorcycles in Perth.