PASS/FAIL OUTCOMES
Under Texas Transportation Code §548.101, which of the following vehicles is
exempt from the annual safety inspection requirement?
A. A commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs
B. A motorcycle operated exclusively for personal use CORRECT
C. A vehicle registered in a county that has adopted an alternative inspection program
D. A vehicle with a salvage title that has been rebuilt and is operating with a rebuilt title
RATIONALE: Motorcycles are exempt from annual safety inspections in Texas under
Transportation Code §548.101. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs, vehicles in certain
counties, and rebuilt salvage vehicles are generally subject to inspection or other requirements,
making B the correct answer.
Q2 APPLY TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE AND DPS RULES TO DETERMINE INSPECTION
PASS/FAIL OUTCOMES
During a safety inspection, a vehicle's parking brake fails to hold the vehicle
stationary on a 20% grade. According to Texas DPS inspection rules, what is the
correct action?
A. Pass the vehicle if the service brake meets performance standards
B. Fail the vehicle and advise the owner to repair the parking brake CORRECT
C. Issue a warning but pass the vehicle if the parking brake is not required for the vehicle type
D. Fail the vehicle only if the parking brake is mechanically operated
RATIONALE: Texas DPS rules require the parking brake to hold the vehicle on a 20% grade;
failure to do so results in a failed inspection. The service brake performance does not
compensate for a defective parking brake, and the type of operation does not exempt the
requirement.
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,Q3 APPLY TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE AND DPS RULES TO DETERMINE INSPECTION
PASS/FAIL OUTCOMES
Which of the following best describes the correct procedure for inspecting a
vehicle's exhaust system for leaks under Texas inspection guidelines?
A. Visually inspect for holes, cracks, or missing components while the engine is off
B. With the engine running, listen for unusual noises and check for visible smoke near the
manifold CORRECT
C. Perform a pressure test using a smoke machine to detect any leaks
D. Check for leaks only if the vehicle fails the emissions test
RATIONALE: The Texas inspection requires a visual and auditory check with the engine running
to detect exhaust leaks, unusual noises, or smoke. A smoke machine is not part of the standard
safety inspection, and visual inspection alone with the engine off may miss leaks.
Q4 APPLY TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE AND DPS RULES TO DETERMINE INSPECTION
PASS/FAIL OUTCOMES
A vehicle presents with a cracked windshield in the driver's line of sight.
According to Texas inspection criteria, what is the correct disposition?
A. Pass if the crack is less than 6 inches long
B. Fail because any crack in the driver's line of sight is a rejection CORRECT
C. Pass if the crack does not impair the driver's vision
D. Fail only if the crack is longer than 12 inches
RATIONALE: Texas inspection rules reject any crack, chip, or star in the driver's line of sight that
impairs vision. There is no length exception; any such damage in the critical area fails the
inspection.
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, Q5 APPLY TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE AND DPS RULES TO DETERMINE INSPECTION
PASS/FAIL OUTCOMES
When inspecting a vehicle's lighting system, which of the following is a valid
reason for rejection?
A. A turn signal that flashes at a rate of 60 flashes per minute
B. A license plate lamp that is not illuminated when the headlights are on CORRECT
C. A brake light that is brighter than the tail light
D. A headlight that is aimed slightly to the right of center
RATIONALE: Texas requires the license plate lamp to illuminate the rear plate when the
headlights are on; failure to do so is a rejection. Turn signal flash rate, brake light brightness
relative to tail light, and slight headlight misaim are not grounds for rejection under standard
criteria.
Q6 APPLY TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE AND DPS RULES TO DETERMINE INSPECTION
PASS/FAIL OUTCOMES
Which of the following scenarios would constitute a violation of the Texas Vehicle
Inspector's ethical responsibilities?
A. Refusing to inspect a vehicle that is clearly unsafe
B. Issuing a passing inspection sticker without performing the required checks CORRECT
C. Advising a customer that their vehicle failed due to a faulty brake light
D. Reporting a suspected stolen vehicle to the authorities
RATIONALE: Issuing a passing sticker without performing the inspection is fraudulent and
violates Texas DPS rules and inspector ethics. Refusing to inspect unsafe vehicles, advising
customers of failures, and reporting stolen vehicles are all proper actions.
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