
Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles Level 3
Start Date: 1st September 2025

- Length 36 Weeks
- Study Full Time
- Location West Lancashire College
Qualification Gained
IMI Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
Levels ExplainedMore about the course
This qualification covers the technical needs of today’s motor vehicle repair industry, working on all types of light vehicles. It is an ideal course for anyone looking to be a vehicle technician or MOT tester. Challenge yourself in a practical working environment.
Covering all light vehicle technologies at an advanced level, learners will be expected to carry out practical diagnostic fault-finding tasks. As a practical-based course, it provides the essential knowledge to be a service technician working on cars and vans in all types of garages, dealerships, and maintenance depots.
There are also opportunities to undertake air-conditioning manual handling certification and potential to upskill to be able to work on EV and hybrid vehicles, to further enhance your employability.
Entry requirements
This is a progression course
What will I achieve?
If you successfully complete this course, students will be awarded with the Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
What will I learn?
- Essential working practices and customer care
- Vehicle systems
- Vehicle electrics
- Fault diagnosis
- Vehicle science and maths
- Engine technology and diagnostics
- Ignition systems
- Petrol fuelling systems
- Diesel fuelling systems
- Transmission systems
- Steering, braking and suspension
- GCSE in English and Maths, depending on previous qualifications
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?
- Online exams
- Practical assessment
- Written assignments
Where can I progress?
Upon successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress to Entry in Employment, Higher Education including Degree Apprenticeship or an Apprenticeship.
Our students have gone into employment with:
- C&N Car Services
- Caber Mechanical Handling
- Premier Tyres
- Westgate Tyre & Service Centre Ltd
- AS Auto
- Mazda Bolton
- Premier Tyres
- A Davies Auto's Ltd
- Westgate Tyre & Service Centre Ltd
- CC Commercials
- Jaguar Land Rover
Course costs
If you are 16-18 years old, you do not have to pay course tuition fees*.
If you are 19 or over, please call 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 attendance.
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 Alumni 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 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

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

October Open Event
West Lancashire College
Monday 13th October 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm

November Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 20th November 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm
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