Whether a vehicle has 18 wheels… or it’s the family car… somewhere along the way, a vehicle, equipment, and systems inspector will need to look it over to make sure it makes the grade for safety and other regulations. Vehicle inspectors typically work for a car dealership or a government agency, examining cars, trucks, and accessories to report on the condition of their parts. They also make sure there are no illegal devices on cars or trucks, such as those meant to get around auto emissions laws. These inspectors are trained to see beneath a gleaming exterior to identify prior damage that may compromise a vehicle’s safety. They also conduct test drives to make sure everything sounds —and feels—like it’s running smoothly. Physical strength may be needed to lift heavy equipment for some inspections. Inspectors usually have a high school diploma, and train on the job at a repair shop or factory, or take classes in automotive engineering at a technical or community college, or trade school. This is a job for someone who likes realistic, practical work— and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to keep the roads a little safer, and the skies a littler cleaner.
What they do:
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
On the job, you would:
Inspect vehicles or other equipment for evidence of abuse, damage, or mechanical malfunction.
Inspect vehicles or equipment to ensure compliance with rules, standards, or regulations.
Inspect repairs to transportation vehicles or equipment to ensure that repair work was performed properly.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Independence
Integrity
Cooperation
Attention to Detail
Concern for Others
Dependability
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
Aspen
Commercial driver's license information system CDLIS
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Analytical or scientific software
Diagnostic scanner software
high school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps.
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