Page 1 of 82
Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam ACTUAL
Exam ALL 200 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam: Overview
The Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam evaluates a candidate's ability to correctly perform
mandated emissions tests and understand the regulatory framework governing air quality in
Texas. To be a licensed inspector, you must demonstrate proficiency in:
• Program Administration: Identifying "affected counties," "designated vehicles," and the
roles of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• OBDII Procedures: Executing the On-Board Diagnostics II test for 1996 and newer
gasoline vehicles.
• Visual Inspections: Checking for the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) status and gas cap
integrity.
• Exemptions and Waivers: Understanding which vehicles are exempt (e.g., diesels,
motorcycles) and the criteria for low-mileage or individual waivers.
• Significant Changes (2025+): While annual safety inspections are being eliminated for
non-commercial vehicles in non-affected counties starting January 1, 2025, emissions
testing remains mandatory in designated counties.
Batch 1: Practice Questions (1–100)
1. What is the main purpose of Texas' vehicle emissions inspection program?
a. To enforce traffic speed limits
b. To reduce air pollution from motor vehicles
c. To monitor fuel economy of vehicles
d. To ensure correct tire pressure
1
, Page 2 of 82
Rationale: The program targets pollutants like Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) to reduce ground-level ozone (smog).
2. Which agency oversees the Texas vehicle emissions inspection program?
a. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
b. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
c. Texas Environmental Quality Board
d. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
Rationale: The program is operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in
conjunction with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
3. In which county is emissions testing scheduled to begin for the first time on November 1,
2026?
a. Travis
b. Bexar
c.
Harris
2
, Page 3 of 82
d. El Paso
Rationale: Recent state implementation plans (SIP) expanded the I/M program to
Bexar County
starting late 2026.
4. What model year gasoline-powered vehicles are generally subject to OBDII testing in
affected counties?
a. All vehicles regardless of year
b. 1990 and newer
c. 2 to 24 years old (1996 and newer for OBDII)
d. Vehicles older than 25 years only
Rationale: Testing applies to gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old; OBDII technology was
standardized for 1996 and newer models.
5. Which of the following vehicles is EXEMPT from emissions testing in Texas?
a. A 2020 gasoline-powered sedan
b. A pickup truck registered in Harris County
c. A diesel-powered vehicle
3
, Page 4 of 82
d. A 10-year-old SUV
Rationale: Non-gasoline vehicles, including diesels and motorcycles, are currently exempt from
the emissions portion of the state inspection.
6. During the "Key-On Engine Off" (KOEO) inspection, what is the inspector verifying?
a. That the engine starts immediately
b. That the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminates
c. That the horn works
d. That the battery voltage is above 14V
Rationale: The KOEO test confirms the MIL bulb is functional and has not been tampered with.
7. If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) flashes once per second during operation, it
typically indicates:
a. Low fuel level
b. A minor gas cap leak
c. A severe engine misfire that could damage the catalytic converter
d. The vehicle is in "Ready" status
Rationale: A flashing MIL is a warning of a severe condition that requires immediate service to
prevent expensive emissions component damage.
4
Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam ACTUAL
Exam ALL 200 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam: Overview
The Texas Vehicle Emissions Inspector Exam evaluates a candidate's ability to correctly perform
mandated emissions tests and understand the regulatory framework governing air quality in
Texas. To be a licensed inspector, you must demonstrate proficiency in:
• Program Administration: Identifying "affected counties," "designated vehicles," and the
roles of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• OBDII Procedures: Executing the On-Board Diagnostics II test for 1996 and newer
gasoline vehicles.
• Visual Inspections: Checking for the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) status and gas cap
integrity.
• Exemptions and Waivers: Understanding which vehicles are exempt (e.g., diesels,
motorcycles) and the criteria for low-mileage or individual waivers.
• Significant Changes (2025+): While annual safety inspections are being eliminated for
non-commercial vehicles in non-affected counties starting January 1, 2025, emissions
testing remains mandatory in designated counties.
Batch 1: Practice Questions (1–100)
1. What is the main purpose of Texas' vehicle emissions inspection program?
a. To enforce traffic speed limits
b. To reduce air pollution from motor vehicles
c. To monitor fuel economy of vehicles
d. To ensure correct tire pressure
1
, Page 2 of 82
Rationale: The program targets pollutants like Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) to reduce ground-level ozone (smog).
2. Which agency oversees the Texas vehicle emissions inspection program?
a. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
b. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
c. Texas Environmental Quality Board
d. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
Rationale: The program is operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in
conjunction with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
3. In which county is emissions testing scheduled to begin for the first time on November 1,
2026?
a. Travis
b. Bexar
c.
Harris
2
, Page 3 of 82
d. El Paso
Rationale: Recent state implementation plans (SIP) expanded the I/M program to
Bexar County
starting late 2026.
4. What model year gasoline-powered vehicles are generally subject to OBDII testing in
affected counties?
a. All vehicles regardless of year
b. 1990 and newer
c. 2 to 24 years old (1996 and newer for OBDII)
d. Vehicles older than 25 years only
Rationale: Testing applies to gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old; OBDII technology was
standardized for 1996 and newer models.
5. Which of the following vehicles is EXEMPT from emissions testing in Texas?
a. A 2020 gasoline-powered sedan
b. A pickup truck registered in Harris County
c. A diesel-powered vehicle
3
, Page 4 of 82
d. A 10-year-old SUV
Rationale: Non-gasoline vehicles, including diesels and motorcycles, are currently exempt from
the emissions portion of the state inspection.
6. During the "Key-On Engine Off" (KOEO) inspection, what is the inspector verifying?
a. That the engine starts immediately
b. That the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminates
c. That the horn works
d. That the battery voltage is above 14V
Rationale: The KOEO test confirms the MIL bulb is functional and has not been tampered with.
7. If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) flashes once per second during operation, it
typically indicates:
a. Low fuel level
b. A minor gas cap leak
c. A severe engine misfire that could damage the catalytic converter
d. The vehicle is in "Ready" status
Rationale: A flashing MIL is a warning of a severe condition that requires immediate service to
prevent expensive emissions component damage.
4
