Vehicle Technician
Also advertised as: automotive maintenance technician, automotive mechanic, automotive technician, Car Mechanic, Diagnostic Technician, EV Technician
Services, diagnoses and repairs cars and light vehicles, including electric ones.
What the job involves
Vehicle technicians service and repair vehicles, using diagnostic equipment as much as spanners. Electric and hybrid qualifications are quickly becoming the difference between average and high earnings in the trade.
Typical responsibilities
- Service vehicles to manufacturer schedules
- Diagnose mechanical and electrical faults
- Carry out repairs and replacements
- Complete MOT testing where qualified
- Explain work and costs to customers
Common employers
- Main dealerships
- Independent garages
- Fleet operators
- Fast-fit chains
- Bus and HGV depots
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£22,000 – £28,000 a year
With experience
£32,000 – £45,000 a year
Typical hours
40 to 45 hours, some Saturdays
Working environment
Workshop
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
high
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Diagnostics
- Mechanical repair
- Electrical systems
- Customer explanation
- Workshop safety
Transferable skills you may already have
- Practical mechanical work
- Fault finding
- Tool use
Requirements employers ask for
- Diagnostics
- Mechanical repair
- Electrical systems
- Customer explanation
- Workshop safety
- Level 2 or 3 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- MOT tester authorisation where applicable
- provide customer information related to repairs
- repair vehicle electrical systems
- maintain updated professional knowledge
- maintain vehicle records
- mechanical components of vehicles
- think analytically
- apply health and safety standards
- vehicle electrical systems
- use automotive diagnostic equipment
- use traditional toolbox tools
- car controls
- identify customer's needs
Useful but not essential
- Practical mechanical work
- Fault finding
- Tool use
- IMI Level 3 Electric and Hybrid Vehicle
- MOT tester qualification
- repair engines
- ensure compliance with warranty contracts
- replace tyres
- perform ICT troubleshooting
- maintain suspension system
- keep stock records
- maintain vehicle appearance
- perform minor vehicle repairs
Helpful qualifications
- IMI Level 3 Electric and Hybrid Vehicle
- MOT tester qualification
Licences and checks
- MOT tester authorisation where applicable
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Level 3)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Motor vehicle engineering
Where this career can lead
next
Master Technician
next
Workshop Controller
next
Service Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- EV skills command a premium
- Clear apprenticeship route
- Self-employment possible
What people find hard
- Physically hard and dirty work
- Bonus schemes can pressure speed
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a vehicle technician?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a vehicle technician earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £22,000 to £28,000 a year, rising towards £45,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Practical mechanical work, Fault finding, Tool use.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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