WEST-VIRGINIA · automotive-tech
WV Inspector Mechanic
West Virginia State Police — Traffic Safety / Motor Vehicle InspectionScope of Work
West Virginia regulates Inspector Mechanics under W. Va. Code § 17C-16-4 and the West Virginia State Police Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual. No mechanic may act in the capacity of an inspector mechanic in West Virginia until the mechanic has attended the Inspector Mechanic's Training Program, passed the State Police examination, and received an identification card from WVSP designating the holder as an inspector mechanic. Source: WVSP General Inspection Requirements (https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/trafficsafety/Pages/generalinspectionrequirements.aspx) and W. Va. Code § 17C-16-4 (https://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-16-4/).
Minimum Age and License
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver's license in their state of residence. Source: WVSP Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification Study Guide (https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/trafficsafety/Documents/MVI%20ONLINE%20STUDY%20GUIDE.pdf).
Knowledge Standard
Applicants must have a general knowledge of mechanical skills and be completely familiar with the West Virginia inspection program before testing. Source: WVSP Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual (https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/trafficsafety/Documents/MVI%20Manual.pdf).
Exam
The applicant must pass the WVSP examination with a grade of at least 80%. Source: WVSP Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification Study Guide (https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/trafficsafety/Documents/MVI%20ONLINE%20STUDY%20GUIDE.pdf).
Retesting and Identification Card
WVSP may require an inspector mechanic to retest at any time. The identification card must be made available for verification when requested by members of the West Virginia State Police. WVSP may recall the card and revoke the inspector privilege for any infraction or violation of the rules and regulations governing vehicle inspection. Source: WVSP Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual (https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/trafficsafety/Documents/MVI%20Manual.pdf).
Daily Inspection Cap
No more than 18 vehicle inspections may be conducted by any one inspector mechanic per calendar day. Source: WVSP Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual (https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/trafficsafety/Documents/MVI%20Manual.pdf).
Program Note
West Virginia changed safety inspection cycle from annual to biennial in 2024. The inspector mechanic credential remains required for any technician performing the inspection. Source: WVSP Traffic Safety (https://www.wvsp.gov/departments/trafficsafety/Pages/generalinspectionrequirements.aspx).
Note on Scope
West Virginia does not license individual general repair mechanics. The Inspector Mechanic credential authorizes only the right to perform West Virginia's biennial safety inspection.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with West Virginia State Police — Traffic Safety / Motor Vehicle Inspection before acting