How much does a WOF cost in New Zealand? (2026 prices)
A standard light-vehicle WOF costs about $91 to $92 at VTNZ, AA Auto Centres and VINZ, with a lower AA member price and some independent-garage promotions from about $49. A re-check at the same inspecting organisation within 28 days is free.
WOF prices at a glance
| Job or rate | Typical price (NZD) | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOF at VTNZ | $92 + GST | per inspection | [1] |
| WOF at the AA | $91 | per inspection | [1] |
| WOF at the AA, AA members | $81 | per inspection | [1] |
| WOF at VINZ | $92 incl. GST | per inspection | [1] |
| WOF at independent garages, cheapest seen | about $49 | per inspection | [1] |
| Re-check at the same organisation within 28 days | Free | per re-check | [1] |
| Fine: WOF expired more than two months (from 1 Nov 2026) | $350 | infringement fee | [2] |
| Fine: non-compliant wheels or tyres (from 1 Nov 2026) | $350 | infringement fee | [2] |
GST: where a source says a price excludes GST we show "+ GST". Add 15% to compare it with a GST-inclusive quote. Prices marked without a GST note were not labelled by the source.
What changes the price
- From 1 November 2026 many cars need a WOF less often. Vehicles first registered on or after 1 November 2019 move to every two years, and new vehicles get their second WOF at four years instead of three. That lowers the cost over the life of the car, but leaves more of the checking to you between inspections.
- The inspection standard is the same everywhere, set by NZTA, so price differences come from the business, not the test.
- A very cheap WOF at a garage can be a way to find repair work. Get a written quote for each fault and compare it before agreeing.
- AA members pay $81 at AA testing stations instead of $91.
- From 1 November 2026, driving with a WOF more than two months expired carries a $350 infringement fee, up from $200.
Getting a fair quote
- Check when your next WOF is really due. The intervals change from 1 November 2026, and many cars move from a yearly WOF to one every two years.
- Ask the price up front. Testing stations publish a fixed price; garages vary more, and a very cheap WOF can be a way to find repair work.
- Ask whether a re-check within 28 days is free, and whether they will repair faults themselves or leave you free to go elsewhere.
- If the car fails, keep the inspection sheet and get a written quote for each fault before agreeing to repairs, so you can compare it with another garage.
Where these prices come from
We do not invent price ranges. Every figure in the table comes from a price guide published by a New Zealand business, directory or government agency, linked below, and is shown as that source published it. These are typical ranges, not quotes. Your price will depend on your job, your location and the business, so get at least two written quotes.
- MechanicNearMe, 'WOF cost NZ', updated 17 October 2026
- NZTA, 'Changes to light vehicle inspections from 1 November 2026'