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Exam Review

Key Facts: AIS Vehicle Examiner Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

80%

Passing Score

State transport authorities

1.5 hrs

Time Limit

State transport authorities

5 years

Record Retention (years)

Regulations

The Approved Vehicle Examiner (AIS) Core Module Exam is the regulatory test for mechanics in Australia to issue roadworthy certificates. Typically 40-60 questions with an 80% pass mark, it covers ADR legislative frameworks, online report submissions, underbody tolerances, testing equipment, and compliance audits. This prep provides 100 practice questions.

Sample AIS Vehicle Examiner Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the AIS Vehicle Examiner exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the Australian Design Rules (ADR), what is the primary purpose of a vehicle's compliance plate?
A.It displays the vehicle's scheduled maintenance history and warranty
B.It proves the vehicle meets the relevant safety and emission standards at the time of manufacture
C.It exempts the vehicle from state-based annual safety inspections
D.It lists the recommended tyre pressures for different load conditions
Explanation: The compliance plate (or identification plate) is a manufacturer-affixed label indicating that the vehicle complied with all applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs) at its date of manufacture. It is a critical legal marker for identification and roadworthiness verification. It does not dictate tyre pressures, maintenance schedules, or exempt vehicles from state inspections.
2What GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) threshold generally separates light vehicle inspections from heavy vehicle inspections in Australia?
A.12.0 tonnes (12,000 kg)
B.7.5 tonnes (7,500 kg)
C.3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg)
D.4.5 tonnes (4,500 kg)
Explanation: In Australia, a light vehicle is defined under transport regulations as having a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonnes (4,500 kg) or less. Vehicles exceeding 4.5 tonnes GVM fall under heavy vehicle regulations managed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). The 3.5, 7.5, and 12-tonne limits are used for other licensing or road access criteria but not the primary light/heavy division.
3A vehicle has been fitted with an aftermarket engine swap that exceeds the original manufacturer's maximum displacement by 30%. What is required for this vehicle to pass a safety inspection?
A.A modification certificate/report issued by an authorised engineering signatory (e.g., VASS in VIC, VSCCS in NSW).
B.A statutory declaration signed by the vehicle owner certifying the swap was done safely.
C.A written confirmation from the manufacturer stating the chassis can handle the engine.
D.A standard safety inspection certificate is sufficient, provided the emissions are checked.
Explanation: Significant modifications such as engine swaps exceeding manufacturer parameters require assessment and certification by an accredited engineering signatory (such as VSCCS in NSW or VASS in VIC) to verify structural and steering integrity. Standard examiners cannot approve such modifications without an engineering certificate. Manufacturer letters or owner declarations are not acceptable legal substitutes for engineering reports.
4Which of the following modifications on a light vehicle is generally considered minor and does NOT require an engineering certificate under VSB 14?
A.Fitting a replacement steering wheel of identical diameter with an operational airbag
B.Relocating the driver seat mounting brackets by welding new points onto the floorpan
C.Installing an aftermarket turbocharger to a naturally aspirated engine
D.Replacing a mechanical steering rack with an aftermarket hydraulic power steering rack
Explanation: Fitting an approved, direct-replacement steering wheel of identical design and diameter that retains all safety systems (like airbags) is a minor replacement. Adding turbochargers, welding seat mounts, or changing the steering system type are major modifications that alter the safety or structural characteristics of the vehicle and require formal engineering certification.
5What is the primary legislation governing vehicle standards and safety inspections in New South Wales?
A.The National Heavy Vehicle Law (NSW) No 38a
B.The Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013
C.The Work Health and Safety Act 2011
D.The Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017
Explanation: The Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 is the primary legislative framework that outlines the vehicle standards and safety inspection requirements for light vehicles in NSW. The National Heavy Vehicle Law applies only to vehicles over 4.5t GVM. The Motor Dealers Act regulates commercial businesses, and the WHS Act governs workplace safety rather than public vehicle inspection criteria.
6What is the legal limit for the maximum overall width of a light vehicle (excluding mirrors and side indicators) in Australia?
A.2.50 metres
B.2.80 metres
C.2.60 metres
D.2.30 metres
Explanation: Under the Australian vehicle standards (and ADRs), the maximum overall width of any light vehicle must not exceed 2.50 metres. External mirrors, side markers, and indicators are excluded from this measurement. Widths above 2.50 metres require special permit operations and are not roadworthy for general use. The options 2.30, 2.60, and 2.80 metres do not align with the standard legal limit.
7What is the status of a vehicle safety inspection certificate issued by an examiner who holds a suspended or expired accreditation?
A.It is legally null and void, and the examiner may face significant penalties.
B.It is valid only if co-signed by the proprietor of the Authorised Inspection Station.
C.It remains valid if the vehicle was inspected prior to the certificate's expiry date.
D.It is conditionally valid until the vehicle undergoes its next scheduled annual service.
Explanation: Only accredited and currently active examiners are legally authorised to perform inspections and issue safety certificates. Any certificate issued by a suspended or expired examiner is invalid and constitutes a serious regulatory offence. Proprietors cannot co-sign to validate an unauthorized inspection, and there is no conditional validity period.
8Under what condition is a left-hand drive (LHD) light vehicle permitted to be registered for general road use in most Australian states?
A.It must be fitted with large warning decals stating 'Left Hand Drive' on both sides.
B.It must have a passenger-side occupant acting as a spotter at all times.
C.It must be over a certain age (typically 30 years old) or registered under a conditional club permit scheme.
D.LHD vehicles are never permitted for registration under any circumstances.
Explanation: In Australia, left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are generally restricted from standard registration due to safety concerns regarding visibility. However, most jurisdictions permit LHD registration for vehicles that are over 30 years old, often under club or conditional registration schemes. Decals or spotters do not exempt modern LHD vehicles from conversion requirements.
9What is defined by the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of a vehicle?
A.The total weight of all wheels, axles, and suspension components
B.The maximum load capacity of the vehicle's cargo area
C.The maximum weight of the vehicle itself when empty of fuel and passengers
D.The maximum laden weight of the towing vehicle combined with the maximum laden weight of any towed trailer
Explanation: Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is the maximum allowable weight of a towing vehicle and its trailer combined, as specified by the manufacturer. It represents the total laden mass of the entire combination. Tare weight or empty weight refers to the unladen vehicle, and load capacity refers only to the cargo area.
10Which Australian Design Rule (ADR) level is referred to as the 'Third Edition' ADRs, which apply to vehicles manufactured from 1989 onwards?
A.National standards determined under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989
B.ADR 2nd Edition
C.Unified European Regulations (ECE)
D.ADR 1st Edition
Explanation: The Third Edition ADRs became active in 1989 under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. They consolidated safety and emission standards into national standards. The First and Second Editions applied to earlier manufacturing eras, and ECE regulations are international guidelines that ADRs are progressively harmonized with, but they are not the Third Edition itself.

About the AIS Vehicle Examiner Exam

The Authorised/Approved Vehicle Examiner (AIS) Core Module Exam is the regulatory knowledge test for licensed mechanics in Australia seeking accreditation to inspect vehicles and issue roadworthy/safety certificates. The exam assesses a candidate's understanding of the legislative framework, administrative documentation, light/heavy vehicle inspection standards, equipment usage, and ethical conduct.

Exam sponsor: State Transport Authorities (e.g. Transport for NSW, TMR QLD). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Closed-book online or written multiple-choice examination administered at approved RTOs/TAFEs under transport authority guidelines.

Time Limit

1.5 hours

Passing Score

80%

Exam / Certification Fees

$200 - $500 AUD (varies by training provider and state)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Regulatory Framework & Rules

ADRs, state vehicle standards regulations, examiner roles, legislation

20%

Administration & Documentation

Inspection reports, safety certificates, rejection slips, record-keeping logs

20%

Light Vehicle Inspection

Steering and suspension tolerances, ball joints, braking efficiency, tyre wear

15%

Heavy Vehicle & Trailer Inspection

NHVR roadworthiness, air brakes, coupling (fifth wheels, drawbars), dimensions

15%

Testing Equipment

Decelerometers, headlight aimers, brake rollers, play detectors, tint meters

10%

Code of Conduct & Ethics

Conflicts of interest, fit and proper person requirements, audits, penalties

Preparing for the AIS Vehicle Examiner Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Assessment: Closed-book online or written multiple-choice examination administered at approved RTOs/TAFEs under transport authority guidelines.
  • Time limit: 1.5 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $200 - $500 AUD (varies by training provider and state) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AIS Vehicle Examiner: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study steering and suspension tolerances in detail — know the difference between vertical and lateral wear limits
2Memorize record-keeping rules: inspection records must be kept for 5 years and be open to audit
3Understand legal limits for window tint (VLT % limits) and tyre tread depth (minimum 1.5mm)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AIS Examiner Core Module?

It is the foundational training module and exam required by state transport authorities (e.g. TFNSW, TMR) to qualify mechanics as safety certificate examiners.

What is the passing score for the exam?

The passing score is typically 80% or higher, reflecting the safety-critical nature of vehicle inspections.

Are there practical requirements to be an examiner?

Yes. You must be a qualified mechanic (holding a Certificate III) and have an approval letter from your state transport authority before enrolling.