A system and method performed by a sensor testing apparatus of a vehicle are provided for determining when certain event conditions are true. The event conditions comprise detecting an occurrence of a predefined event that impacts a sensor of the vehicle. After the predefined event is detected, a test is performed to determine whether the sensor is outputting sensor values within sensor specification values. When the event conditions are true, the method includes testing the sensor relative to a reference to determine when the sensor is operating within reference criteria to produce a positive reference testing result. When the reference testing result is positive, the method directs the vehicle to return to normal operation, and otherwise directs the vehicle to be serviced.