Oakes: ASE on track to launch L4 ADAS certification test

It's the first weeks of September and just days away from the official start of the fall season.

But this year brings more automotive technology to shop owners and technicians, alike, other than the traditional transition of summer to winter maintenance and prep.

It's around this time of year that the testing gurus at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) promised us the "official" launch of the L4 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) certification test. And it appears that they are on track to produce what was promised.

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Last month, I was fortunate to be part of the ASE-L4 pass-score study group, at ASE's  Virginia headquarters.

Along with nine-other automotive professionals, we scrutinized a grouping of multiple-choice options. The initial test launch in May was 80 questions.

Our job was to review the ASE revised, almost-official 40-question test for accuracy with the Virginia-based talent guiding the process. It's all about ASE's delivering a comprehensive exam that challenges test-takers' knowledge.

The quiz isn't a "trick-or-treat" experience, either. For decades techs near and far have passed around the rumor about purposely misleading exams — the key to their failing grade on the assessment.

As I said before, nothing could be further from the truth.

Those who experienced a below-par exam had no one to blame but themselves. Not enough study, bad slumber the night before or traffic got the best of you on the way to the test … think back. There's a reason for everything.

But I can guarantee the ASE staff wants you to pass and wear the patch. Their approach to this ADAS exam assessment — going over each question with purpose — was more about making sure the integrity of the exam reflected the proficiency of the technician. Those who truly know their stuff get the reward of the blue seal and certificate designation.

Like I always say: "You've got to learn it before you can earn it."

Keep an eye out on your ASE dashboard for when the L4 test is available for those who have an up-to-date prerequisite of A6 (automotive electrical) or B5 (collision electrical-mechanical).

Another ADAS first is the recently christened SEMA: Detroit Garage. The ribbon cutting at the facility in Plymouth, Mich., opened its doors to all members interested in an array of automotive specialties with the flagship being advanced driver assist systems, components and specialty tools.

Approximately 5,000 of the 45,000-sq.-ft. facility is dedicated to the science of moving forward.

And how can you calibrate/recalibrate an ADAS component without proving camber, caster and toe, first? The user need only go to the next room dedicated with two-post lifts and an aligner with dedicated rack.

A compliment of tools is available for members, as well.

Other specialties the shop can handle:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resource Board (CARB) testing with a 15-different emission protocol;
• Automotive documentation availability for parts and design;
• 3D printer accurate up to 0.005/inch; and
• Up coming is the BEV/PHEV/HEV support system.

The garage bay space is by appointment.

If you are on the West Coast, SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) has a sister facility, located in Diamond Bar, Calif.