Representative Digital Vehicle Inspection Curriculum for High Schools and Colleges

A focused digital vehicle inspection curriculum that trains students to assess vehicles comprehensively from start to finish: documentation, visual evidence, inspection reporting, and customer communication. Our DVI platform and training aid are designed to integrate with high school automotive programs, district CTE programs, vocational-technical schools, and community colleges' automotive technology programs and mechanics courses, including ASE-accredited programs and those seeking future ASE accreditation. Deploy our module in an 8-10-hour unit over a semester, deploy it as a skills lab, or deconstruct the components of our curriculum to better fit your existing program and class structure.

Learning Objectives
• Introduction to Digital Vehicle Inspections
• Exterior Photo Documentation and Annotation
• Interior and Mechanical Inspection Checklists
• Writing Clear Findings; Translating Inspections into Shop Workflows and Communications
• Professional Reporting and Customer Transparency / Communications
• Satisfactory Completion of End-of-Program Practical Assessment

Week-by-Week Curriculum Breakdown
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Week 1: Introduction to Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI)

   • Session 1: Course Overview and Importance of DVIs     
      • Introduction to DVIs and their role in modern automotive repair.
      • Benefits of using DVIs over traditional inspection methods (efficiency, accuracy, customer transparency).
      • Overview of various DVI tools and software used in the industry.

   • Session 2: Understanding DVI Workflow and Processes
      • Step-by-step breakdown of the DVI process.
      • Key components of a comprehensive digital inspection: vehicle walkaround, under-hood checks, under-vehicle checks, tire and brake inspection, etc.
      • Introduction to safety protocols during inspections.

Week 2: Digital Tools and Software Training
   
    • Session 3: Digital Tools for Inspections
      • Training on digital tools and devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones, OBD-II scanners).
      • Best practices for capturing high-quality images and videos during inspections.
      • Using Bluetooth diagnostic tools and scanners in conjunction with DVI software.

Week 3: Conducting a Comprehensive Digital Vehicle Inspection

   • Session 4: Pre-Inspection Procedures and Setup
      • Preparing the vehicle and work area for inspection.
      • Gathering necessary tools, equipment, and software setup.
      • Customer communication and gathering preliminary information.

   • Session 5: Exterior and Interior Inspection Techniques
      • Step-by-step digital inspection of exterior components: body, lights, glass, tires, etc.
      • Interior inspection: dashboard warning lights, seat belts, electronic systems, etc.
      • Documenting findings with photos, videos, and notes in the DVI software.

Week 4: Under-Hood and Under-Vehicle Inspection

   • Session 6: Under-Hood Digital Inspection
      • Inspection of under-hood components: engine, belts, hoses, fluid levels, battery, etc.
      • Best practices for capturing and documenting under-hood inspection data.
      • Troubleshooting common issues found during under-hood inspections.

   • Session 7: Under-Vehicle Digital Inspection
      • Inspection of under-vehicle components: suspension, brakes, exhaust system, drivetrain, etc.
      • Using mobile lifts and digital tools for efficient under-vehicle inspections.
      • Creating detailed inspection reports in DVI software.

Week 5: Diagnostic and Specialized Inspection Techniques

   • Session 8: Using OBD-II Scanners and Diagnostic Tools
      • Introduction to OBD-II scanners and their integration with DVI software.
      • Reading and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
      • Integrating diagnostic findings with the DVI report.

   • Session 9: Specialized Digital Inspections
      • Inspections of specialized systems: hybrid and electric vehicle systems, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and emission systems.
      • Best practices for conducting inspections on modern vehicles with advanced technologies.

Week 6: Customer Communication and Report Presentation

   • Session 10: Building Customer Trust through DVI Reports
      • How to explain DVI findings to customers in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
      • Best practices for presenting digital reports via email, text, or app-based platforms.
      • Techniques for upselling services based on inspection findings.

   • Session 11: Role-Playing and Real-World Scenarios
      • Role-playing exercises: presenting DVI reports to customers and handling objections.
      • Analyzing real-world DVI case studies and identifying areas for improvement.

Week 7: Integration into Shop Workflow and Efficiency Improvement

   • Session 12: Integrating DVIs into Shop Workflow
      • Strategies for incorporating DVIs into the daily workflow of an auto repair shop.
      • Using DVI data for effective team communication and workflow management.
      • Streamlining parts ordering and service approvals based on inspection data.

   • Session 13: Improving Shop Efficiency and Profitability with DVIs
      • Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to DVIs (e.g., average repair order, customer retention).
      • Identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the inspection process.
      • Continuous improvement strategies using DVI data analytics.

Week 8: Final Project and Evaluation

   • Session 14: Final Practical Exam
      • Students perform a comprehensive digital vehicle inspection on a test vehicle.
      • Evaluation of DVI accuracy, documentation quality, and customer communication skills.
  
   • Session 15: Review, Feedback, and Certification
      • Review of final inspection projects and feedback from the instructor.
      • Discussion of key learning points and common challenges.
      • Issuance of course completion certificates to students who meet the requirements.

Assessment and Certification

• Assessment: Students will be assessed based on quizzes, practical tests, and a final project where they perform a full DVI.

• Certification: Students who successfully complete the course and demonstrate competence will receive a "Digital Vehicle Inspection Specialist" certificate.

Resources Required

• Software: Licenses for DVI Training platform.

• Equipment: Tablets or smartphones.

• Workshop Space: An area for practical inspection training, including lifts and diagnostic tools.

This curriculum provides a comprehensive framework for teaching students the necessary skills to conduct effective digital vehicle inspections, preparing them for a modern automotive repair environment. Would you like more information on any specific section, such as a detailed lesson plan for a particular week or session?

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