Motor mechanic
Motor mechanics repair and service cars and vans.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a motor mechanic, you could:
- find and diagnose faults using hand tools or a computer
- advise customers on what repairs are needed, including costs
- carry out regular maintenance, and repair or replace faulty parts
- test vehicles on the road to check repairs
- monitor stock levels and update vehicle service records
- work with high voltage batteries, if you deal with hybrid or electric vehicles
We've identified this as a potential green job
For a motor mechanic to be a green job, you could:
- specialise in maintenance and repair of electric vehicles
- recycle used materials like batteries, oil and tyres
- use renewable energy sources in the workshop
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work at a garage.
Your working environment may be noisy, dirty and physically active.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- develop your skills to become a master technician or diagnostic technician
- become a roadside assistance technician
- move into motorsport engineering
- specialise in electric vehicles after doing further training or qualifications
- set up your own business, train apprentices or become a further education teacher
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- problem-solving skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
How to become
You can get into this job through a college course or an apprenticeship.
You could take a college course before applying for a trainee motor mechanic role with a garage.
Relevant courses include:
- light vehicle maintenance and repair
- T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
You could specialise in hybrid and electrical vehicles by doing a course like:
- auto-electrical and mobile electrical operations
- electric/hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could apply to do a Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician - Light Vehicle Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This will usually take 2 to 3 years. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.
You could also train as a vehicle mechanic in the British Army.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Career tips
It will help if you are interested in the motor industry and enjoy fixing cars. It can also be useful to have a knowledge of different makes and models.
Further information
You can find out more about working and training as a light vehicle technician from Autocity.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.