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Roadside technician

roadside recovery technician roadside assistance technician motor vehicle breakdown engineer breakdown technician
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Garage services
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Career outlook for roadside technician

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£25,000

Experienced

£40,000

Currently employed in Scotland

8,400

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would help people whose vehicles have broken down or won’t start. You’d go out to where they are and either fix the problem there or get them and their vehicle to a garage.

If a car, van or other vehicle has a problem during a journey, then the person driving would call their breakdown service. The call centre would then tell you where they are and what they know about the fault.

You would drive out to the scene of the breakdown.

Then you would:

  • Make sure the driver and any passengers are safe
  • Examine the vehicle
  • Ask the motorist for a description of what happened
  • Find the fault
  • If possible, do the repairs at the roadside
  • Tow or transport the vehicle to a garage, if it needs major repair work

The people who have been stranded by the breakdown will probably be annoyed or worried by the delay to their journey. You’d need to reassure them and explain what has caused the problem.

You would normally work on patrols – covering a certain area – and carry spare engine parts, a battery charger and full tool kit. You might also use computerised fault-finding equipment. To work with hybrid and electric vehicles you may require a wider range of skills and knowledge due to the additional health and safety hazards.

You’d fill in a record sheet for each job you attend. You’d need to be interested in motor mechanics and be aware of health and safety issues.

Working conditions

Hours

You would work on a 24-hour shift system, including weekends.

Environment

You would be expected to repair vehicles outdoors in all weather conditions. You would normally wear protective overalls and high-visibility clothing.

Travel

This job involves a lot of driving.

UK employment status

Full-time

77%

Part-time

7%

Self employed

16%

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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

To be a qualified motor mechanic or vehicle technician you must gain relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Automotive (SVQ level 2/3) or City & Guilds qualification.

You could complete a Modern Apprenticeship to gain relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in light or heavy vehicle maintenance and repair (SVQ Level 2/3).

You do not need formal qualifications to commence an apprenticeship, but many employers look for a good general education (SCQF level 4/5). 

Useful subjects

  • Maths
  • English
  • Science subjects
  • Technologies subjects

You will also need

A full current driving licence.

You may have to pass:

  • a driving assessment
  • written tests
  • an aptitude test
  • a medical examination

Helpful to have

  • A Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence
  • Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) from the Institute of the Motor Industry

  • An IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) award in electric and hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement and routine maintenance to gain the knowledge and skills required to work safely around these vehicles.