What inspections does a repairable write-off need to be re-registered in Australia?

Two. First an identity inspection (the anti-rebirthing check that confirms the VIN, compliance plate and engine number and reviews your repair documentation), then a roadworthy or safety inspection. The identity check is usually booked and passed first. The names differ by state: Victoria's is the VIV (Vehicle Identity Validation), Queensland's is the WOVI (Written-Off Vehicle Inspection), and NSW uses an AUVIS inspection (often called a blue slip) plus a separate VIIU written-off identity check.

Why do repaired write-offs fail the inspection?

Almost always documentation, not the repair quality. Common failures are missing or incomplete records (no as-bought photos, no in-progress photos of structural work before it was covered), an undocumented structural repair, an airbag (SRS) system that wasn't certified, or a VIN or part identity that doesn't match the paperwork. The repair being sound isn't enough if you can't prove how it was done.

Should I paint the car before the write-off inspection?

Be careful. Photograph all structural and chassis repairs before they are covered by panels, filler or paint, because the inspector needs to see them. In Western Australia the written-off vehicle inspection is done before paint and trim, so painting too early can mean a failed or repeated inspection. Always confirm the order with your state authority before you start.

Will your repairable write-off pass the inspection?

Getting a repaired write-off back on the road comes down to two checks: an identity inspection (the anti-"rebirthing" check - VIN, compliance plate, engine number, and your repair paperwork) and a roadworthy / safety inspection. The repair itself is rarely what fails people - it's the paperwork and preparation. The names differ by state: Victoria's is the VIV, Queensland's the WOVI, and NSW uses a VIIU identity check.

General guidance for Australia. Inspection names, the order and the exact requirements change and vary by state - always confirm the current process with your state's transport authority before you rely on it. Remember NSW generally won't let an open-market buyer re-register a light repairable write-off at all.

The two inspections - and which comes first

In most states you pass them in this order:

1. Identity inspection - confirms the car is what it claims to be: the VIN, compliance plate and engine number match, and the major parts and structural repairs line up with your documentation. This is the anti-rebirthing check, and it usually must pass before you can book the roadworthy.
2. Roadworthy / safety inspection - the standard check that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy (brakes, steering, tyres, lights, structure). Same idea as any used-car safety certificate, but on a vehicle the inspector knows was written off.

What the identity inspection actually wants

This is where the documentation does the work. Keep, from the day you buy it:

Photos of the car as bought (save the auction listing photos).
Photos of the damage and of repairs in progress - especially any structural or chassis work before it's hidden by panels, filler or paint.
A written repair statement, and parts receipts with the donor vehicle's VIN for major used components (so the inspector can rule out stolen parts).
An SRS (airbag) report from a dealer for that make if the airbags deployed, and a structural / welding certificate from a qualified repairer.

The full evidence trail is covered in the buy, repair & register guide, including the SRS report step.

What the inspection is called in your state

VIC - VIV (Vehicle Identity Validation) through VicRoads, plus a Certificate of Roadworthiness.
QLD - WOVI (Written-Off Vehicle Inspection) through Transport and Main Roads.
NSW - an AUVIS inspection (the unregistered-vehicle identity-and-safety check, often called a "blue slip") plus the VIIU written-off identity check - but note NSW generally only allows it for narrow cases (you were the registered owner, hail-only damage, or you inherited it), not open-market buyers.
SA - an identity inspection (at the Regency Park station near Adelaide) that must pass first, then a road-safety inspection.
WA - an authorised written-off vehicle inspection, done before paint and trim.
TAS / NT / ACT - identity and roadworthy checks, often with an extra structural or stolen-vehicle component.

The per-state detail is on the repairable write-off state pages.

How to pass first time

Document from day one - you can't go back and photograph a structural repair after it's painted.
Don't get ahead of the order - book the identity inspection first, and in WA don't paint before the inspection.
Use genuine, traceable parts for major components and keep the receipts with donor VINs.
Get the SRS and structural certificates before you book, not after.
Present it clean and complete - inspectors are reading your paperwork as much as the car.

Before you even buy

The easiest inspection to pass is the one on a car that wasn't as badly damaged as it looked. Vet the lot first - see is a repairable write-off really repairable? - and check the listing and run a PPSR check before you bid.