Virginia State Inspection Practice Test

A vehicle will be rejected if the gearshift indicator does not do which of the following?

1. Identify the drive position

2. Identify the reverse position

3. Identify the park and neutral positions

4. Identify all gear positions

The correct answer is: Identify the park and neutral positions

The gearshift indicator is an essential component of a vehicle's transmission system because it informs the driver of the current gear selection. If the indicator fails to identify the park and neutral positions, it can lead to significant safety issues, such as the vehicle rolling while in park or inadvertently allowing the engine to start when the vehicle is not in park or neutral. These situations could result in accidents or injury. Having a clear indication of park and neutral is particularly important for automatic vehicles, where the proper selection is crucial for safe operation. Since these positions are critical for starting the vehicle safely and preventing unintended movement, a malfunction in indicating these positions is a valid reason for a rejection during the inspection process. While identifying the drive and reverse positions is also important, not clearly identifying park and neutral creates a higher risk and conflict with safety regulations. A properly functioning gearshift indicator is critical for ensuring that drivers are aware of their vehicle's operational status and can act accordingly.