You're wrong. They're not test only stations. I know because I went to two different shops and both of the shops had mechanics and one of the shops they were SAE certified.
(WHICH THEY SUCKED BIG BALLS ANYWAY as technicians/mechanics)
I don't think you understand my argument. Like Hypered said, they physically saw the parts on his car and ran no form of test because he warned him before hand. These people were reasonable and I could understand if they didn't want to get fined and not even proceed with the inspection. I've had that happen to me too for minor parts.
BUT when they pop the hood and CONTINUE knowing it would not pass the visuals BEFORE they begin to do any form of work is stealing peoples money in my opinion. Like modeling agents looking specifically for 5'10" models and they charge people to come by and get viewed. And some 5' girl comes in. Reviews her and fail her because shes too short. Even though they knew she wouldn't pass before any reviewing was even done, and they just REVIEWED her to get her money. Does that make sense now?
No, I'm pretty sure I'm dead on. lol I'm not sure why you always think I don't understand what you're saying. It's almost insulting.
Like I've said, we're the people you go to when you're required to go to a test-only station for any reason, including having previously failed for being a gross polluter. I know the laws and regulations and what we are and are not allowed to do. Trust me, I don't mess around when it comes to potentially being fined.
Let me school you. You have three types of stations.
1) Test-and-Repair Stations: these stations are state-certified to run normal smog check (when your car is not Test-Only required) and, if the car happens to fail, they are also certified to work on your car. Test-and-Repair stations are not allowed to do Test-Only smogs.
2) Gold Shield Stations: these stations are state-certified to run both regular smog checks as well as Test-Only smog checks. They're state-certified to work on failed smogs also. These stations are heavily regulated by the state. Consumers with cars CAP approved also bring their cars here for work.
3) Test-Only Stations: these stations are state-certified to run both regular and Test-Only smog inspections. Test-Only stations are
not allowed to do any diagnostic work or repair work on any vehicles at all nor are they allowed to refer you to a shop that does. These stations are put out there for the consumer's benefit. They serve as a check and balance to insure the consumer isn't being had. These stations are also heavily regulated and have more undercover state cars sent in for smogs than a regular smog shop to keep them on their toes and to maintain the integrity of system.
*Then of course there are state referee stations. lol I think everyone in California knows what these are.
All stations that preform smog checks are regulated by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).
P.S. Sometimes a technician will see a part and know right off the bat that it will not pass. That's their call on whether they want to tell you. Unless requested, no one
has to make sure all your parts will pass before they smog it. That is what the visual portion is for. Like I've said, maybe the techs aren't being "assholes" but only doing what their job or didn't notice it like someone thinks. There are three portions of smog tests and they all come at different times. The tech doesn't have to check the part until the computer asks. That is how it works.