Post date: Feb 23, 2018 2:28:49 AM
There are 4 different inspection categories related to PA Safety inspection. There is only one type of certification course offered by PennDOT for safety inspection and it is a 12 hour certification course intended for mechanics looking to earn their CLASS 1, 2 or 3 inspection license. Once a mechanic has a valid inspection license they can add another class without retaking the entire course. Please keep in mind, if you let your inspection license expire, you will be required to take the 12 hour certification class again.
Here are the specifics on each category and what is required to obtain the license:
CLASS 1: Passenger cars, trucks 17,000 pounds or less and trailers less than 10,000 pounds
Inspectors must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid driver's license. To earn their certification the mechanic must complete an approved certification course and successfully complete the required written Baseline exam (30 questions) and Class 1 exam (20 questions) with a score of 70% or higher. The mechanic must also pass the required tactile test on a Class 1 vehicle administered by a certified/qualified automotive instructor at an approved educational facility.
(NOTICE: A learner's permit, a probationary license held by a driver for less than 3 years, an occupational limited license or an interlock license is not considered a valid driver's license for inspection purposes.)
If a mechanic already has a valid Inspection license for another class they can add class 1 by taking the written Class 1 exam and tactile exam only. They do not need to attend the training course again though they may choose to attend if they desire.
CLASS 2: Motorcycles (a vehicle designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground)
Inspectors must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid motorcycle driver's license (class M). To earn their certification the mechanic must complete an approved certification course and successfully complete the required written Baseline exam (30 questions) and Class 2 exam (20 questions) with a score of 70% or higher. The mechanic must also pass the required tactile test on a motorcycle administered by a certified/qualified automotive instructor at an approved educational facility.
If a mechanic already has a valid Inspection license for another class they can add class 2 by taking the written Class 2 exam and tactile exam only. They do not need to attend the training course again though they may choose to attend if they desire.
CLASS 3: Trucks over 17,000 pounds, trailers over 10,000 pounds and buses
Inspectors must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid driver's license for each class of vehicle which the
mechanic will inspect. (Exemption: a certified mechanic who inspects school buses is not required to hold a school bus driver endorsement.)
To earn their certification the mechanic must complete an approved certification course and successfully complete the required written Baseline exam (30 questions) and Class 3 exam (20 questions) with a score of 70% or higher. The mechanic must also pass the required tactile test on a Class 3 vehicle administered by a certified/qualified automotive instructor at an approved educational facility.
If a mechanic already has a valid Inspection license for another class they can add class 3 by taking the written Class 3 exam and tactile exam only. They do not need to attend the training course again though they may choose to attend if they desire.
A CDL is not required for an inspector to earn their CAT 3 inspection license. This is because the GVWR requirements for class 3 and CDL do not align. A mechanic with a class C driver's license can earn their class 3 inspection license and this will allow them to inspect vehicles up to 26,000 pounds that they can legally drive. To inspect vehicles over 26,000 pounds the inspector must have both a class 3 inspection license and a CDL. As noted earlier, the inspector must always have the proper driver's license to allow them to do a road test of the vehicle in order to inspect it. Remember: If you can't legally drive it, you can't inspect it!
Also, for inspection purposes, a medical card is not required for safety inspection by a certified safety inspector while performing a road test during a safety inspection.
CLASS J: Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspections
This inspection license is required for the purpose of authorizing the issuance of a branded Pennsylvania certificate
of title in conjunction with inspection under existing mechanic license codes, also known has Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspections.
To earn their class J inspection license a mechanic must have a valid driver’s license, hold a valid Pennsylvania safety inspector certification, and successfully complete the self-study enhanced vehicle safety inspection course and 40 question certification test with a score of 70% or higher.
In order to perform Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspections the mechanic must also be employed at an Enhanced Inspection Station.
Other Classes:
There are four other classes that are simply combinations of the classes already mentioned:
Class 4: All Vehicles
Class 5: 1 and 2
Class 6: 2 and 3
Class 7: 1 and 3