DMV Firefighter Endorsement Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A steering wheel play that exceeds 10 inches (or 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) is a critical issue that must be addressed before driving. Excessive play in the steering wheel can indicate underlying problems with the steering mechanism, such as worn tie rod ends, loose steering gear, or other components that impact the responsiveness and control of the vehicle. Having too much play can lead to difficulties in steering accurately, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the steering system is functioning properly to maintain safe control of the vehicle on the road.

Other issues, such as a loose gear shift, increased tire wear, or a cracked windshield, while concerning, do not directly affect the immediate control and safety of the vehicle in the same way as excessive play in the steering wheel. Addressing those issues is important for overall vehicle maintenance, but steering problems that impede direct driver control take precedence.