How to Become a Vehicle Technician

Do you like cars and enjoy fixing things? Then learning how to become a vehicle technician could be a great choice for you. The UK needs more skilled car technicians. Experts say there may be a shortage of over 13,000 trained people by 2033. So, this is the right time to start.

A vehicle technician repairs and checks cars to make sure they are safe and run well. You find problems, fix them, and help people stay safe on the road. It feels nice when a car starts working again because of your effort. Most vehicle technicians earn between £29,000 and £38,000 a year. Your pay depends on your skills and where you work. As you learn more, your earnings can grow too.

In this article, we explore what it takes to build a career as a vehicle technician. You’ll learn about the skills you need, the training you can take, and the job options available. We’ll also look at what vehicle technicians do every day and how the role can grow over time. 

What Does a Vehicle Technician Do?

A vehicle technician does many different jobs each day. They check cars, find problems, and fix them using special tools and equipment. Sometimes they repair engines, change tyres, or work on brakes. Other times, they do routine checks to keep the car running well.

They also take care of small but important tasks, like changing oil, topping up fluids, and testing batteries. After each job, they write notes or fill out a job card for the service advisor. This helps the team keep track of all the work done. A big part of the job is following safety rules and the car maker’s instructions. This keeps both the technician and the driver safe.

Being a vehicle technician is not just about fixing cars. It’s about helping people travel safely and feeling proud of your work. Every time a car leaves the workshop in good shape, you know you’ve made a real difference.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Vehicle Technician?

If you want to work with cars, you need the right skills and training. You can start with a motor vehicle course, like IMI Level 2 and Level 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. You can also choose a City & Guilds course. These courses teach you how to check, service, and fix different parts of a car.

It is also good to have GCSEs in maths and English, at grade 4 or C. Many colleges and apprenticeships ask for these before you can join. So, try to do well in these subjects at school. After your course, you can join an apprenticeship or work in a garage to learn more. This gives you real hands-on experience.

Want a step-by-step guide to help you plan your path? Check out the School of Healthcare’s article on “how to become a car mechanic”. It’s full of simple tips and clear advice that make starting your career much easier. It takes time to become a skilled vehicle technician, but it feels great to see your hard work pay off. You’ll learn new things every day and build a career you can be proud of.

How Do You Train to Be a Vehicle Technician?

There are a few ways to start your journey as a vehicle technician. You can choose to study full-time at college or train through an apprenticeship. Both paths help you build the skills you need for this exciting career.

College Route:

• Start with a Level 2 Motor Vehicle course, then move on to Level 3.
• Learn how cars work through lessons and real workshop practice.
• Build confidence by working on real car parts and systems.
• Get ready for a full-time job in a garage or dealership.

Apprenticeship Route:

• Choose the Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician apprenticeship.
• It usually takes around three years to complete.
• Work in a garage and study at college on certain days or in short blocks.
• Earn money while you learn and gain real hands-on experience.

Both options teach you practical skills and industry knowledge. Step by step, you’ll become more confident, skilled, and ready to start a successful career as a vehicle technician.

Can You Become a Vehicle Technician Without Experience?

Yes, you can become a vehicle technician even if you have no experience. Many people start with little knowledge and learn as they go. If an employer hires you as an apprentice or trainee, they will teach you everything you need to know. You will get training at work and in college, so you learn and earn at the same time.

Employers do not expect you to be an expert from the start. A real interest in cars and a desire to learn new things matter most. Employers look for people who are honest, hardworking, and willing to listen. They also like it if you already know a bit about tools or have helped fix cars before.

At first, you may do simple jobs like checking tyres or cleaning parts. Step by step, you will learn how to repair engines, test systems, and solve bigger problems. So, don’t worry if you are new to this. Everyone starts somewhere. With the right attitude and effort, you can build your skills and become a confident vehicle technician in no time.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Vehicle Technician?

It takes time to become a skilled vehicle technician. Most people need about three years to finish their training and reach Level 3. During this time, you learn how to fix and service cars safely and correctly. Here are the main ways to train:

College Route

You can start your journey by taking the college route. Begin with a Level 2 course and then move up to Level 3. This route usually takes around three years to finish. During your study, you spend time both in class and in the workshop, gaining real, hands-on skills that prepare you for work.

Apprenticeship Route

Another great option is the apprenticeship route. The Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician apprenticeship also takes about three years to complete. You work in a garage while studying at college, which means you earn money and get practical experience at the same time. This path helps you learn faster and build confidence for your career.

Some short courses are available, but most employers look for a full Level 3 qualification. It shows that you have strong knowledge and real practice. Three years may sound long, but the time goes quickly. Each week, you learn more, grow in confidence, and get closer to your dream job.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Good Vehicle Technician?

Becoming a good vehicle technician takes more than just an interest in cars. It’s about having the right mix of skills that help you do the job safely and well. Here are some key skills to develop:

• Mechanical and electrical skills: A great technician can find and fix problems in engines, brakes, and electrical systems. Solving these issues feels rewarding, like cracking a puzzle.
• Attention to detail: Careful work makes all the difference. Following each step and double-checking results helps avoid mistakes.
• Good communication: Explaining repairs to service advisors or customers in clear, simple words builds trust and understanding.
• Teamwork: Workshops run best when everyone supports each other — technicians, service staff, and controllers all play a part.

With practice, these skills grow stronger. Over time, confidence builds, work quality improves, and every car fixed brings real pride and satisfaction.

How Much Do Vehicle Technicians Earn in the UK?

Vehicle technicians in the UK can earn a good income. Most earn between £29,000 and £38,000 a year. Pay can be higher if you work for big car brands or main dealers. People who are new to the job usually earn around £25,000 a year. After a few years of experience, the pay often rises to £35,000 or more. Different websites show different numbers. Indeed says the average pay is around £37,900 a year. Glassdoor shows about £29,700 a year, and the highest salaries can reach £48,800.

Earnings depend on where you work and how much experience you have. With time, training, and effort, your skills will grow — and so will your pay. It feels great to see your hard work lead to better rewards.

What Are the Different Types of Vehicle Technicians?

There are many types of vehicle technicians, and each one does something a bit different. As you learn more, you can choose the area that you enjoy the most. Here are some common types:

• Light Vehicle Technician: Works with cars and vans. They do checks, services, and small repairs. Most people start with this role.
• Dealer or Manufacturer Technician: Works for one car brand and learns all about its models. This job is great if you like one brand a lot.
• Diagnostic or Master Technician: Finds and fixes hard problems that others cannot solve. This job needs strong skills and experience.
• MOT Tester: Makes sure cars are safe and meet legal rules. You need extra DVSA training for this role.
• EV or Performance Technician: Works on electric or high-performance cars. This area is growing fast as more people choose electric vehicles.

Each job is different, but all are important. With time and training, you can find the type of work that fits your skills and makes you happy.

Where Can Vehicle Technicians Work?

Vehicle technicians can work in many different places. That makes this job exciting and full of choice.

Here are some common places to work:

• Franchised Dealerships: These are big brand garages like Ford, Toyota, or Volkswagen. You work with modern tools and follow the brand’s rules and training.
• Independent Garages or Fast-Fit Centres: These places fix many types of cars. The work is busy, but you learn a lot every day.
• Fleet or Local Authority Workshops: These workshops look after vehicles for companies or councils. The work is steady, and the hours are regular.
• Specialist Employers: Some jobs are very special, like working on emergency or high-security vehicles. For example, an MI5 vehicle installation technician can earn more than £46,000 a year because the work needs special skills.

There are many paths to choose from. Some people like fast-moving garages, while others prefer quiet workshops. Wherever you work, you can build a strong career and feel proud of your skills.

What Are the Career Progression Opportunities for Vehicle Technicians?

A career as a vehicle technician can grow in many ways. As you learn more and gain experience, new chances will come your way. Here is how your career can move forward:

• Service Technician: This is the starting point. You do regular checks and repairs to build your skills.
• Senior or Diagnostic Technician: With more experience, you fix harder problems and help other technicians.
• Workshop Controller: In this role, you manage daily work in the garage and guide your team.
• Aftersales or Service Manager: This is a higher role where you lead the workshop and look after customers.

There are also other paths to try:

• Work as an MOT Tester and check if cars are safe to drive.
• Join a breakdown or field service team and help people when their cars stop working.
• Later, become a teacher or trainer and share your skills with new students.

Each step brings new learning and better pay. With time and hard work, you can build a career that makes you proud.

Is Becoming a Vehicle Technician a Good Career Choice?

Yes, becoming a vehicle technician is a good choice. It offers steady work, fair pay, and many chances to grow. There is a strong need for skilled technicians in the UK. Many garages are looking for people who know how to fix and service vehicles. So, finding a job is easier than in many other careers.

The more experience you get, the higher your pay can go. In a few years, you can earn close to or above the UK average pay. That makes this job worth your effort. This job fits people who enjoy hands-on work and solving problems. Every day is different. You might fix an engine one day and learn about electric cars the next.

It also feels good to help people get back on the road safely. With time, you can become a senior technician, manager, or even start your own garage. If you love cars and want a practical career, being a vehicle technician is a great path to take.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to become a vehicle technician can be a smart choice. It is a job that offers steady work and good pay. If you enjoy fixing things and solving problems, this career can make you happy. The UK needs more skilled people in this field, so it is a great time to start.

You can build your skills, gain experience, and move up to better jobs. Every day, you will learn something new and help people stay safe on the road.

If you want to start this journey, visit the School of Healthcare. Their Car Mechanic Training courses will help you learn fast and build real skills for your future. Start your training today and take the first step towards a successful career.

FAQs

How long does it take to become a vehicle technician?

It usually takes about 2 to 3 years to become a vehicle technician. You’ll train at work and study at a college or training centre.

How much does a vehicle technician earn in the UK?

In the UK, vehicle technicians earn around £36,000 a year. Many jobs offer between £35,000 and £38,000.

Is 35 too old to become a mechanic?

No, 35 is not too old to become a mechanic. You can start anytime if you are healthy and willing to learn.

Is mechanics hard on your body?

Being a mechanic can be tough on your body because you often lift and move heavy parts.