AIS Vehicle Examiner flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Approved Inspection Station

A privately operated business authorised by the road transport regulator to perform periodic vehicle safety inspections on its behalf, subject to premises, staffing, and procedure conditions.

Site-specific approval

The rule that AIS approval attaches to particular premises and named examiners, so relocating or changing examiners requires notification and may require fresh approval.

Approval conditions

Mandatory requirements attached to an AIS approval, covering premises and equipment, accredited examiners, prescribed procedures, fee limits, record retention, and cooperation with audits.

Public station register

The regulator's published list of approved stations showing approval status, so suspension or cancellation must be notified and reflected on the register.

Signage and certificate display

The requirement that an approved station display its approval certificate and authorised signage at the premises and avoid advertising services it is not authorised to perform.

Notifiable station changes

Changes of ownership, premises address, trading name, or key equipment that must be reported to the regulator within the scheme's set period, usually before taking effect.

Approval renewal review

Station approval is time-limited and renewed only after a compliance review; renewal is not automatic and may be refused where audit findings remain unresolved.

Condition variation power

The regulator's authority to impose or vary conditions on an AIS approval, such as restricting the vehicle classes that may be inspected, by written notice.

Examiner accreditation

Personal authorisation granted to an individual after training, examination, and probity checks, allowing them to conduct inspections at an approved station.

Scope of authorisation

The vehicle classes or inspection types an examiner is permitted to inspect; working outside that listed scope breaches approval conditions.

Continuing professional development

Periodic training or re-assessment required to maintain accreditation; failing to complete it suspends the examiner's authority to inspect and certify vehicles.

Conflict of interest bar

The prohibition on an examiner certifying a vehicle they own, have repaired, or hold a financial interest in, protecting inspection impartiality.

Suspension grounds

Reasons the regulator may suspend or cancel accreditation, including incompetence, dishonesty, falsified results, or failure to follow prescribed inspection procedures.

Evidence of accreditation

An examiner must carry or produce proof of accreditation on request and must never let an unaccredited person perform or sign off an inspection.

Trainee supervision rule

Inspections by trainee or provisional examiners must be reviewed and counter-signed by a fully accredited examiner before any certificate is issued.

Effect of suspension

A suspended examiner must immediately stop issuing inspection certificates, and any certificates issued after the suspension date are invalid.

Prescribed inspection items

The mandated checklist covering identification, brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, body and chassis, emissions, seatbelts, and glazing for periodic inspections.

Brake efficiency and balance

Prescribed minimum performance and balance figures that a vehicle must meet; failing either measure prevents a pass regardless of other results.

Tyre compliance criteria

Requirements covering minimum tread depth, freedom from cuts and bulges, correct load and speed rating, and matched construction across each axle.

Lighting verification

Checks confirming that headlamps, stop lamps, indicators, and reflectors function correctly, are aimed properly, and show the correct colour and mounting.

Vehicle identity check

Matching the chassis or VIN and engine number against registration records to detect rebirthing, stolen components, or misrepresented vehicle identity.

Recording the outcome

Each inspection is recorded as pass, fail, or fail with a defect list, with the examiner specifying every defect and the reason for rejection.

Re-inspection window

A defined period after a failed inspection during which a reduced-scope re-check of repaired items is allowed; after it, a full inspection is required.

Equipment calibration

Brake testers, headlamp aimers, and hoists must be calibrated and within their calibration date whenever an inspection is performed.

Structural modification check

Inspection of chassis and body for cracks, corrosion, and unauthorised modifications that could affect vehicle strength or compliance with design rules.

Documented inspection sequence

A set order of inspection steps ensuring all prescribed items are covered and results can be reproduced by another examiner.

Record retention period

The scheme-set number of years for which inspection results, defect lists, examiner identity, and vehicle details must be kept and remain retrievable.

Record integrity

The requirement that inspection records be legible, contemporaneous, and retrievable, with electronic records backed up and protected against unauthorised alteration.

Audit and covert checks

Regulator activities including scheduled audits, covert inspections, and complaint investigations; refusing entry or access to records is itself a breach.

Escalating enforcement

The graduated range of sanctions from advisory notices and added conditions through suspension and cancellation to fines and prosecution for fraud or false certification.

False certification offence

Falsifying an inspection result or issuing a certificate without performing the inspection, exposing both the examiner and the station operator to liability.

Station compliance records

Documents an approved station must keep, including the examiner register, equipment calibration records, complaint logs, and the schedule of inspection fees charged.

Self-reporting duty

The obligation to promptly notify the regulator of matters affecting approval, such as equipment failure, examiner misconduct, or lost certificate stock.