TDVL Vehicle Safety and Inspection — Questions and Answers

Question 1: How often should a taxi driver perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection?

Once a week before the first shift
Before every shift begins (Correct answer)
Once a month at the garage
Only when the vehicle seems unusual

Correct answer: Before every shift begins

A pre-trip inspection must be completed before every shift to identify defects that could endanger passengers or other road users.

Question 2: What is the minimum tire tread depth generally required for a vehicle to remain in safe, legal operation?

1/16 inch (1.6mm)
2/32 inch (1.6mm) (Correct answer)
4/32 inch (3.2mm)
6/32 inch (4.8mm)

Correct answer: 2/32 inch (1.6mm)

The federal minimum tire tread depth for passenger vehicles is 2/32 inch, below which tires are considered unsafe and must be replaced.

Question 3: Which of the following should a taxi driver check when inspecting the vehicle's brakes during a pre-trip inspection?

That the brake pedal firms up after several pumps and does not sink (Correct answer)
That the parking brake alone can stop the vehicle at highway speed
That the ABS warning light turns on briefly when ignition starts
That the brake fluid is changed at least twice yearly

Correct answer: That the brake pedal firms up after several pumps and does not sink

A firm brake pedal that does not sink to the floor indicates the hydraulic system is functioning properly and there are no serious leaks.

Question 4: If a taxi driver discovers a cracked windshield that significantly obstructs the driver's view, what is the correct action?

Continue driving but report it at the end of the shift
Place the vehicle out of service until the windshield is repaired or replaced (Correct answer)
Drive only during daylight hours until it is fixed
Cover the cracked area with tape and continue service

Correct answer: Place the vehicle out of service until the windshield is repaired or replaced

A cracked windshield that obstructs the driver's vision is a safety defect requiring the vehicle to be taken out of service immediately.

Question 5: Which lighting components must be functioning on a taxi vehicle before it is placed into service?

Headlights only, as taillights are secondary
All exterior lights including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals (Correct answer)
Headlights and brake lights only
Interior dome light and headlights only

Correct answer: All exterior lights including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals

All exterior lighting including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are legally required to be fully operational for safe road use.

Question 6: What should a taxi driver do upon discovering that one of the vehicle's side mirrors is cracked and provides a distorted view?

Use only the rearview mirror and proceed with caution
Report the defect and remove the vehicle from service until repaired (Correct answer)
Drive with extra caution until the next scheduled maintenance
Adjust the mirror to its best position and continue the shift

Correct answer: Report the defect and remove the vehicle from service until repaired

Damaged mirrors that distort visibility are safety defects; the vehicle must be taken out of service and the defect corrected before it can be used.

Question 7: Which of the following documents must typically be present inside a licensed taxi at all times?

Only the driver's personal driver's license
The vehicle registration, insurance certificate, and taxi operating license (Correct answer)
A copy of the taxi company's business license only
The vehicle's last oil change receipt

Correct answer: The vehicle registration, insurance certificate, and taxi operating license

A licensed taxi must carry the vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and the taxi operating license or permit so they can be produced during inspections or traffic stops.

Question 8: How frequently should a taxi driver check tire pressure?

Only when a tire appears visibly flat
Before each shift or at least daily (Correct answer)
Once a week during routine maintenance
Only during the annual vehicle inspection

Correct answer: Before each shift or at least daily

Tire pressure should be checked before each shift because under-inflation increases blowout risk and affects vehicle handling and fuel efficiency.

Question 9: Which of the following vehicle conditions requires immediate removal from service?

A slightly dirty exterior
Non-functional air conditioning
Brake warning light illuminated on the dashboard (Correct answer)
A passenger door that squeaks when opened

Correct answer: Brake warning light illuminated on the dashboard

An illuminated brake warning light indicates a serious brake system malfunction that creates an immediate safety hazard requiring the vehicle to be taken out of service.

Question 10: What should a taxi driver do if the 'Check Engine' light activates and remains on during a shift?

Continue the shift and report it at the end of the day
Immediately stop and call a tow truck
Notify the dispatcher or fleet supervisor and follow their guidance on removing the vehicle from service (Correct answer)
Reset the light by disconnecting the battery briefly

Correct answer: Notify the dispatcher or fleet supervisor and follow their guidance on removing the vehicle from service

An illuminated Check Engine light signals a detected fault; the driver must notify their supervisor so a determination can be made about whether the vehicle can safely continue in service.

Question 11: How often are commercial taxi vehicles typically required to undergo a state vehicle safety inspection?

Every 6 months (Correct answer)
Annually (once per year)
Every 2 years
Only when changing ownership

Correct answer: Every 6 months

Many jurisdictions require taxi and for-hire vehicles to undergo a safety inspection every six months due to the high mileage and heavy use compared to private vehicles.

Question 12: Why is it important to check and adjust all mirrors before beginning a taxi shift?

To comply with cosmetic vehicle standards
To ensure maximum rear and side visibility for safe driving and lane changes (Correct answer)
To confirm the mirrors are securely bolted to the vehicle frame
To reduce wind noise at highway speeds

Correct answer: To ensure maximum rear and side visibility for safe driving and lane changes

Properly adjusted mirrors maximize the driver's field of vision, minimizing blind spots and enabling safe lane changes and reversing maneuvers.

Question 13: Which of the following is considered required safety equipment in a licensed taxi vehicle?

A GPS navigation device
A functioning seatbelt for each passenger seating position (Correct answer)
A first-aid kit in the trunk
An in-vehicle camera system

Correct answer: A functioning seatbelt for each passenger seating position

Federal and state regulations require a functional seatbelt at every seating position in a vehicle, including taxis, to protect all occupants.

Question 14: What should a taxi driver do if windshield wipers are found to be streaking, skipping, or otherwise non-functional during inspection?

Use the vehicle only on clear-weather days
Replace or repair the wipers before beginning service (Correct answer)
Drive carefully and turn on hazard lights when it rains
Report it but continue service until the end of the week

Correct answer: Replace or repair the wipers before beginning service

Non-functional wipers impair visibility in wet conditions and constitute a safety defect that must be corrected before the vehicle is placed into service.

Question 15: What is the correct procedure when a taxi fails its mandatory safety inspection?

Continue operating while scheduling a repair appointment
Cease commercial operation immediately and repair all defects before re-inspection (Correct answer)
Operate at reduced speed until the next inspection window
Appeal the failure and continue operating pending the appeal outcome

Correct answer: Cease commercial operation immediately and repair all defects before re-inspection

A failed safety inspection means the vehicle has defects that pose a safety risk; it must be removed from service until all defects are corrected and the vehicle passes reinspection.

Question 16: How should a taxi driver handle discovering an active oil leak under the vehicle during a pre-trip inspection?

Add more oil and monitor the level throughout the shift
Remove the vehicle from service and have the leak repaired before operating (Correct answer)
Place an absorbent mat under the engine and proceed with caution
Drive short trips only and re-check the oil every hour

Correct answer: Remove the vehicle from service and have the leak repaired before operating

An active oil leak can lead to engine failure, fire risk, and road contamination, making it a defect that requires immediate repair before the vehicle is returned to service.

Question 17: Which of the following vehicle defects would most directly violate passenger safety regulations for a licensed taxi?

A small dent on the rear bumper
A non-functional interior dome light
A passenger door handle that prevents the door from being opened from the inside (Correct answer)
A faded paint finish on the vehicle exterior

Correct answer: A passenger door handle that prevents the door from being opened from the inside

A door handle that prevents passengers from exiting from inside creates a dangerous entrapment situation, violating safety regulations requiring all exit mechanisms to function properly.

Question 18: What should a taxi driver verify regarding the vehicle's horn during a pre-trip inspection?

That it produces a sound audible from at least 200 feet away (Correct answer)
That it is not too loud to avoid disturbing passengers
That it produces a musical tone rather than a harsh beep
That it is disconnected to comply with local noise ordinances

Correct answer: That it produces a sound audible from at least 200 feet away

A functioning horn audible at the required distance is a federal safety requirement, enabling the driver to provide adequate warning to other road users.

Question 19: How frequently should engine oil level be checked on a high-mileage commercial taxi vehicle?

Only at each oil change interval, typically every 5,000 miles
Before every shift as part of the daily pre-trip inspection (Correct answer)
Once a week regardless of mileage driven
Only when the oil warning light illuminates

Correct answer: Before every shift as part of the daily pre-trip inspection

High-mileage commercial vehicles should have oil levels checked before every shift because oil consumption can be significant and low oil causes rapid engine wear.

Question 20: What is the legal consequence for a taxi driver who knowingly operates a vehicle with a safety defect?

A verbal warning from the dispatcher only
Potential fines, license suspension, and personal liability for any resulting accidents (Correct answer)
A mandatory re-training course with no financial penalty
Only a written warning on the first offense

Correct answer: Potential fines, license suspension, and personal liability for any resulting accidents

Operating a vehicle with a known safety defect can result in regulatory fines, suspension of the driver's taxi license, and personal civil or criminal liability if an accident occurs.

Question 21: Which of the following best describes the purpose of completing a written vehicle inspection report (DVIR) after each shift?

To document vehicle mileage for billing purposes only
To create a legal record of any defects found so maintenance can be performed before the next shift (Correct answer)
To provide the taxi company with fuel consumption data
To report passenger complaints to the fleet manager

Correct answer: To create a legal record of any defects found so maintenance can be performed before the next shift

A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) creates an official record of any safety defects identified, ensuring maintenance staff address issues before the vehicle is returned to service.

TDVL Vehicle Safety and Inspection

How often should a taxi driver perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection?

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

lta.gov.sg — Fees · verified Oct 2026
onemotoring.lta.gov.sg — Eligibility, exam format, score release, score validity · verified Oct 2026
cdgtaxi.com.sg — Registration deadline, retake policy, test dates · verified Oct 2026