TLC Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If a TLC vehicle's air conditioning system fails during a trip on a day when the temperature exceeds 90°F, what should the driver do?
- Complete the current trip and then take the vehicle out of service for repair (Correct answer)
- Continue operating since A/C is not a safety system
- Ask the passenger to pay a reduced fare for the inconvenience
- Immediately pull over and end the trip
Correct answer: Complete the current trip and then take the vehicle out of service for repair
The driver should safely complete the current trip, then remove the vehicle from service to have the A/C repaired before the next fare.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a valid reason to take a TLC vehicle out of service immediately?
- Brake warning light illuminates while carrying a passenger
- Oil pressure drops to zero while driving
- GPS navigation unit loses signal in a tunnel (Correct answer)
- Steering becomes unresponsive
Correct answer: GPS navigation unit loses signal in a tunnel
A GPS signal loss in a tunnel is a normal, temporary occurrence and is not a mechanical defect requiring the vehicle to be taken out of service.
Question 3: When replacing tires on a TLC vehicle, which practice is prohibited by TLC and safety standards?
- Replacing all four tires at once
- Using tires of the same brand as the originals
- Installing mismatched tire sizes on the same axle (Correct answer)
- Rotating tires every 5,000 miles
Correct answer: Installing mismatched tire sizes on the same axle
Mounting tires of different sizes on the same axle creates handling instability and is prohibited under TLC vehicle safety rules.
Question 4: A TLC driver is responsible for ensuring the vehicle's fire extinguisher is accessible. Where must it be mounted in a TLC-licensed vehicle?
- In the trunk only
- In a readily accessible location within the passenger compartment (Correct answer)
- Under the driver's seat bolted to the floor
- In the glove compartment
Correct answer: In a readily accessible location within the passenger compartment
The fire extinguisher must be mounted in a readily accessible location within the passenger compartment so it can be reached quickly in an emergency.
Question 5: After a TLC vehicle undergoes major engine repair, what is the driver's obligation before resuming passenger service?
- Notify TLC by phone within 72 hours and continue driving
- Obtain a sign-off from a TLC-licensed inspector or pass an out-of-cycle inspection if required (Correct answer)
- Post a notice in the vehicle advising passengers of recent repairs
- No obligation; routine maintenance requires no reporting
Correct answer: Obtain a sign-off from a TLC-licensed inspector or pass an out-of-cycle inspection if required
Major repairs may require a TLC out-of-cycle inspection sign-off before the vehicle returns to passenger service.
Question 6: Under TLC rules, what is the consequence for a vehicle owner who repeatedly fails to correct violations cited at inspection?
- Progressive fines only, no license action
- Suspension or revocation of the vehicle's TLC license (Correct answer)
- Mandatory enrollment in a safety course
- Referral to the DMV for a new vehicle registration
Correct answer: Suspension or revocation of the vehicle's TLC license
Repeated failure to correct cited violations can result in suspension or revocation of the TLC vehicle license by the Commission.
Question 7: A TLC inspector finds that the vehicle's speedometer is inaccurate by 15 mph. This finding results in:
- A note in the file but the vehicle passes
- An automatic inspection failure requiring repair before return to service (Correct answer)
- A fine of $100 with no service restriction
- A 30-day conditional pass
Correct answer: An automatic inspection failure requiring repair before return to service
An inaccurate speedometer is a safety-critical defect that causes an automatic inspection failure; the vehicle cannot return to service until it is repaired and verified.
TLC Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance 5
If a TLC vehicle's air conditioning system fails during a trip on a day when the temperature exceeds 90°F, what should the driver do?