Vehicle structure

Correct technical decisions

You thoroughly inspect all components and and correctly determine whether the chassis rails complies with all NZTA requirements, taking into account technical information provided by the NZTA such as the VIRM: Light vehicle repair certification.

The NZTA 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 NZTA computer system.

The NZTA may:

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

Technical competence

You are competent in all technical aspects relating to chassis rails. This means you are competent in:

• the assessment of chassis rails
• NZTA requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to chassis rails and the assessment of chassis rails
• NZTA guidelines relating to chassis rails
• the operation of the equipment used for inspecting chassis rails.

The NZTA will:

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

The NZTA may administer a short test on chassis rails and the assessment of chassis rails.

Technical equipment

You have:

• a hand-held inspection lamp
• a mirror
• assorted hand tools
• a tape measure.

The equipment is in good condition and working order.

The NZTA will inspect your technical equipment.

Correct technical decisions

You do not thoroughly inspect all components or correctly determine whether the chassis rails comply with all NZTA requirements.

The area of non-compliance is likely to compromise the outcome of the certification process.

For example:

• chassis rail has been heated, and there are no manufacturer’s instructions for this
• a crush zone has been repaired without the manufacturer’s instructions.

You do not thoroughly inspect all components or correctly determine whether the chassis rails comply with all NZTA requirements.

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

For example:

• a chassis rail has been sectioned too close to a crush zone, suspension, steering or engine mount, so that it may affect the performance of that component.

You do not thoroughly inspect all components or correctly determine whether the chassis rails comply with all NZTA requirements.

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

For example:

• a chassis rail has been repaired using an alternative repair method and there is no evidence that the manufacturer’s instructions have been sought.

You thoroughly inspect all components and correctly determine whether the chassis rails comply with all NZTA requirements.

Technical competence

You demonstrate:

• little or no competence in the technical aspects relating to repairs to chassis rails, 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 chassis rails, or
• the NZTA requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to repairs to chassis rails, or
• NZTA guidelines relating to repairs to chassis rails, or
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting chassis rails.

You demonstrate:

• some competence in the technical aspects relating to repairs to chassis rails, 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 chassis rails, or
• the NZTA requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to chassis rails, or
• NZTA guidelines relating to chassis rails, or
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting chassis rails.

You demonstrate:

• adequate competence in the technical aspects relating to chassis rails, 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 chassis rails, or
• the NZTA requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to chassis rails, or
• NZTA guidelines relating to chassis rails, or
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting chassis rails.

You can demonstrate comprehensive competence in the technical aspects relating to chassis rails, including their compliance with Land Transport Rules.

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

• the assessment of chassis rails
• the NZTA requirements (including VIRM requirements) relating to chassis rails
• NZTA guidelines relating to chassis rails
• the operation of the equipment you use for inspecting chassis rails.

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.