Tow Truck Operator Certification Practice Exam

What is the method to determine the year a vehicle was made?

1. Examining the vehicle's title

2. Inspecting the manufacturer’s label

3. Checking the 8th character from the right in the VIN number

4. Reviewing the vehicle's service history

The correct answer is: Checking the 8th character from the right in the VIN number

The method to determine the year a vehicle was made by checking the 8th character from the right in the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is accurate. The VIN is a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles, and it contains information about the vehicle. The 8th character specifically represents the model year of the vehicle. This character is part of a standardized system established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and its corresponding table provides a code that matches with the specific year of manufacture. While other options might provide some information regarding the vehicle, relying on the 8th character of the VIN is generally regarded as a direct and reliable method to ascertain the year of manufacture. For instance, although examining the manufacturer's label could offer insights about the vehicle, it may not always explicitly state the year as clearly as the VIN does. Additionally, the title can confirm ownership and record various details but may not always have the year of the vehicle's production, especially if it has changed hands multiple times. Service history might give an idea of the vehicle's age based on maintenance records, but it does not directly indicate the model year. Thus, checking the 8th character of the VIN is the most straightforward and definitive method for determining when