A guide to buying a classic vehicle and using the Victorian Club Permit Scheme

We know that buying a classic car, bike, truck, or bus is always a pretty fun day - however, we do see some new members have a hiccup or two along the way as it's the first time they've been through the process.

Buying the vehicle

If you are planning on buying a vehicle and putting it on a club permit, we recommend negotiating with the owner to purchase the vehicle unregistered; this includes if the old owner has the vehicle on a club permit. 

The reasons being, 

• Unlike full registration, club permits are non-transferable, so all club permits going under your name are considered new applications.
  
• Motor Vehicle Duty is not payable on club permits, so if you are to incorrectly transfer the full registation of the vehicle to your name, you will be liable for Motor Vehicle Duty.
  ($420 on a $10,000 vehicle, $2100 on a $50,000 vehicle, $5200 on a $100,000 vehicle, $18,046 on a $200,000 vehicle.)

The old owner will need to contact VicRoads to cancel their registration or permit. They will be refunded for the balance of their registration. This can be used to help negotiate the price, as if there is 6 months on full registration they will be refunded a few hundred dollars.

Typically, having the seller include a roadworthy certificate with the sale is a good way to go.

Old cars are old, so if you're not mechanically minded, having a reputable mechanic inspect the vehicle's overall mechanical condition is a great idea. A roadworthy certificate is to generally ensure the car is safe, not that it is mechanically sound.

Transporting the vehicle

As we recommend the vehicle be purchased unregistered, getting the car home or to your mechanic is the next step. There are two real options here.

• If the vehicle is safe to drive, get an Unregistered Vehicle Permit from VicRoads. These are a very cost-effective way to move the car around when unregistered when preparing a vehicle for registration. This can be to take to and from repairs, the roadworthy appointment itself, or if you opt for physical inspection and paperwork with the Vic Club Rego Car & Bike Club.
  Permits cost examples are 7 days $58.30 and 28 days $92.40.
  Ensure you read the UVP conditions and restrictions.
• Tow the vehicle via tow truck or trailer.

Getting the Club Permit

If the seller did not include a RWC you will need to get one for the vehicle.

Next is what we like to think is the easiest bit - just purchase your membership and we'll get everything you need sorted.

Once we have returned your signed paperwork, print it out and take it to your local VicRoads Service Centre. They will process the permit and give you your Club Plates and Logbook.

Any questions? Shoot us an email!