[David Hodgson]

So in NSW the vehicle actually gets 3 inspections. Engineer, Blue Slip guy and RTA.

The engineer that stings you two and a half grand is usually NOT a mechanic. His job is to ensure the vehicle is structuraly sound, stops and steers correctly, and is compliant with any relevant Australian Design Rules.

The Blue Slip guy (NSW) is the same as the RTA instectors or any other states authorised vehicle inspector. He is a mechanic with a state specific rule book uploaded in his grey matter, and should be checking that the car is actually road worthy, ie; worn ball joints, blown lamps, freyed seat belts, good bushes etc. even down to whether a hood scoop is ok in that state.

The RTA inspectors do this same job. Why then the RTA wants to do the same check is beyond me. Do they not trust their appointed blue slip guys?