Free Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Telford. Classes run full-time at Telford College, five days a week during the day, over 35 weeks. You'll need four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and maths, plus a completed Level 2 Vehicle Maintenance Course. This level 3 car mechanic qualification covers the diagnosis of complex system faults, advanced vehicle systems, and the latest diagnostic tools used in garages, dealerships, and maintenance depots. It's a strong step toward working as a diagnostic technician on modern light vehicles.
Who this course is for
This provides you with a range of skills including the diagnosis of complex system faults and advanced systems operation. You will gain essential knowledge for diagnostic technicians working on light vehicles in all types of garages, dealerships and maintenance depots, working on hi-tech rigs and live vehicles,with the latest diagnostic tools. The course includes diagnosis of complex system faults.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English and maths. You must also have completed the Level 2 Vehicle Maintenance Course at Telford College or another education establishment.
What you will learn
You'll diagnose complex system faults on light vehicles using industry diagnostic tools.
You'll develop knowledge of advanced vehicle systems and how they operate.
You'll work on hi-tech rigs and live vehicles in a realistic workshop environment.
You'll build the technical skills needed to work as a diagnostic technician.
You'll learn how to service and maintain light vehicles to a professional standard.
You'll understand the systems used across garages, dealerships, and maintenance depots.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical work, including time on hi-tech rigs and live vehicles with the latest diagnostic equipment. Assessment is based on the IMI qualification framework and covers both your technical knowledge and your ability to apply it. Your progress will be assessed through practical tasks and written assessments throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Telford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Light vehicle technician: servicing and repairing cars in a garage or dealership.
Diagnostic technician: identifying complex faults using specialist equipment.
MOT tester: carrying out vehicle safety inspections (requires additional DVSA authorisation).
Service advisor: combining technical knowledge with customer-facing work.
Fleet maintenance technician: keeping vehicle fleets roadworthy for businesses.
Dealership technician: working on manufacturer-specific vehicles in a franchised garage.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Automotive Management: moves you toward workshop management and team leadership roles.
IMI Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: the NVQ route recognised for higher-level technical roles and further professional development.
MOT Tester Training (DVSA-approved): required if you want to carry out MOT testing commercially.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Automotive Engineering: a university-level step toward engineering roles in the automotive industry.
