Authorised Inspection Scheme (AIS)
The AIS authorises examiners to inspect vehicles to ensure a minimum safety standard.
About the AIS
The Authorised Inspection Scheme (AIS) is a system, administered by Transport for NSW under which vehicles are inspected in NSW. Inspections are carried out for a number of reasons, the most common being for annual renewal or transfer of registration.
Transport'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
Note that each function has a specialised role within the AIS and the obligations are detailed in the relevant application form - Submit the application with attached copies of all required documents.
Transport 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 an information pack which includes a login to the AIS online system, more tools and guidance.
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. These rules were developed with the input of industry stakeholders and are maintained by Transport. 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
- Crane Safety Check Rules
Note: Rules can be accessed from AIS Online by authorised users of the system.
Inspection fees
Transport sets maximum fees for inspections. 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
Transport 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.
More information
For more information about the AIS email ais@transport.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 791 186.
Related sections
AIS Online
- AIS Online Login - authorised users only
- AIS Online Help Guide
- AIS Online - Updating your contact details