It is mandatory for all service managers/station managers to take a physical inventory of all technician driver’s licenses, safety inspection and emission licenses, if applicable.

Managers should make sure all technicians are properly licensed with a category 1, 2, 3, or a combination of licenses as well as the proper driver’s license to road test vehicles being inspected.

Vehicles with a GVWR greater than 17,000 lbs and trailers greater than 10,000 lbs GVWR require a category 3, 4, 6, or 7 inspection certification.

It is not required to possess a CDL driver’s license in order to receive a Category 3 safety inspection certification. A non CDL “c” license is permitted to drive vehicles up to and including 26,000 lbs GVWR.

Vehicles requiring a CDL to legally perform a road test on public roads may be road tested on private property without a CDL, providing a legitimate and complete road test can be performed.

There is no air brake restriction on drivers possessing a non CDL driver’s license.

Emission inspectors designated as certified repair inspectors (CI) will retain that status for as long as the original emission inspector certification remains valid. If the original emission certification becomes invalid for some reason (violation, forget to recertify, etc.) the inspector will be required to reapply with current training credentials.

Safety inspection technicians must recertify every 5 years. Technicians may renew their inspector’s certification by passing the required examination within 180 days of notification from the Department that their safety inspector’s certification is due to expire.