Tips for Passing a TVS Audit/Inspection

Could you pass a regulatory inspection? Even a "surprise" inspection?

As your curriculum provider, Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) is always working to help you to better manage your California traffic violator school (TVS). Therefore, we are writing to remind you of the following important information.

If you've been in the business for a while, you're undoubtedly aware that the the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)—or the California Traffic Safety Institute (CTSI), on their behalf—conducts regular, scheduled audits of TVSs. However, these agencies can also show up unannounced at any time during normal business hours to inspect your office. This is addressed in DMV regulations and is legal.

It is extremely important that you pass all such inspections, because the DMV is allowed to shut down a school that fails to pass an audit or inspection, or for having an "abandoned office" that is not open and properly staffed during the hours that the office is required to be accessible to the public. Thus, we wanted to share the tips below to help you to prepare for these inspections:

• The DMV or its representatives may conduct onsite business reviews, as scheduled by the DMV, during normal business hours. The school must make available all business records requested by the DMV, and the school's operator must be present for scheduled business reviews (CCR 345.73(a)).
• The DMV or its representatives may conduct random business reviews and inspections without prior notice (CCR 345.73(b))—a "surprise inspection."
• A school's office(s) must be open to the public during its posted hours (CCR 345.50).
• At a minimum, each office must maintain the same office hours as the day courts in the county (usually 8:30am – 4:30pm), except as necessary for lunch hour, illness, scheduled vacation, or emergency.
• The person in charge of the office during the posted hours must be knowledgeable concerning the operation of the school, be authorized to provide information to the public concerning classes and fees charged by the school, and be able to provide detailed information to any DMV/court representative concerning the school's operation and business records.
• If the office will be closed during business hours, the school must post a notice at the office listing the duration of the closure; or if using an answering service during business hours, require the service to notify callers of the duration of the closure.
• If you have a scheduled—or even a surprise—inspection, you may call TSC for assistance if you have problems accessing your school or student information via your Course Provider account.

Audits and inspections—especially a surprise inspection—can be unnerving, but don't worry. These reviews are only done to protect your customers. And if you're running your school correctly and in good faith, you've nothing to fear. Also remember that TSC is always here to help!