Pink Slip FAQs.Plain & Simple.
Everything you need to know about pink slips, e-Safety checks, pricing, bookings and what happens if your car fails — answered by our licensed mechanics.
New to pink slips? Start here.
A pink slip — officially called an e-Safety check or Safety Inspection Report — is a mandatory vehicle safety inspection required by Transport for NSW for most light vehicles over 5 years old when renewing registration.
Once your vehicle passes, the result is submitted electronically to Service NSW so you can renew your registration immediately online, via the Service NSW app, or in person at a service centre.
A pink slip is valid for 6 months from the date it's issued. You can renew your registration anytime within that 6-month window without needing a new inspection.
If you delay past the 6-month validity period, you'll need a brand new inspection. Your e-Safety certificate is stored digitally by Service NSW so you won't lose it.
- Pink slip (e-Safety check) — Safety inspection for vehicles over 5 years old renewing NSW registration. This is what we do.
- Blue slip (unregistered vehicle inspection) — Required for unregistered vehicles, interstate transfers, or heavily modified cars. More comprehensive, must be done at an authorised station. We don't provide this service.
- Green slip (CTP insurance) — Compulsory Third Party insurance. Not an inspection — it's an insurance policy required for all registered NSW vehicles.
It depends on how often you renew your registration. If you renew annually, you'll need a pink slip each time (assuming your vehicle is over 5 years old). If you renew every 6 months, you'll need a pink slip at each renewal as the certificate is only valid for 6 months.
Everything about what you'll pay — and what you won't.
Sydney Pink Slips charges a flat rate of $149 for all light vehicles across the Sydney metro area. This is the all-in total — it includes the government-regulated inspection fee ($51) and the mobile call-out fee ($108).
There are no additional charges, no surcharges, and no surprises. What's quoted is what you pay.
No. $149 is the total cost for a mobile pink slip anywhere in the Sydney metro area. We don't charge separately for the government fee, the call-out, the digital certificate, or the submission to Service NSW. One price, everything included.
No travel fee for any location within the Sydney metro area. The $149 flat rate covers everything including the call-out. For areas outside the metro boundary, please call us on 0450 299 975 and we'll give you an honest quote.
How to get us to you as fast as possible.
We regularly have same-day availability across Sydney. Evening and weekend slots are also available. To guarantee a slot, booking online or calling us the night before is ideal.
Call 0450 299 975 for urgent same-day requests and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Two easy ways:
- Online — Click "Book Now" on any page. Choose your date and time, enter your details, and you're confirmed. Takes under 60 seconds.
- Call us — Call 0450 299 975 Monday to Sunday, 7am–7pm. Our team will book you in directly.
Someone needs to be available to provide the keys and be reachable in case the inspector has questions. You don't need to stand over the inspection — just ensure the vehicle is accessible and a key holder is nearby.
For pre-purchase inspections at a seller's address, it's strongly recommended you or a representative are present.
We cover Sydney's Northern Beaches, North Shore, Ryde corridor and Greater Sydney metro. Our dedicated suburb pages cover:
- Northern Beaches — Manly, Dee Why, Narrabeen, Brookvale, Freshwater and surrounds
- North Shore — Chatswood, Mosman, Neutral Bay, Lane Cove, North Sydney and surrounds
- Ryde / Inner West — Gladesville, Ryde, Hunters Hill, Meadowbank and surrounds
Not sure if we cover your area? Call 0450 299 975 and we'll confirm.
We operate Monday to Sunday, 7:00am to 7:00pm. Same-day slots are regularly available. Evening and weekend bookings are welcome.
What our inspector actually does when they arrive.
Most inspections take 20–30 minutes depending on the vehicle condition and access. If your vehicle passes, your digital e-Safety certificate is issued and submitted to Service NSW on the spot before the inspector leaves.
Our inspector checks all safety-critical items required by NSW's e-Safety check standards:
- Tyres — tread depth, condition, sidewall integrity
- Brakes — pads, rotors, response and fluid levels
- Lights — headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse, hazards
- Windscreen & wipers — chips, cracks, blade condition
- Seat belts & restraints — retraction, latching, condition
- Steering & suspension — play, noise, handling feel
- Engine leaks & fluid levels — oil, coolant, brake fluid
- Structural integrity — chassis, body condition, rust
- Exhaust & emissions — leaks, mounts, overall condition
- Horn — operation
A quick DIY check the night before can save you time and avoid a second call-out fee. Look for:
- Any dashboard warning lights — especially engine, ABS or airbag lights (automatic fail)
- Blown bulbs — walk around and check all lights are working
- Tyre tread — if they look low, get them checked before the inspection
- Wiper blades — they need to clear the screen cleanly
- Seat belts — make sure all retract and latch properly
Our inspectors are happy to give advice on borderline issues before starting if you have concerns.
It happens. Here's exactly what to do next.
If your vehicle doesn't pass, you'll receive a clear repairs needed report explaining exactly what failed and why — in plain English, no mechanic jargon.
- You have 14 days to get the repairs carried out
- Return within 14 days for a free re-inspection (a $108 call-out fee still applies)
- There's no obligation to use us for the repairs — we'll point you in the right direction
- Bald tyres or tread depth below 1.5mm
- Blown bulbs or faulty indicators
- Worn or low brake pads
- Active oil or coolant leaks
- Cracked windscreen in the driver's field of vision
- Dashboard warning lights (engine, ABS, airbag)
- Faulty or non-retracting seat belts
- Worn wiper blades
For simple fixes like blown globe replacements, we can often sort these on the spot and complete the inspection in the same visit. Call us in advance if you suspect a minor issue and we can bring the necessary parts.
For larger repairs, our Gladesville workshop is available for all mechanical work. Call 0450 299 975 to discuss.
What happens once you pass and how to renew your rego.
Once your vehicle passes, the result is automatically submitted to Service NSW by our inspector. You can then renew your registration immediately via:
- Online at service.nsw.gov.au
- The Service NSW app on your phone
- In person at any Service NSW service centre
- By phone on 13 77 88
No — the e-Safety check process in NSW is entirely digital. Your certificate is submitted electronically to Service NSW and stored in their system. There's no paper certificate. You can view your e-Safety record through your Service NSW account online.
Which vehicles we can and can't inspect.
For pink slip (e-Safety check) inspections we cover all light vehicles over 5 years old:
- Cars, SUVs and 4WDs
- Motorcycles
- Light trailers
- Light commercial vehicles and vans
No. Heavy vehicles, expired/unregistered vehicles requiring a blue slip, and historic vehicles with special requirements are outside our scope. These require a blue or brown slip which must be completed at a separately authorised station.
If you're unsure which inspection your vehicle needs, call us on 0450 299 975 and we'll point you in the right direction.
Yes — we inspect motorcycles over 5 years old for e-Safety checks. The same $149 flat rate applies. Please let us know it's a motorcycle when booking so the inspector can come prepared.
Buying a used car? Here's what you need to know.
A pre-purchase inspection is a comprehensive check of a used vehicle before you commit to buying it. Our inspector travels to wherever the car is located, performs a thorough assessment, and provides a detailed written report with photos plus a personal consultation call.
It covers everything from mechanical condition to paint thickness (accident history), ECU fault codes, road test performance, interior and safety systems, and a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) check for finance, write-off or stolen history.
Our pre-purchase vehicle inspection is $299 flat rate for any vehicle anywhere within the Sydney metro area. This includes the PPSR report, full written report with photos, and a personal consultation call with the inspector.
Absolutely — that's one of the main benefits. If our report identifies issues the seller didn't disclose, you have documented evidence to negotiate a lower price or request repairs before purchase. In many cases the inspection pays for itself many times over in money saved on the purchase price alone.
Still Have a Question?
Can't find what you're looking for? Call or book and we'll answer everything directly.
Ready to Book Your Pink Slip?
$149 flat rate. Same-day available. We come to you across Sydney.
