Level 3 Car Mechanic Course in Paignton. Classes run at South Devon College, full-time during the day. This level 3 car mechanic qualification covers advanced vehicle maintenance and repair over one year. You'll work with complex vehicle systems, diagnose faults, and use industry-standard specialist tools and equipment. The course goes into finer detail than Level 2, preparing you for work in a modern vehicle workshop. It's a strong car mechanic qualification for anyone aiming to work at a higher technical level.
Who this course is for
This course has been designed to give you an advanced skillset and everything you need to excel in the industry. You will be studying the components of vehicle maintenance and repair in finer detail, working with complex systems across different vehicles. You will be diagnosing complex vehicle concerns and developing fault finding skills to equip you for work in a modern vehicle maintenance and repair workshop. This course includes tuition in the use of industry standard specialist tools and equipment to assist in the diagnosis, testing and repair of complex vehicle systems. Learners enrolled on this course will be working towards completing the IMI Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles qualification.
What you will learn
You'll diagnose complex vehicle faults across a range of systems.
You'll use industry-standard specialist tools and equipment.
You'll study the components of vehicle maintenance and repair in detail.
You'll develop fault-finding skills for modern workshop environments.
You'll work with complex systems across different vehicle types.
You'll build advanced technical knowledge in light vehicle repair.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and hands-on practical work with vehicles and specialist equipment. Assessment is through a combination of practical tasks and written or theory-based elements as required by the IMI qualification. Your progress will be assessed throughout the course, not just at the end.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South Devon 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 workshop.
MOT tester. Carrying out statutory vehicle safety inspections.
Diagnostic technician. Using electronic tools to identify vehicle faults.
Vehicle mechanic. General maintenance and repair across car makes.
Service advisor. Technical knowledge supporting customer-facing workshop roles.
Fleet technician. Maintaining vehicles for a company or organisation.
What you could study next
IMI Level 4 Diploma in Vehicle Diagnostics. A higher-level qualification for technicians specialising in complex electronic and diagnostic systems.
Automotive Management or Business qualifications. Useful if you want to move into workshop management or run your own garage.
Manufacturer-specific training programmes. Many vehicle brands run their own advanced technician schemes once you hold a Level 3 qualification.
