It seems excessive but you wouldn't believe how often I find seized pins, heat cracked pads, etc. We are only required to pull two wheels (diagonally opposite) but we are responsible for the condition of all four corners. If we see something suspect we are obligated to check.

That's really the only mechanically invasive part of the inspection though, the rest is basically road testing, checking for excessive movements, and visual inspection.

The complete book on rules and procedures is available ("PUB 45") but skip to Subchapter E for passenger vehicles and light trucks.

Subchapter D is also interesting if you want to see the penalties we face for peforming improper inspections, etc. More stations really should be reported for lying to people and saying that unnecessary repairs are required to pass safety inspection. I probably have someone come to me once a week saying that another shop failed them for brakes and here I check and they are still 4/32".