
Automotive Maintenance Level 1
Start Date: 1st September 2025

- Length 1 Year
- Study Full Time
- Location West Lancashire College
More about the course
This is an exciting course which helps to provide students with a firm foundation of practical skills alongside the relevant technical knowledge of motor vehicles to enable them to progress in the industry.
This course is for school leavers aged 16-18, or adults over the age of 19 who are interested in motor vehicle servicing.
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 2-9, including English and Maths
What will I achieve?
If you successfully complete this course, you will be awarded a diploma in Automotive Maintenance Level 1, which is currently the recognised standard qualification in the motor trade, both in this country and overseas.
What will I learn?
- Health and safety practices
- Foundation skills
- Personal social development (PSD)
- Mechanical
- Light vehicle
- Electrical
- Electrically propelled awareness
What experience will I have?
- Guest speakers and industry specialist training with AA and VOSA
- Toyota Tour
- Cars supplied and replaced termly including Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota, Jaguar, plus Hybrid Vehicles
- The AA, Juratek Brakes, Snap On Tools, Textar Brakes
- Links with Lancashire Fire Service
- Halford voucher for discount tools
- Work experience and international trip for industry placement in Vienna
- Excellent progression to employment
- Progression to Apprenticeships
- Formula 1 pit crew challenge
- Students will experience first hand the adrenaline of racing on our driving stimulator, access to practice driving test theory questions, access to Hybrid, EV Kit and qualifications, F1 pit crew challenge, master classes from Valeo Ltd which include Hybrid and EV workshops
- University visits including Bolton University, UCLan and Edge Hill University
How am I assessed?
- Practical tasks
- EPortfolio
- Online test
Where can I progress?
Upon successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress onto Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles.
Course costs
If you are 16-18 years old, you do not have to pay course tuition fees*.
If you need information on any financial support that may be available to you with fees or study costs on this course, please contact Student Services who can offer advice and assistance on accessing any financial support that may be available.
*Exam and registration fees will be paid by the college subject to satisfactory attendance and course completion.
Adult Students
This course is free, if you are on an income related benefit or a low income, with a household income of less than £22,308.
If you are 19 or over, please call Learner Services on 01695 52300 or email enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk to confirm the fee for this course. Course costs may be subject to change.
If you need information on any financial support that may be available to you with fees or study costs on this course, please contact Student Services who can offer advice and assistance on accessing any financial support that may be available.
*This is subject to availability and eligibility
Adult Funding Changes
Due to changes in Government funding from 1st August 2019, students who resident in some postcodes in Merseyside and Greater Manchester may be unable to access funding from training providers and colleges in Lancashire and may have to pay all associated course and support costs.
Please note, this does not include courses that are paid for by Advanced Learner Loans.
To check if your postcode is part of the new devolved funding legislation, please contact Course Enquiries on 01695 52300 for further advice.
Contact our team
Meet our Motor Vehicle students and tutors

Anthony Robinson
Head of Curriculum for STEM and DigitalI have vast automotive industry experience and I've had a number of job roles within the sector, including diagnostic technician and workshop controller with manufacturers, such as Honda, Toyota and Lexus. I joined West Lancashire College in 2007 and have also been part of a team of authors who revised the popular Hillier’s Fundamentals of Automotive Electronics textbook. I am a fully qualified Level 4 Hybrid and EV master technician.

James Gleave
Motor Vehicle LecturerI gained my Motor Vehicle qualifications at West Lancashire College and during my career, I have worked closely with BMW trained master technicians, as well as Mercedes and VW independent specialists.

Aaron
Motor Vehicle Level 3 StudentAs a Motor Vehicle student, I have been really enjoying the practical side of the course as its very hands on and we learn a lot from being able to work on cars. My ambition is to own my own car garage.

Oscar
Motor Vehicle Level 3 StudentI chose to study Motor Vehicle, as I’ve had a long interest in cars since being a child. I have found that the subject has taught me more than I ever imagined, the tutors are superb and they really help you to be the best that you can be. My dream career would to be a master tech for Mercedes!
What can I do with a qualification in Motor Vehicle?
Careers for this subject will be updated soon.
Motor Vehicle at West Lancashire College

News
Upcoming events

Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 1st May 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm

Parent/Carer Information Evening
West Lancashire College
Tuesday 24th June 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm
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