PDVL Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organisations operate the LTA-authorised vehicle inspection centres in Singapore?
- Singapore Police Force inspection units only
- VICOM and STA Inspection Centre (Correct answer)
- LTA headquarters and any registered workshop
- Any AA-approved private workshop
Correct answer: VICOM and STA Inspection Centre
VICOM and STA Inspection Centre are the two LTA-authorised inspection centres where mandatory vehicle inspections must be carried out in Singapore.
Question 2: A PHC driver notices the vehicle's headlights are flickering and noticeably dim before starting a shift. What is the correct response?
- Begin the shift as the lights are still operational
- Have the lights repaired by a qualified mechanic before resuming hire work (Correct answer)
- Drive only during daytime hours until the issue resolves itself
- Use hazard lights as a substitute when visibility is poor
Correct answer: Have the lights repaired by a qualified mechanic before resuming hire work
Flickering or dim headlights compromise road safety and must be repaired before the vehicle is used for hire, as the driver has a duty to maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy condition.
Question 3: Which tyre condition would result in a private hire vehicle FAILING its mandatory LTA inspection?
- Tyres with a tread depth of exactly 1.6 mm
- Tyres with a tread depth below 1.6 mm (Correct answer)
- Tyres that are more than two years old
- Tyres from a brand not specified by the vehicle manufacturer
Correct answer: Tyres with a tread depth below 1.6 mm
Any tyre with a tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6 mm is classified as unsafe and will cause the vehicle to fail its mandatory inspection.
Question 4: How should a PHC driver perform a quick brake check before commencing a shift?
- Apply hard braking at speed in an empty carpark to test stopping distance
- Press the brake pedal firmly while stationary to check for firmness and any unusual feel (Correct answer)
- Only check brakes after completing the first passenger trip
- Ask a passenger to evaluate how quickly the car stops
Correct answer: Press the brake pedal firmly while stationary to check for firmness and any unusual feel
A firm brake pedal when pressed while stationary indicates a healthy brake system; a soft or spongy feel may signal fluid loss or air in the lines, requiring immediate inspection.
Question 5: A PHC vehicle has a small windscreen crack that does NOT obstruct the driver's line of sight. What is the recommended course of action?
- Ignore it completely as it has no effect on driving safety
- Monitor the crack and arrange repair promptly before it spreads (Correct answer)
- Cover the crack with clear tape as a permanent fix
- Report it immediately to LTA and cease driving at once
Correct answer: Monitor the crack and arrange repair promptly before it spreads
Even a crack outside the driver's line of sight should be repaired promptly, as windscreen cracks spread over time and can ultimately compromise structural integrity.
Question 6: Why is it important for a PHC driver to check the engine oil level regularly?
- To increase engine performance for faster pick-up times
- To lubricate engine components, reduce heat, and prevent engine damage (Correct answer)
- To improve fuel consumption figures for fleet reporting
- To ensure the vehicle passes its next annual inspection
Correct answer: To lubricate engine components, reduce heat, and prevent engine damage
Engine oil lubricates moving parts, helps dissipate heat, and prevents metal-on-metal contact; inadequate oil can cause serious and costly engine damage.
Question 7: Which symptom most strongly suggests that a PHC vehicle's tyres or suspension require immediate professional attention?
- The tyres are a different brand from the original factory fitment
- The vehicle consistently pulls to one side when driving on a straight road (Correct answer)
- The tyres are approaching their second anniversary of fitting
- The tyre size differs slightly from the vehicle handbook recommendation
Correct answer: The vehicle consistently pulls to one side when driving on a straight road
A vehicle pulling to one side while driving straight typically indicates uneven tyre pressure, uneven tyre wear, or a wheel alignment problem that must be addressed promptly.
PDVL Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection 2
Which organisations operate the LTA-authorised vehicle inspection centres in Singapore?