Maryland vehicle owners must have their automobile inspected before they can legally title a vehicle, sell a vehicle, or during the title renewal process. Inspection certifications for both inspection facilities and inspection automotive technicians are awarded by the state, and can offer those seeking an automotive technician job an excellent way to build their resume.
There are approximately 1,600 inspection stations in the state of Maryland, most of which are authorized to inspect:
Passenger vehicles
Trucks and SUVS with a gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR, of less than 10,000 pounds
Trailers that are less than 20 feet in length and do not have air brakes
Maryland mobile vehicle inspector certification process
The process of becoming a Maryland mobile vehicle inspector can be simple, but there are multiple routes that an automotive service technician can take. The first is the most traditional route. Every third Friday of the month, the State Registered Inspection Mechanic exam is held in one of six locations:
- The Ferndale Volunteer Fire Station
- The Joppa/Magnolia Volunteer Fire Station #1
- The Easton MVA
- The Beltsville MVA
- The Hagerstown MVA
- The Largo MVA
In order to take the examination, a mechanic must present a valid driver’s license and a $15.00 fee (in the form of a money order or a business check made out to Maryland State Police). The exam covers information from the Code of Maryland Regulations Motor Vehicle Administration. Copies of the regulations can be found at any licensed inspection facility, or purchased from the Division of State Documents.
Maryland mobile vehicle inspector certification education
If an automotive service technician wishes to seek out education before taking the certification exam, in order to build their knowledge of inspection rules and procedures, they may do so at a variety of state-approved technical colleges. The Train Baltimore program is one example, offered by the Community College of Baltimore County.
This is a 22-hour course that teaches mechanics how to inspect vehicles according to Maryland state law, and to abide by all regulations and procedures. Upon completing this program, students will be able to take the examination at any of the locations listed above, and will receive a Continuing Education Certificate from the CCBC. Students do not have to have a high school diploma or a GED to enroll in this course, but must be experienced automotive service technicians.
Components of a Maryland inspection
The following systems or vehicle components will be inspected by all Maryland automotive tech inspectors, as they apply to the vehicle or trailer:
- Brake System
- Steering System
- Windshields
- Wipers
- Fuel System
- Lighting Devices
- Electrical System
- Body and Frame Components
- Coupling Devices
- Exhaust and Emissions Systems
- Suspension
- Tires
- Wheels and Rims
- Seats and Safety Belts
- Hitches
- Speedometer
- Gear Shift Indicator
- Floor and Trunk Pans
- Mirrors
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
