Correct as at 29th March 2024. It may be superseded at any time.

Extract taken: from Vehicle Inspection Portal > PRS & QMS > PRS: Light vehicle repair certification > Technical part > Steering

7 Steering

7-1 Steering and suspension systems

Requirements

  What the Transport Agency expects of you How the Transport Agency will assess your performance
7.1.1
Correct technical decisions

You thoroughly inspect all repairs to steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether the repairs comply with all Transport Agency requirements, taking into account technical information provided by the Transport Agency such as the VIRM: Light vehicle repair certification.

The Transport Agency will:

  • talk to you
  • observe you at work
  • inspect vehicles which you have certified
  • inspect inspection and certification documents you use and complete
  • inspect information you enter into the Transport Agency computer system.

The Transport Agency may:

  • take into account outcomes from complaints, random re-inspections and ‘mystery shopper’ exercises since your last review.
7.1.2
Technical competence

You are competent in all technical aspects relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems.

This means you are competent in:

  • the assessment of repairs to steering and suspension systems
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems and the assessment of repairs to steering and suspension systems
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems
  • the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting repairs to steering and suspension systems.

The Transport Agency will:

  • talk to you
  • ask questions to check your competence relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems and the assessment of repairs to steering and suspension systems
  • observe you at work
  • inspect inspection and certification documents you use and complete
  • inspect your Training record.

The Transport Agency may administer a short test on repairs to steering and suspension systems and the assessment of repairs to steering and suspension systems.

7.1.3
Technical equipment

You have:

  • a hand-held inspection lamp
  • assorted hand tools.

The equipment is in good condition and working order.

The Transport Agency will inspect your technical equipment.

Scores

  Score
0
1
2
3
7.1.1
Correct technical decisions

You do not thoroughly inspect all repairs to steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether the repairs comply with all Transport Agency requirements.

The area of non-compliance is likely to compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

For example:

  • a damaged steering or suspension component has not been replaced, or
  • a steering arm shows signs of heating or welding as part of the repair.

You do not thoroughly inspect all repairs to steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether the repairs comply with all Transport Agency requirements.

The area of non-compliance may compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

For example:

  • steering components have not been replaced using new bolts, or
  • a non-destructive test has not been performed when required.

You do not thoroughly inspect all repairs to steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether the repairs comply with all Transport Agency requirements.

The area of non-compliance is unlikely to compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

For example:

  • a lock-stop is damaged or loose, or
  • a suspension component does not operate smoothly.

You thoroughly inspect all repairs to steering and suspension systems and correctly determine whether the repairs comply with all Transport Agency requirements.

7.1.2
Technical competence

You demonstrate:

  • little or no competence in the technical aspects relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • a level of competence that is likely to compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

This means there are significant gaps in your knowledge of, or skills in:

  • the assessment of repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting repairs to steering and suspension systems.

You demonstrate:

  • some competence in the technical aspects relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • a level of competence that may compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

This means there are some gaps in your knowledge of, or skills in:

  • the assessment of repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting repairs to steering and suspension systems.

You demonstrate:

  • adequate competence in the technical aspects relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • a level of competence that is unlikely to compromise the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users.

This means there are minor gaps in your knowledge of, or skills in:

  • the assessment of repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, or
  • the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting repairs to steering and suspension systems.

You can demonstrate comprehensive competence in the technical aspects relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems.

This means you can demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of, and skills in:

  • the assessment of repairs to steering and suspension systems, and
  • Transport Agency requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, and
  • Transport Agency guidelines relating to repairs to steering and suspension systems, and
  • the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting repairs to steering and suspension systems.
7.1.3
Technical equipment

Not all of the specified equipment is available. Where equipment is available, some or all of it is not in working order.

All specified equipment is available and in working order, but some or all of it is in poor condition.

All specified equipment is available, in working order and in at least adequate condition.

All specified equipment is available and in good condition and working order.