Where do you have mandatory safety inspections? There are often exhaust compliance inspections, but I don't even know what that safety inspection would look like.
The state of New South Wales in Australia, and also the UK have mandatory "road worthiness" inspections on a yearly basis.
Indeed!
What does it look like...?
I'll tell you some of the things I can remember for a typical car from when I worked at a mechanic who did these.......
- Oil leaks
- Fuel leaks
- Tyre condition (including spare if they're really keen)
- Steering, front end linkages and wheel bearings
- Shock absorbers
- Engine mounts
- Pedal pads (no exposed metal)
- Headlights (high and low beam), tail lights, stop lights, indicators, number plate light(s)
- Seat condition (driver's)
- Seatbelt condition and operation (inertia reel) - All seatbelts
- Windscreen damage - especially within the driver's main field of view
- Checking for exhaust leaks
- Brake test
- Body condition (rust)
- Windscreen washers and wipers operation and wiper blade condition
- Key (not removable when turned on)
- Check VIN and manufacture date - must match paperwork
- Visibility of number plate
- Emissions (visual check) - but if you stank of rotten egg gas, then you're likely to get done for a faulty catalytic converter.
- Noise level (you can be referred for a formal sound check)
... and if you have a vehicle with LPG, there are a few other checks.
That's what I've come up with off the top of my head. I may have missed some.