Authorised Inspection Scheme (AIS)
Inspections are carried out for a number of reasons, the most common being for annual renewal or transfer of registration.
TfNSW's role in the scheme is to:
- appoint AIS stations
- authorise proprietors, nominees (and alternate nominees), and examiners
- consult with stakeholders to develop policy and procedures
- monitor and audit the scheme
- manage and apply sanctions.
Under the AIS there are four types of safety check stations:
- ASCIS – Authorised Safety Check Inspection Scheme (light vehicles)
- AUVIS – Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme (unregistered light vehicles)
- HVAIS – Heavy Vehicle Authorised Inspection Scheme (heavy vehicles)
- ACIS – Authorised Crane Inspection Station (SP2 cranes).
An authority must be obtained for each type of station. This ensures that vehicle examiners are qualified, and specific safety requirements for different vehicle types are met.
Joining the AIS
To join the AIS:
- complete a proprietor, proprietor’s nominee or examiner application form
- submit the application with attached copies of all required documents.
Note: each function has a specialised role within the AIS and the obligations are detailed in the relevant application form
TfNSW will assess your application and notify you of the result by mail.
If your application is successful, the notification will include an administration fee that must be paid and notice of eligibility for training.
Once you have successfully completed the AIS training course, you will be provided with an information pack which includes a login to the AIS online system, more tools and guidance.
You can also find out further information on how to become a mobile safety check provider.
Training courses and fees
TAFE NSW is the authorised training provider for the AIS course. See the TAFE NSW website for more information on training courses and fees.
AIS Business Rules
Participants in the AIS must follow the AIS Business Rules (PDF, 1.42 MB).
These rules were developed with the input of industry stakeholders and are maintained by TfNSW.
The AIS Business Rules operate under powers granted by Clause 70 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017, and are legally binding.
All station types authorised under AIS, proprietors, proprietor’s nominees and examiners, must abide by the AIS Business Rules.
ACIS Rules
ACIS proprietors and examiners are subject to the following rules:
- ACIS Supplementary Business Rules
- AIS Business Rules (PDF, 1.42 MB)
- Crane Safety Check Rules
Note: rules can be accessed from AIS Online by authorised users of the system.
Inspection fees
TfNSW sets maximum fees for inspections (PDF, 109.98 KB). This does not include travel costs for ACIS on-site inspections. The examiners should agree on the travel costs with their customer before travelling to the crane site.
Audits
TfNSW have introduced a new audit model. The way stations are audited by our scheme inspection officers has changed. The changes include:
- Scheme Inspection Officers will present their photo identification and will be in plain clothes attire
- scheme inspections will be carried out on a more frequent and targeted basis
- sanctions may be imposed for non-compliance.
ECS Certificates
AIS Notice 35 and VSCCS Notice 14 were withdrawn in January 2018. Following a policy review, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has released AIS Notice 36 (PDF, 135 KB), AIS Notice 36 Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 196.73 KB) and VSCCS Notice 15 (PDF, 132.15 KB).
These documents have been prepared in consultation with government and industry experts.
More information
For more information about the AIS email ais@transport.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 791 186.
Related sections
- Become a mobile safety check provider
- Authorised Safety Check Inspection Scheme (ASCIS)
- Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme
- Heavy Vehicle Authorised Inspection Scheme (HVIAS)
- Authorised Crane Inspection Scheme (ACIS)
- Inspection fees - AIS Notice 18 (PDF, 109.98 KB)
- Information for vehicle owners
- Vehicle Inspector Bulletins