New Zealand WOF system is it a genuine necessity or a scam?

[scumdog]

Safety standards of motor vehicles are only a small contributor to road accidents and deaths, particularly when compared to the effects of alcohol and other similar mind-altering substances.

However should the need for a WOF vanish will this remain true??

[scumdog]

In New Zealand we have such a piss poor "she'll be right" attitude that I shudder to think what we'd have out on the road if there weren't a periodic opportunity to ensure faults are remedied.

Pretty much what I think too, watch this space...

[scumdog]

Hence why any WOF process should involve a road test.

The problem of people thinking their vehicle is safe simply because it has a WOF is a fault with the attitude of that person - not with the WOF system.

They do that with bikes/cars/hot-rods down here, is that not the case everywhere??

[scumdog]

And actual tests that test driver skill. Like licensing in Finland. If you are involved in a crash. Immediately invalidates you license and you can't drive until you can prove you have the skills required.

Wow, imagine if that was introduced in NZ!!

[scumdog]

The WOF process has never been presented as something that guarantees your vehicle is safe for the next 6 months.

The onus is still on the owner to maintain their vehicle to that standard.

That is the attitude change that to needs to be instigated.

Must spread rep....

[haydes55]

Wow, imagine if that was introduced in NZ!!

In my view, if you drive, knowing you aren't capable of avoiding crashes and have a crash that results in a death, you should be charged with manslaughter rather than vehicular manslaughter. You could of gotten training or driven within your limits to avoid the crash. Every fatal crash has a guilty person who should be locked up the same as any other murderer

[Katman]

They do that with bikes/cars/hot-rods down here, is that not the case everywhere??

As far as I'm aware it's quite common for testing stations to carry out a WOF inspection without conducting a road test.

I have only ever had two people refuse to allow me to ride their bikes.

They got told "no test ride, no WOF".

[Gremlin]

As far as I'm aware it's quite common for testing stations to carry out a WOF inspection without conducting a road test.

Last time VTNZ tested the BMW for WOF, the little asian fella asked me to carry out the tests. I was quite happy, as there was no way he could handle the bike safely.

[jonbuoy]

Its only some states that have don´t have safety inspections. In the UK they have just scrapped or are in the process of scrapping the annual test for classic cars - the government worked out that most classics were generally better maintained than most modern cars. No safety inspection in NZ - can you imagine the number of boy racers hacking down their springs with an angle grinder. A lot of people would have no idea that funny noise from the front of their car was the brake pad backing grinding on the disc surface.

[Road kill]

The current system should stay,but a WOF fail should come with an instant fine for driving a vehicle not up to WOF standards.

Plus instant immpoundment of the vehicle and instant suspension of DL until the fine is paid and the vehicle bought up to standard.

This within 30 days or the vehicle is crushed .

A law should be drafted so no right of complaint is available.

People with cut springs and other uncertified mod's should simply have the vehicle crushed on site and be banned from driving for life.

Prisons should be built in Australia or America for repeat offenders,,,and their passports should canceled.

[Scuba_Steve]

For as long as you have people failing a wof for headlights not working, bald tyres etc then the system probably needs to exist, if they can't even be bothered to take 5 minutes for a look before taking it to be checked.

Unless there is a system as per other countries that keeps your car off the road until repaired and reinspected when it's found to be faulty, there needs to be something in between.

The other scary thing is that after your car has failed it's WOF check, they let you drive it away.......

Turns out we already have that system, I'm sure Scummy could tell you about pink stickers
Oh and people will start taking responsibility when we bring in sane laws like the rest of the world are either on or moving to, i.e. no WoF

However should the need for a WOF vanish will this remain true??

Yes!

Its only some states that have don´t have safety inspections. In the UK they have just scrapped or are in the process of scrapping the annual test for classic cars - the government worked out that most classics were generally better maintained than most modern cars. No safety inspection in NZ - can you imagine the number of boy racers hacking down their springs with an angle grinder. A lot of people would have no idea that funny noise from the front of their car was the brake pad backing grinding on the disc surface.

You seem to be under the impression that doesn't happen now, with a WoF system

[unstuck]

The current system should stay,but a WOF fail should come with an instant fine for driving a vehicle not up to WOF standards.

Plus instant immpoundment of the vehicle and instant suspension of DL until the fine is paid and the vehicle bought up to standard.

This within 30 days or the vehicle is crushed .

A law should be drafted so no right of complaint is available.

People with cut springs and other uncertified mod's should simply have the vehicle crushed on site and be banned from driving for life.

Prisons should be built in Australia or America for repeat offenders,,,and their passports should canceled.

Would seem a little harsh for someone who fails because their washer bottle is not full, not sure I like the idea personally.

[Drew]

As far as I'm aware it's quite common for testing stations to carry out a WOF inspection without conducting a road test.

I have only ever had two people refuse to allow me to ride their bikes.

They got told "no test ride, no WOF".

Took my dirty okd SRAD for a WOF at the testing staion. The brake test didn't include the rear brake, and I pushed it forward on foot and grabbed the brakes. He was satisfied, WOF gained.

[Scuba_Steve]

The current system should stay,but a WOF fail should come with an instant fine for driving a vehicle not up to WOF standards.

Plus instant immpoundment of the vehicle and instant suspension of DL until the fine is paid and the vehicle bought up to standard.

This within 30 days or the vehicle is crushed .

A law should be drafted so no right of complaint is available.

People with cut springs and other uncertified mod's should simply have the vehicle crushed on site and be banned from driving for life.

Prisons should be built in Australia or America for repeat offenders,,,and their passports should canceled.

& if it ever came in I would laugh at you so hard when you failed on a frivolous "issue" which you then couldn't rectify because your vehicle was impounded... genius you are

[unstuck]

VTNZ down her used to go for a drive around the block when doing warrants but they dont do it anymore. The only thing that gets taken for a road test nowadays is my bike, and he gives it a good ride too, not just around the block. Boys will be boys.