In most states, vehicle owners must have their automobile inspected before they can legally register a vehicle. Inspection certifications are awarded by the state, and can offer those seeking an automotive technician job an excellent way to build their resume.
Where is the training offered for vehicle inspectors in Iowa?
Iowa does not provide a state-run training program for commercial vehicle inspectors. Instead, training can be found through auto mechanic schools, or auto technician jobs with fleets, or garages that service commercial vehicles. If you are interested in learning more about becoming certified as a commercial vehicle inspector in Iowa, seek out automotive tech jobs that offer training courses that include certification.
The state of Iowa requires two different types of vehicle inspections:
A vehicle identification number, or VIN, inspection on all vehicles that have been designated as SALVAGE. This inspection must be performed by a peace officer, certified with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
A commercial vehicle inspection on any truck that is used in commerce and that has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds. Anyone with the properly certified auto mechanic training can perform this inspection, even the vehicle owner.
Iowa Mobile Vehicle Inspector Qualifications
In order to inspect commercial vehicles in the state of Iowa, an automotive service technician needs to have the following qualifications:
Must have completed a state or federal training program that awarded the technician a certificate of qualification to perform commercial vehicle safety inspections, OR
Must have a combination of training and experience that totals at least one year. This can include time spent participating in a manufacturer-sponsored training program, time spent in auto mechanic school, time spent working in automotive technician jobs for a commercial fleet or garage, or time spent as a commercial vehicle inspector for another state.
During a commercial vehicle inspection, the mechanic must also provide a thorough inspection of the braking system. To be qualified as a brake inspector, the mechanic must meet the same requirements as above, except that their training or experience, or both, must have included education on brakes and braking systems.
What must an Iowa vehicle inspector know to perform a thorough inspection?
The following systems or vehicle components must be inspected to declare a commercial vehicle safe, according to the Annual Periodic Vehicle Inspection Report used by all Iowa automotive tech jobs:
- Brake System
- Steering System
- Windshields
- Wipers
- Fuel System
- Lighting Devices
- Coupling Devices
- Exhaust System
- Safe Loading
- Suspension
- Frame
- Tires
- Wheels and Rims
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
