VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
- Administrative Procedures and Corrective Action
- Brake Systems Inspection (Service, Parking, and Emergency)
- Lighting and Electrical Systems
- Steering and Suspension Systems
- Tires, Wheels, and Fasteners
- Windshield, Glass, and Mirror Requirements
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Program (MVIP) Usage
- Inspection Station and Inspector Requirements
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the knowledge and practical skills required for certification
as a Virginia State Safety Inspector. It covers the full scope of the Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual,
including both general administrative procedures and specific vehicle system standards. The exam utilizes a
combination of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply regulations to real-
world situations. Candidates will be evaluated on their understanding of safety standards, legal compliance, ethical
conduct, and proper use of the MVIP system. This assessment ensures inspectors are prepared to make critical
decisions to promote highway safety across the Commonwealth.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A vehicle is presented for inspection with a tear in the rear windshield wiper blade. What action should the
inspector take?
A. Reject the vehicle for the torn wiper blade.
B. Approve the vehicle; rear wipers are not a required inspection item.
C. Reject the vehicle only if the wiper is inoperative.
D. Issue a rejection sticker and advise the customer to replace the blade.
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The Official Virginia Safety Inspection Manual mandates the inspection of windshield wipers
only for the driver's side of the windshield. A rear wiper blade, even if torn, is not a required safety item and is
therefore not a cause for rejection.
2. What is the minimum allowable tire tread depth for passenger vehicles and light trucks in Virginia?
A. 1/32 inch
B. 3/32 inch
C. 2/32 inch
D. 4/32 inch
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The state regulation requires that tires on passenger vehicles and light trucks maintain a
minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch. Tires worn below this threshold are considered unsafe and must be
rejected.
,3. A certified inspector loses their inspection sticker book due to carelessness. According to Virginia
regulations, what is the potential consequence?
A. A verbal warning.
B. A fine of $500.
C. Suspension of the inspector or station.
D. Revocation of the inspector's license for one year.
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The loss of inspection stickers through carelessness or neglect is a serious administrative
violation. The regulations state that if the loss occurs through neglect, it may result in the suspension of the
station or the inspector.
4. The first step a certified inspector must perform before beginning a safety inspection is:
A. Drive the vehicle onto the lift.
B. Check the vehicle's lights.
C. Remove and destroy the old inspection sticker.
D. Verify the vehicle identification number (VIN).
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual explicitly states that when a vehicle is
presented for inspection, the previous approval sticker, if any, must be removed and destroyed before any other
part of the inspection is conducted.
5. A Class I offense is defined as which of the following?
, A. A violation so critical it requires immediate suspension.
B. Unacceptable work performance less serious in nature.
C. An omission likely to be an imminent cause of a crash.
D. A criminal act that reflects poorly on the program.
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: According to 19VAC30-70-3 of the Virginia Administrative Code, Class I offenses are
considered less serious in nature but require correction to maintain an efficient program.
6. A vehicle with a manual transmission fails to start unless the clutch pedal is depressed. Does this pass
inspection?
A. Yes, this is a normal and required safety feature.
B. No, this indicates a faulty safety switch.
C. Yes, only the neutral safety switch is inspected.
D. No, the vehicle must start in gear to pass.
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: A vehicle equipped with a manual transmission must have a clutch safety switch that prevents
the engine from starting unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. If this switch does not work, the vehicle is to
be rejected. The described operation is correct.
7. Which of the following is a violation serious enough to be considered a Class IV offense?
A. Failure to complete the receipt in ink.
B. A verbal altercation with a customer.
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
- Administrative Procedures and Corrective Action
- Brake Systems Inspection (Service, Parking, and Emergency)
- Lighting and Electrical Systems
- Steering and Suspension Systems
- Tires, Wheels, and Fasteners
- Windshield, Glass, and Mirror Requirements
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Program (MVIP) Usage
- Inspection Station and Inspector Requirements
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the knowledge and practical skills required for certification
as a Virginia State Safety Inspector. It covers the full scope of the Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual,
including both general administrative procedures and specific vehicle system standards. The exam utilizes a
combination of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply regulations to real-
world situations. Candidates will be evaluated on their understanding of safety standards, legal compliance, ethical
conduct, and proper use of the MVIP system. This assessment ensures inspectors are prepared to make critical
decisions to promote highway safety across the Commonwealth.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A vehicle is presented for inspection with a tear in the rear windshield wiper blade. What action should the
inspector take?
A. Reject the vehicle for the torn wiper blade.
B. Approve the vehicle; rear wipers are not a required inspection item.
C. Reject the vehicle only if the wiper is inoperative.
D. Issue a rejection sticker and advise the customer to replace the blade.
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The Official Virginia Safety Inspection Manual mandates the inspection of windshield wipers
only for the driver's side of the windshield. A rear wiper blade, even if torn, is not a required safety item and is
therefore not a cause for rejection.
2. What is the minimum allowable tire tread depth for passenger vehicles and light trucks in Virginia?
A. 1/32 inch
B. 3/32 inch
C. 2/32 inch
D. 4/32 inch
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The state regulation requires that tires on passenger vehicles and light trucks maintain a
minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch. Tires worn below this threshold are considered unsafe and must be
rejected.
,3. A certified inspector loses their inspection sticker book due to carelessness. According to Virginia
regulations, what is the potential consequence?
A. A verbal warning.
B. A fine of $500.
C. Suspension of the inspector or station.
D. Revocation of the inspector's license for one year.
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The loss of inspection stickers through carelessness or neglect is a serious administrative
violation. The regulations state that if the loss occurs through neglect, it may result in the suspension of the
station or the inspector.
4. The first step a certified inspector must perform before beginning a safety inspection is:
A. Drive the vehicle onto the lift.
B. Check the vehicle's lights.
C. Remove and destroy the old inspection sticker.
D. Verify the vehicle identification number (VIN).
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual explicitly states that when a vehicle is
presented for inspection, the previous approval sticker, if any, must be removed and destroyed before any other
part of the inspection is conducted.
5. A Class I offense is defined as which of the following?
, A. A violation so critical it requires immediate suspension.
B. Unacceptable work performance less serious in nature.
C. An omission likely to be an imminent cause of a crash.
D. A criminal act that reflects poorly on the program.
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: According to 19VAC30-70-3 of the Virginia Administrative Code, Class I offenses are
considered less serious in nature but require correction to maintain an efficient program.
6. A vehicle with a manual transmission fails to start unless the clutch pedal is depressed. Does this pass
inspection?
A. Yes, this is a normal and required safety feature.
B. No, this indicates a faulty safety switch.
C. Yes, only the neutral safety switch is inspected.
D. No, the vehicle must start in gear to pass.
🟢 Correct answer: A
🔴 RATIONALE: A vehicle equipped with a manual transmission must have a clutch safety switch that prevents
the engine from starting unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. If this switch does not work, the vehicle is to
be rejected. The described operation is correct.
7. Which of the following is a violation serious enough to be considered a Class IV offense?
A. Failure to complete the receipt in ink.
B. A verbal altercation with a customer.
