How to Become a Certified Mobile Vehicle Inspector (State Car Inspector Certified) in South Dakota

Like a large number of states, South Dakota has no state-mandated safety inspection program. This can make things challenging for car and truck buyers who want to be sure that their vehicles are in good shape, safe to drive, and in the condition that a seller indicates. The state also has some of the best air quality in the nation, enabling them to forgo emissions. If you are currently seeking an automotive technician job, it could seem that this would limit your work options to a dealership or garage, but it actually opens the door to mobile vehicle inspections.

Vehicle buyers often need an expert's opinion off-site, typically a private seller's home, a used car lot, and so on. As someone interested in the different options for auto technician jobs or mechanic jobs, you should consider working as a certified mobile vehicle inspector in South Dakota. Providing this service, you would be filling a serious need and ensuring safer roads.

What is a certified mobile vehicle inspector in South Dakota?

When a state has a mandate for vehicle inspections, they typically also have requirements for anyone who wants to work as a certified vehicle inspector. The standard list of qualifications includes hands-on experience in an entry level job, certification with the state's programs, and attendance at some sort of technical or vocational school in order to obtain a vehicle maintenance degree or certification.

This is also the same set of steps that you would follow if you wanted to become a Master Mechanic using ASE certification or technical training. In doing so, you would learn everything needed to assess a domestic or foreign vehicle, and give an authoritative opinion about its condition, safety, and more.

Steps to become a certified auto mechanic

If you are just beginning to consider auto mechanic career, you may already know that a high school diploma or a GED is the most basic qualification listed for any mechanics job. Then, you will require some sort of formal training, such as an auto mechanic school or vocational training.

There are many colleges and schools that will provide your basic auto mechanic training, and even help you get accepted to manufacturer's training programs. This would enable you to become certified or to obtain an associate's degree in automotive service technologies. Naturally, this means many courses, which are a mix of classroom, online and hands-on experiences. Many certified mobile vehicle inspectors also become ASE certified.

Training and certification for mobile vehicle inspectors

There are eight specific areas in the ASE program, and if you do all of them, you become a Master Mechanic. Alternatively, attendance at a technical institute, such as UTI Universal Technical Institute, is an option. Over the course of 51 weeks, you would master:

  • Advanced Diagnostic Systems
  • Automotive Engines & Repair
  • Automotive Power Trains
  • Brakes
  • Climate Control
  • Driveability & Emissions Repair
  • Electronic Technology
  • Power & Performance
  • Professional Service Writing

Clearly, those interested in automotive mechanic jobs in South Dakota can train to be a certified mobile vehicle inspector. With ASE certification and/or technical training as a Master Mechanic, you have the knowledge to comprehensive evaluations on vehicles of all kinds and enjoy an alternative approach to your auto mechanic career.

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.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

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