Fundimentals of motor vehicle examination 

Introduction

Forensic collision investigators need a knowledge and understanding of the components which make up a motor vehicle, how they work and what happens when they fail. This module apply to vehicles under 7500kg MAM.         

What you will study

With full regard to the student's own, and vehicular safety, to examine a vehicle, and using a good sequence of routine; correctly describe the function of components and correctly, remove those components to facilitate closer inspection where necessary. in the context of the collision describe whether any fault or failure was a contributory factor. In regard to the law; be conversant with the relevant Acts and Regulations.

In relation to workshop safety,

• correctly and safely jack a vehicle
• correctly and safely use a ramp
• be aware dangerous substances and components
• use of PPE
• correct use of tools

In relation to lights, steering, wheels, tyres and windscreens,

• correctly identify components and their associated connections,
• correctly describe the function of components and,
• remove main components to facilitate closer inspection where necessary.
• in the context of the collision describe whether any fault or failure was a contributory factor.

In relation to collisions

• examine seatbelts for evidence of whether they were being worn at the time of collision.
• examine light bulbs to determine whether they were on at the time of collision (this is an introduction to the subject).

In regard to the law

• be conversant with the relevant Acts and Regulations.

Learning

The module runs over 8 weeks with the module notes being accessed via the AiTS virtual learning environment. There are two residential weeks, these being Week 2 and Week 5 of the module.

Assessment

This module is assessed by a 90 minute online assessment and a written assignment documenting the inspection you complete on a vehicle. Your tutor will mark the module and provide you with feedback.

What is the qualification

This module is part of De Montfort university's CertHE in forensic road collision investigation.  If you wish to gain an IMI Award in Light Road Vehicle Examination and Prohibition you will need to undertake a further two weeks study. 

The IMI accredited award in Light Road Vehicle Examination and Prohibition will be available as a standalone module for students not participating on the CertHE in Forensic Collision Investigation. The IMI accreditation is also available to students who have studied the Fundamentals of Vehicle Examination module as part of their CertHE studies by participating in a further 2 weeks study, which includes 8 – 12 hours of remote study followed by 5 days attending the AiTS Learning Campus

Perhaps for legacy reasons we often get asked about the status of this module. Below are the answers to some of the more often asked questions.

Note

We sometimes get asked whether a police student who completes the module is an "authorised vehicle examiner".
The answer is that an authorised examiner is someone who is authorised by their Chief Officer under Regulation 67(4)E of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and only those authorised persons may test a vehicle on a road to;

(i) ensure that the construction and use requirements, and
(ii) the requirement that the condition of the vehicle is not such that its use on a road would involve a danger of injury to any person,

are complied with in respect of the vehicle.

Note that under Regulation 67(10) a "test" includes "inspecting" the vehicle at the scene thus all collision investigators working on criminal investigations should be so authorised if they are taking tyre pressures, inspecting seatbelt etc.

How to register

Contact the faculty office..

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The course at a glance

Code:	ENGS1017
Credits:	15
Level:	4
Duration:	8 weeks
Type:	Blended
Assessment:	Written and practical