CMC Vehicle Conversion & Hand Controls 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NMEDA Quality Assurance Program (QAP) guidelines, how long must a conversion dealer retain installation records?
- 7 years (Correct answer)
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 7 years
NMEDA QAP requires dealers to retain vehicle modification records for at least 7 years to support warranty claims, audits, and liability reviews.
Question 2: Which WC18 standard specifically addresses forward-facing wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems (WTORS) in motor vehicles?
- ANSI/RESNA WC-18 (Correct answer)
- ISO 7176-8
- ADA Title II Section 37.165
- FMVSS 222
Correct answer: ANSI/RESNA WC-18
ANSI/RESNA WC-18 establishes performance and testing requirements for WTORS used with forward-facing wheelchairs in motor vehicles.
Question 3: A client with C5-level tetraplegia needs to steer independently. Which adaptation is MOST appropriate?
- Zero-effort power steering with a tri-pin or palm grip spinner (Correct answer)
- Standard spinner knob only
- Cuff attached to standard wheel
- Foot pedal steering system
Correct answer: Zero-effort power steering with a tri-pin or palm grip spinner
At C5, clients typically have wrist extension but limited or no grip; zero-effort power steering combined with a tri-pin or palm grip allows steering with gross arm movement.
Question 4: What is the maximum allowable ramp slope angle per ADA guidelines for a vehicle-mounted ramp used by power wheelchair users?
- 1:6 (approximately 10 degrees) for attendant-assisted, 1:4 for power chairs (Correct answer)
- 1:12 in all situations
- 1:8 for all users regardless of assistance
- 1:3 for power wheelchairs only
Correct answer: 1:6 (approximately 10 degrees) for attendant-assisted, 1:4 for power chairs
ADA and industry guidelines allow steeper slopes (up to 1:4) for power-assisted or power wheelchairs, while manual attendant-assisted ramps are limited to 1:6.
Question 5: A secondary accelerator control mounted on the steering column is primarily indicated when the client:
- Has functional use of only one hand for steering and needs the other for another secondary control (Correct answer)
- Prefers a sportier driving feel
- Cannot use any hand controls at all
- Has bilateral upper extremity prostheses
Correct answer: Has functional use of only one hand for steering and needs the other for another secondary control
A steering-column-mounted accelerator frees the other hand for steering wheel control or secondary tasks when the driver cannot operate a floor-mounted hand control and steer simultaneously.
Question 6: Which organization certifies technicians who install adaptive driving equipment in the United States?
- NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association) (Correct answer)
- ADED (Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists)
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- AARP Driver Safety Program
Correct answer: NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association)
NMEDA's Quality Assurance Program certifies mobility equipment dealers and their technicians for adaptive vehicle modifications.
Question 7: When assessing a client's vehicle for a hand control installation, which measurement is essential before selecting a push-pull control length?
- Distance from the driver's seated shoulder to the hand control pivot point (Correct answer)
- Trunk length in standing position
- Vehicle engine displacement
- Steering column tilt angle range
Correct answer: Distance from the driver's seated shoulder to the hand control pivot point
The control arm length must match the driver's reach from their seated shoulder position to the mounting point to ensure adequate leverage and comfort.
CMC Vehicle Conversion & Hand Controls 3
Under NMEDA Quality Assurance Program (QAP) guidelines, how long must a conversion dealer retain installation records?