TDVL Vehicle Safety and Inspection 1 — 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.
TDVL Vehicle Safety and Inspection 1
How often should a taxi driver perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection?