VASS Vehicle Certification in Victoria

Need a VASS engineer for a vehicle modification? Send the vehicle and modification details for a project review. If the inspection scope is already agreed, choose the appropriate booking route. CVC supports one-off vehicle owners and repeat commercial builds from Hallam, Melbourne.

Looking for a VASS engineer in Melbourne or Victoria? Commercial Vehicle Compliance (CVC) provides engineering assessment, VASS inspections and VASS certification for applicable vehicle modifications from its Hallam, Melbourne facility. CVC works with commercial vehicle body builders, manufacturers, workshops, fleets and vehicle owners across light and heavy vehicle projects within the authorisations held by the relevant signatory.

A VASS approval certificate is not a generic roadworthy certificate. It is engineering certification for modifications or vehicle types that fall within the Victorian VASS scheme and must be assessed against the applicable ADRs, standards and modification codes.

What is VASS?

The Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) is Victoria’s certification scheme for modified, individually constructed and certain imported vehicles. Transport Victoria states that VASS signatories are authorised to inspect, test and certify vehicles and can issue a VASS approval certificate and blue modification plate where applicable.

When is a VASS approval certificate required?

Transport Victoria identifies VASS certification requirements for all heavy-vehicle modifications covered by VSB6 and for light-vehicle modifications beyond the published modification guidelines, as well as certain imported and individually constructed vehicles.

Vehicle modifications CVC supports

• Truck body, chassis and wheelbase modifications.
• Cranes, tippers, hooklifts and tow couplings.
• Motorhome and campervan conversions.
• Bus modifications and 25-year frame inspections.
• Seating, seatbelt and anchorage modifications.
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicle modifications.
• Other applicable light and heavy vehicle modifications within the relevant VASS authorisation scope.

Heavy vehicles

For heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM, VSB6 is the primary national modification standard used by Approved Vehicle Examiners. In Victoria, Approved Vehicle Examiners operate as VASS signatories. Transport Victoria states that VASS certificates for modified heavy vehicles are accepted across participating NHVR jurisdictions.

Light vehicles

For Victorian body builders supplying modified light vehicles into NSW or Queensland, see CVC’s interstate vehicle approval planning page. Light-vehicle certification is jurisdiction-specific, so the destination approval pathway should be checked before delivery.

Light vehicle modifications can require VASS certification where the work falls outside the modifications permitted by the applicable Victorian guidelines. Examples can include significant seating changes, structural modifications, wheelchair access conversions, motorhome conversions and other changes requiring engineering assessment.

How much does VASS certification cost?

There is no single fixed price for every VASS certificate because the engineering scope depends on the vehicle, modification codes, calculations or drawings required, inspection effort, available evidence and whether rectification or reinspection is needed. CVC will normally review the vehicle and proposed modification first and provide the applicable fee or quote before the engineering work proceeds.

Send the vehicle and modification details to CVC for a VASS quote.

What happens at a VASS inspection?

The signatory checks the vehicle and modification against the applicable approval scope and evidence. Depending on the project, this can include measurements, installation details, identification of components, photographs, calculations, drawings, test evidence and confirmation that the completed work matches the assessed configuration. Any non-compliance or missing evidence must be resolved before final certification.

Why involve CVC before fabrication?

Many compliance problems are easier and less expensive to resolve at the design stage. CVC can review the proposed modification, identify likely evidence and inspection requirements, and help body builders or vehicle owners understand the likely approval pathway before fabrication is complete.

What CVC may need from you

• Vehicle make, model, VIN and registration details where available.
• Description of the proposed or completed modification.
• Drawings, component specifications and installation details.
• Mass, axle-load or dimensional information where relevant.
• Photographs and supporting compliance evidence.
• Any previous engineering or approval documentation.

Official Victorian guidance and current modification codes

Check Transport Victoria’s current VSI 8 guide for light vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM. For heavy-vehicle modification codes and checklists, use the NHVR’s VSB6 Version 3.2 page. The applicable rule and evidence depend on the vehicle and modification.

See Transport Victoria’s Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme information and the VASS approval certificate guidance.

Need VASS engineering or certification?

Send CVC the vehicle and modification details for review or book an inspection where the required scope is already established.

Technical content reviewed by Darren Ludecke, Managing Director | AVE | VASS Signatory. Updated September 2026.