Free Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Hereford

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Hereford. Classes run full-time at Herefordshire College, five days a week during the day. The course takes one year and builds on Level 2 motor vehicle skills. You'll focus on diagnosing and fixing complex faults across a range of vehicle systems, working in the college's workshops with specialist tools and equipment. Entry requires a Level 2 Motor Vehicle qualification and GCSE English and/or maths at grade 4 or above.

Who this course is for

This Level 3 course is designed to further develop the practical skills and theoretical understanding of vehicle and systems, building on what was learned at Level 2. The focus of this course is on the skills and understanding associated with diagnosis and rectification of complex faults in a range of vehicle systems. You’ll further develop your skills in our fantastic workshops, using a range of complex tools and specialist equipment, under the guidance of our expert staff, all of whom have extensive industrial experience in the vehicle repair sector. This qualification is the equivalent of up to 84 UCAS Points.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of the Level 2 Motor Vehicle qualification and GCSE English and/or maths at grade 4 or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll diagnose complex faults in vehicle systems using specialist diagnostic equipment.
  • You'll carry out rectification work on a range of vehicle systems.
  • You'll develop your understanding of how modern vehicle systems work together.
  • You'll use professional workshop tools and equipment safely and accurately.
  • You'll apply technical knowledge to real fault-finding scenarios.
  • You'll build on the practical and theoretical skills from Level 2 motor vehicle training.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a combination of practical workshop sessions and classroom-based theory. Assessment is through written exams, practical assessments, and coursework. You'll work under the guidance of experienced staff in a fully equipped workshop environment, applying your skills to vehicle systems and fault diagnosis tasks.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Light vehicle technician. Diagnose and repair cars in a garage or dealership.
  • MOT tester. Carry out statutory vehicle safety inspections.
  • Vehicle diagnostics technician. Specialist fault-finding using diagnostic tools.
  • Service technician. Routine servicing and maintenance at a franchised dealer.
  • Fleet technician. Maintain vehicles for a company or local authority fleet.
  • Automotive workshop supervisor. Oversee a team of technicians.

What you could study next

  • IMI Level 4 Diploma in Automotive Management. Moves into management and business roles within the automotive sector.
  • NVQ Level 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. The competency-based qualification that supports a Master Technician route and is recognised by employers for skilled-worker status.
  • Manufacturer-specific training programmes. Many vehicle brands run advanced technical programmes for technicians who hold a Level 3 qualification.

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