Concessional Licensing
Governments recognise that classic cars are often not "daily drivers" and therefore should not be liable for paying the same registration fees as those types of cars.
Western Australia has two concessional licensing schemes available to owners of classic vehicles which vary in relation to which type of cars are eligble, the registration fees payable, and the restrictions on driving (noting that the restrictions on driving don't act as a practical limitation on most of us).
By registering your vehicle under one of these schemes, you will save significantly on vehicle registration, but will also save on insurance (because the insurance company will recognise that you won’t use your car all that often).
Licensing your vehicle under one of these schemes requires membership with a [registered car club] (which includes ACCWA). ACCWA assists its members in accessing concessional licenses.
Read on to learn more about:- Details of the two concessional licences.- The process for applying for these licences.- Frequently Asked Questions
Code 404 licence versus C4C licenceThe 404 licence provides a bigger saving on vehicle registration, however your vehicle needs to be “original / unmodified” to qualify. An original/unmodified vehicle is one that appears standard when viewed (can have upgrades if for safety; brakes, etc.. but not bonnet scoops , narrowed tubbed rear ends etc...). In both cases there are restrictions on how often you can use your vehicle, however for most of us, these restrictions are practically irrelevant.
Code 404 licence versus C4C licenceThe 404 licence provides a bigger saving on vehicle registration, however your vehicle needs to be “original / unmodified” to qualify. An original/unmodified vehicle is one that appears standard when viewed (can have upgrades if for safety; brakes, etc.. but not bonnet scoops , narrowed tubbed rear ends etc...). In both cases there are restrictions on how often you can use your vehicle, however for most of us, these restrictions are practically irrelevant.
Licence type | 404 | C4C |
Qualification | Car club membershipVehicle is 25 years or olderOriginal/unmodified vehicle | Car club membershipVehicle is 30 years or older |
Vehicle registration fee | Approximately $73 per annum | 25% of full registration fee (75% discount) |
Vehicle useage rules | Three types of trips:1. Registered club event.2. Test & tune. Loosely speaking, for when the car is being repaired or tested.3. Impromptu run: Practically unlimited. You log your runs (prior to commencing) using the “WASMA app” (see below for more details). | Annual useage limited to 60 days of “club use” plus 30 days of “personal use”.You log your runs (prior to commencing) using the “WASMA app” (see below for more details). |
Display requirements | Front AND back of vehicle. One of the following signs: ‘VETERAN’, ‘VINTAGE’, ‘POST VINTAGE’, ‘INVITATION’, or ‘HISTORIC’ (refer footnote 1). | “RESTRICTED USE” on front OR back of vehicle. |
Further information | CMC CODE 404 HANDBOOK OCTOBER 2022 | DVS_P_ConcessionsforClassicsFAQ |
Footnote 1. “Historic” may be used for any vehicle. “Veteran” for vehicles Up to and including December 31st 1918. “Vintage” for vehicles from January 1st 1919 to December 31st 1930. “Post-Vintage” for vehicles from January 1st 1931 to December 31st 1949. “Invitation” for vehicles from January 1st 1950 or newer.
How to apply – 404 licence
1. Ask the club for a completed “Certification of Financial Membership and Vehicle Compliance” (CMC1) form. This includes a declaration by the club that the vehicle is in an unmodified condition. To do this, you will be required to send to the club (douglas.j.wright@hotmail.com) photos of vehicle and registration papers.
2. Complete the ‘Vintage/Veteran/Post Vintage/Invitation Class Vehicle Licence Concession Application’ form (E81). You can get this form from a licensing centre or click here:
3. Lodge the E81 form:- via email to concessions@transport.wa.gov.au,- via post to Vehicle Services (Concessions), Department of Transport, GPO Box R1290, Perth WA 6844, or- at a licensing centre. For locations, refer to:
Supporting information includes:- The CMC1 form the club has supplied to you.- Current vehicle licence papers- Proof of identity
*If you have bought the vehicle from someone who already has a 404 licence, you also need to bring along your Notification of Change of Ownership Vehicle License Transfer (MR9) signed by both seller and purchaser).**If you are licencing the vehicle for the first time, you need to bring along the Certificate of Inspection (VL1) form – received when vehicle is examined at an Authorised Inspection Station, and proof of vehicle ownership.
How to apply – C4C licence
1. Fill out the E116 form and scan it and send it to douglas.j.wright@hotmail.com. You can get this form from a licensing centre or click here:
2. Lodge the E116 form at a licensing centre with supporting information. For locations, refer to:
Supporting information includes proof of ownership (current vehicle licence papers).
Concessional Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
What happens with the unused portion of my full vehicle licence when I change over to a concessional licence?When you get the concessional licence, the Depart of Transport will refund the excess licence fee you have already paid for the remainder of your current licence period.
Do I have to present my vehicle to the Department of Transport?Only in limited circumstances. For the 404 licence, refer to section 5.3 of the guide.For the C4C licence, if a vehicle is currently required to present for an annual inspection, the vehicle will still be required to undergo an annual inspection. Any vehicle that is currently unlicensed must pass an inspection to ensure it meets roadworthy standards prior to being licensed. Once an eligible vehicle has passed the inspection and become licensed, the owner can make an application to join the scheme.
Do I need to maintain my motoring club membership in order to maintain my concessional licence?Yes. The club is required to notify the DOT of any members who become unfinancial, at which time, DOT will send you notification of your requirement to move back to a full licence.
What is the “WASMA app”The club uses a smartphone app created by the West Australian Street Machine Association to - Maintain a register of club members and their concessional licences and vehicles.- Communicate relevant events to members (and maximize the use of “club useage” allowances under concessional licences).- Log trips in compliance with C4C/404 licencing requirements.The club will supply you with a detailed guide of how to install and use the WASMA app.
What is “club use” and how do I know when this is happening?Any event the club advertises on its Facebook page or is included on the WASMA app is considered a “club event”. If there is an event you would like to attend and it hasn’t shown up on Facebook or the WASMA app, send a message to [chris.thackray@ymail.com] and its more than likely that he will add it for you.
Where do I get the necessary display signage for my vehicle?The club can provide you with a free plate to attach to the bottom of your licence plate. There are other options (e.g. stickers/generic plates) that you can use if you prefer.