TDVL Vehicle Safety and Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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.
TDVL Vehicle Safety and Inspection 2
How frequently should a taxi driver check tire pressure?