Virginia State Inspection Practice Test

The vehicle will be rejected if what is not functioning properly?

1. The vehicle's lights

2. The gearshift indicator

3. The horn

4. The battery level

The correct answer is: The gearshift indicator

The gearshift indicator is critical for ensuring that the driver is aware of the current gear selection in vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. If the gearshift indicator is not functioning properly, it can lead to confusion and potential safety hazards. The driver may not be able to ascertain whether the vehicle is in park, reverse, or drive, which is essential for safe operation. Proper functioning of this indicator is vital for both driver awareness and optimal vehicle operation, which is why a fault in this system would result in the vehicle being rejected during inspection. While the other elements like the vehicle's lights, horn, and battery level are also important for safety and operation, the gearshift indicator specifically pertains to the functionality and safe operation of the transmission system in vehicles with automatic systems. If the indicator fails, it could significantly impair the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely, justifying a rejection during the inspection process.