Free Entry Level Car Maintenance and Repair Course in Peterborough

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body

About this course

Free Entry Level Car Maintenance and Repair Course in Peterborough. Classes run at Peterborough College, full-time during the day. No formal qualifications are needed to start. You'll have an initial assessment to make sure this is the right level for you. The course runs for 36 weeks and covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to work on cars. It's a recognised IMI car maintenance and repair qualification that can lead to further training in the motor industry.

Who this course is for

This course is great for school leavers who have an interest in the automotive industry. It is designed for those who would like to carry out work on cars and would like to develop their knowledge skills and experience in this area whilst gaining a recognised motor vehicle qualification which can lead to further training and education within the motor industry.

Entry requirements

No formal qualification needed.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how engines and vehicle systems work.
  • You'll carry out basic servicing and maintenance tasks on cars.
  • You'll identify common faults and understand how to diagnose them.
  • You'll use hand tools and workshop equipment safely.
  • You'll follow health and safety procedures in a workshop environment.
  • You'll develop practical skills in automotive repair techniques.
  • You'll build knowledge of the motor vehicle industry and how it operates.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical work in a workshop setting at Peterborough College. Assessment is based on practical tasks and knowledge checks throughout the course. You'll be assessed on what you can do as well as what you understand. There are no written exams at the end.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Peterborough College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle mechanic, servicing and repairing cars in a garage
  • Tyre and exhaust technician, fitting and replacing components
  • Lube technician, carrying out basic vehicle servicing
  • Forecourt or fleet maintenance assistant, supporting vehicle upkeep
  • Apprentice motor vehicle technician, learning on the job with an employer

What you could study next

  • Level 1 Certificate or Diploma in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. A natural next step that builds on what you've learned.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology. This is the level most employers look for in a trained mechanic, and it can lead toward a CSCS-equivalent card for the motor trade.
  • Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship (Level 2 or Level 3). Combines paid work with structured training at a college or training provider.