Page 1 of 59
VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION TEST EXAM QUESTIONS LATEST EDITION
2026 – 2027 VERSION SOLVED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION TEST
QUESTIONS WITH RATIONALES
10-POINT EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
Program Administration & Inspector Requirements – Certification process,
examination structure (five sections, 20 questions each, 75% passing score), license
classifications (Class A, B, C), experience requirements, reinstatement procedures, and
the regulatory framework under 19VAC30-70.
Brake Systems – Service brakes, parking/emergency/holding brakes, trailer brakes,
brake pad/shoe minimum thickness (2/32 inch), stopping distance requirements (25
feet from 20 mph with four-wheel brakes; 45 feet with two-wheel brakes), brake warning
light (required since January 1, 1968), brake line integrity, and fluid leaks.
Steering & Suspension – Steering mechanism inspection, ball joint wear limits (reject if
play exceeds manufacturer specifications; use dial indicator or ball joint checking
gauge), frame integrity (reject if broken, cracked, bent, or rusted/corroded to the point of
hazard), engine mounts, and power steering systems.
Tires, Wheels & Rims – Tread depth requirements (minimum 2/32 inch in two adjacent
tread grooves), tire damage (cuts, punctures, knots, bulges, broken belts), wheel and
rim condition.
Lighting Systems – Headlamps (at least two of approved type, proper aim, no
unapproved covers or colored materials), rear lamps, turn signals, brake lights, auxiliary
lamps (no more than four lamps including headlamps for general illumination),
clearance lamps, and reflectors.
Windshield & Glazing – Glass condition standards, cloudiness limits (more than three
inches above bottom is rejectable), cracks, chips, pits, scratches (driver's side scratch
more than 1/4 inch wide and 6 inches long within wiper area is rejectable), and safety
glass requirements for vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1936.
, Page 2 of 59
Wipers, Defroster & Mirrors – Windshield wiper and washer operation, defroster
effectiveness, mirror requirements (at least one mirror), and wiper blade condition.
Exhaust & Fuel Systems – Muffler and exhaust system integrity (no leaks), air pollution
control systems, fuel system integrity (no fuel leakage).
Safety Equipment – Seat belts (proper operation), airbag readiness light, horn
functionality, door latches, hood latch system, and driver's seat secure anchorage.
Offenses & Penalties – Class I, II, III, and IV offenses with corresponding disciplinary
actions (verbal counseling, written reprimand, suspension of 15–30 days for Class I
third offense).
SECTION 1: PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION & INSPECTOR REQUIREMENTS (Questions
1–30)
1. According to Virginia State Police regulations, what is the primary purpose of the
Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program?
A) To generate revenue for the Commonwealth through inspection fees
B) To promote highway safety and ensure vehicles are mechanically safe to operate
C) To create employment opportunities for certified mechanics across the state
D) To standardize vehicle appearance and aesthetic modifications statewide
Rationale: The Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program is fundamentally
designed to promote highway safety and verify that vehicles operating on Virginia roads
are mechanically safe.
2. According to 19VAC30-70-9.1, what is the minimum passing score required for
each section of the Class A inspector examination?
A) 70%
B) 74%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Rationale: The Class A inspector examination consists of five sections containing 20
questions each. A minimum score of 75% must be attained for each section.
, Page 3 of 59
3. Which document contains the rules and regulations governing Virginia's Official
Motor Vehicle Inspection Program?
A) Virginia Driver's Manual
B) Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual
C) Virginia Emissions Testing Handbook
D) DMV Vehicle Registration Guide
Rationale: The rules and regulations governing the Official Motor Vehicle Inspection
Program are contained in the Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual.
4. Under 19VAC30-70-9.2, what is the structure of the Class A inspector
examination?
A) Three sections containing 30 questions each
B) Five sections containing 20 questions each
C) Four sections containing 25 questions each
D) One comprehensive section with 100 questions
Rationale: The Class A examination consists of five sections: general information,
brakes, suspension, lights, and glass. Each section contains 20 questions.
5. What are the five sections of the Class A inspector examination?
A) General Information, Brakes, Suspension, Lights, Glass
B) Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Electrical, Body
C) Steering, Tires, Exhaust, Lights, Safety Equipment
D) Administration, Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Glass
Rationale: The five sections are General Information, Brakes, Suspension, Lights, and
Glass.
6. According to Virginia regulations, what is the experience requirement to become
a Class A certified safety inspector?
A) No experience required; only passing the exam
, Page 4 of 59
B) One year of practical experience as an automotive technician repairing vehicles for
the public
C) Two years of experience in any mechanical field
D) Six months of experience as a mechanic
Rationale: The applicant must have not less than one year's practical experience
employed as an automotive technician repairing vehicles for the public.
7. What is the maximum fee that can be charged for a Virginia State Safety
Inspection for a passenger vehicle?
A) $15.00
B) $20.00
C) $25.00
D) $30.00
Rationale: The maximum fee for a Virginia State Safety Inspection is $20.00. Stations
may charge less but may not exceed this statutory limit.
8. According to 19VAC30-70-9.1, what is the minimum passing score for Class B and
Class C inspector examinations?
A) 70%
B) 74%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Rationale: Class B and C inspector examinations consist of 50 questions each with a
minimum score of 74%.
9. What is the disciplinary action for a first-time Class I offense committed by a
certified safety inspector?
A) Verbal counseling
B) Written reprimand
C) Suspension of 15 to 30 days
VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION TEST EXAM QUESTIONS LATEST EDITION
2026 – 2027 VERSION SOLVED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION TEST
QUESTIONS WITH RATIONALES
10-POINT EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
Program Administration & Inspector Requirements – Certification process,
examination structure (five sections, 20 questions each, 75% passing score), license
classifications (Class A, B, C), experience requirements, reinstatement procedures, and
the regulatory framework under 19VAC30-70.
Brake Systems – Service brakes, parking/emergency/holding brakes, trailer brakes,
brake pad/shoe minimum thickness (2/32 inch), stopping distance requirements (25
feet from 20 mph with four-wheel brakes; 45 feet with two-wheel brakes), brake warning
light (required since January 1, 1968), brake line integrity, and fluid leaks.
Steering & Suspension – Steering mechanism inspection, ball joint wear limits (reject if
play exceeds manufacturer specifications; use dial indicator or ball joint checking
gauge), frame integrity (reject if broken, cracked, bent, or rusted/corroded to the point of
hazard), engine mounts, and power steering systems.
Tires, Wheels & Rims – Tread depth requirements (minimum 2/32 inch in two adjacent
tread grooves), tire damage (cuts, punctures, knots, bulges, broken belts), wheel and
rim condition.
Lighting Systems – Headlamps (at least two of approved type, proper aim, no
unapproved covers or colored materials), rear lamps, turn signals, brake lights, auxiliary
lamps (no more than four lamps including headlamps for general illumination),
clearance lamps, and reflectors.
Windshield & Glazing – Glass condition standards, cloudiness limits (more than three
inches above bottom is rejectable), cracks, chips, pits, scratches (driver's side scratch
more than 1/4 inch wide and 6 inches long within wiper area is rejectable), and safety
glass requirements for vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1936.
, Page 2 of 59
Wipers, Defroster & Mirrors – Windshield wiper and washer operation, defroster
effectiveness, mirror requirements (at least one mirror), and wiper blade condition.
Exhaust & Fuel Systems – Muffler and exhaust system integrity (no leaks), air pollution
control systems, fuel system integrity (no fuel leakage).
Safety Equipment – Seat belts (proper operation), airbag readiness light, horn
functionality, door latches, hood latch system, and driver's seat secure anchorage.
Offenses & Penalties – Class I, II, III, and IV offenses with corresponding disciplinary
actions (verbal counseling, written reprimand, suspension of 15–30 days for Class I
third offense).
SECTION 1: PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION & INSPECTOR REQUIREMENTS (Questions
1–30)
1. According to Virginia State Police regulations, what is the primary purpose of the
Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program?
A) To generate revenue for the Commonwealth through inspection fees
B) To promote highway safety and ensure vehicles are mechanically safe to operate
C) To create employment opportunities for certified mechanics across the state
D) To standardize vehicle appearance and aesthetic modifications statewide
Rationale: The Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program is fundamentally
designed to promote highway safety and verify that vehicles operating on Virginia roads
are mechanically safe.
2. According to 19VAC30-70-9.1, what is the minimum passing score required for
each section of the Class A inspector examination?
A) 70%
B) 74%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Rationale: The Class A inspector examination consists of five sections containing 20
questions each. A minimum score of 75% must be attained for each section.
, Page 3 of 59
3. Which document contains the rules and regulations governing Virginia's Official
Motor Vehicle Inspection Program?
A) Virginia Driver's Manual
B) Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual
C) Virginia Emissions Testing Handbook
D) DMV Vehicle Registration Guide
Rationale: The rules and regulations governing the Official Motor Vehicle Inspection
Program are contained in the Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual.
4. Under 19VAC30-70-9.2, what is the structure of the Class A inspector
examination?
A) Three sections containing 30 questions each
B) Five sections containing 20 questions each
C) Four sections containing 25 questions each
D) One comprehensive section with 100 questions
Rationale: The Class A examination consists of five sections: general information,
brakes, suspension, lights, and glass. Each section contains 20 questions.
5. What are the five sections of the Class A inspector examination?
A) General Information, Brakes, Suspension, Lights, Glass
B) Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Electrical, Body
C) Steering, Tires, Exhaust, Lights, Safety Equipment
D) Administration, Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Glass
Rationale: The five sections are General Information, Brakes, Suspension, Lights, and
Glass.
6. According to Virginia regulations, what is the experience requirement to become
a Class A certified safety inspector?
A) No experience required; only passing the exam
, Page 4 of 59
B) One year of practical experience as an automotive technician repairing vehicles for
the public
C) Two years of experience in any mechanical field
D) Six months of experience as a mechanic
Rationale: The applicant must have not less than one year's practical experience
employed as an automotive technician repairing vehicles for the public.
7. What is the maximum fee that can be charged for a Virginia State Safety
Inspection for a passenger vehicle?
A) $15.00
B) $20.00
C) $25.00
D) $30.00
Rationale: The maximum fee for a Virginia State Safety Inspection is $20.00. Stations
may charge less but may not exceed this statutory limit.
8. According to 19VAC30-70-9.1, what is the minimum passing score for Class B and
Class C inspector examinations?
A) 70%
B) 74%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Rationale: Class B and C inspector examinations consist of 50 questions each with a
minimum score of 74%.
9. What is the disciplinary action for a first-time Class I offense committed by a
certified safety inspector?
A) Verbal counseling
B) Written reprimand
C) Suspension of 15 to 30 days
