What does a motor mechanic do?

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…

How do you become a motor mechanic?

You can get into this job through a college course and an apprenticeship.

How much does a motor mechanic earn?

Starter salaries are around £22,000 a year, rising to about £42,000 with experience.

How many hours does a motor mechanic work?

Typically 38 to 45 hours a week.

Motor mechanic

Motor mechanics repair and service cars and vans.

Also known as: Light vehicle technician, hybrid and electric vehicle technician

Starter salary£22,000 a year
Experienced£42,000 a year
Typical hours38 to 45 a week
Green jobPotential

What you'll do

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

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.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

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

How to become a motor mechanic

You can get into this job through a college course or an apprenticeship.

College

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

Apprenticeship

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

Restrictions and requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

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

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.

Guides for this industry

Engineering: pay, interviews and getting started →

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