Motor Vehicle Level 3

Entry requirements

Students must have completed a suitable motor vehicle level 2 qualification and ideally have or be studying towards a grade 4 GCSE or Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English. 

Course Overview

For students looking to study motor vehicle in Southampton and the New Forest, our Motor Vehicle Level 3 course, covers a range of engineering or motor technology concepts and techniques. Taught by subject experts at Totton College, you will cover a range of transferable skills related to engineering sectors.  

Our course is designed to support you in pursuing your ambitions and offers you the ideal step into employment within the motor vehicle industry, either as an apprentice technician or mechanic. In addition, upon completion, you can also pursue higher levels of study in areas such as engineering and motor vehicle technology.  

What will I learn?

Our Motor Vehicle courses are based on the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, enabling you to gain critical skills and transferable skills that you need to progress onto your next step and help build your CV.  

As part of this course, you will learn a wide range of skills to give you a strong foundation in the motor vehicle sector. You will have the opportunity to learn and achieve your maths and English as part of your course.  

You will be taught both practical and theoretical lessons by teachers with extensive experience in the automotive industry.  

In theory lessons, you will research and work individually, in pairs and in small groups while taking an active part in lessons and discussions. This will be supported by interactive learning resources, practice assignments style questions, teacher questioning and other problem-solving tasks. 

In practical lessons, you will develop skills through a combination of demonstration, and tasks designed to develop your understanding of how automotive mechanical, electrical and electronic systems function. Developing your skills to identify faults and make recommendations for adjustments and replacement of parts. 

Work Experience

As part of the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, we’ll encourage you to engage in enrichment activities to support your learning.  

For the Motor Vehicle Level 3 course, you will be required to complete 60 hours of work experience during the college year. This can be undertaken throughout the year or during the two work experience weeks, one in February before the half-term break and the other the week before the Easter holiday. 

You will be supported to take part in relevant work experience within the sector or related industry, and we offer a range of opportunities. 

In addition, you will have the opportunity to interact with industry representatives in person or online, to find out about what it’s like to work in the automotive industry and career prospects both locally and at a national level. 

Modules

Modules for the Motor Vehicle Level 3 course include:  

• Skills in supporting job roles in the automotive environment 

• Knowledge of support for job roles in the automotive environment  

• Knowledge of diagnosis and rectification of vehicle auxiliary electrical faults  

• Skills in diagnosing and rectifying vehicle auxiliary electrical faults 

• Knowledge of diagnosis and rectification of light vehicle engine faults 

• Skills in diagnosing and rectifying light vehicle engine faults 

• Knowledge of diagnosis and rectification of light vehicle chassis system faults  

• Skills in diagnosing and rectifying light vehicle chassis system faults 

• Knowledge of diagnosis and rectification of light vehicle transmission and driveline Fault 

• Knowledge of support for job roles in the automotive environment 

• Skills in supporting job roles in the automotive environment 

• Knowledge of how to identify and agree motor vehicle customer service needs 

• Skills in how to identify and agree motor vehicle customer service needs 

Assessment

At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Motor Vehicle Level 3 qualification.

Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work, this could include observations on practical tasks or written assessments. You have to be supported with all your work and your teacher will go through all this when you sign up for the course. 

Assessments for modules will be via a combination observed practical tasks and a written portfolio of evidence. Assessments take place throughout the year, usually towards the end of each unit. Assessment of knowledge on health and safety, tools and equipment will take place via a multichoice online test set by the awarding body. 

Enrichment Opportunities

As part of the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, we’ll encourage you to engage in enrichment activities to support your learning.  

For the Motor Vehicle Level 3 course, you will be required to complete 60 hours of work experience during the college year. This can be undertaken throughout the year or during the two work experience weeks, one in February before the half-term break and the other the week before the Easter holiday. 

You will be supported to take part in relevant work experience within the sector or related industry, and we offer a range of opportunities. 

In addition, you will have the opportunity to interact with industry representatives in person or online, to find out about what it’s like to work in the automotive industry and career prospects both locally and at a national level. 

Career and Progression

After successfully passing this course, you will have the core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and to move forward towards your chosen career.

On successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Level 3 IMI Automotive Maintenance and Repair Principles. After completing this course students can progress onto the level two Motor Vehicle Futures course in the next college year.  

You may also wish to discuss career options with the college career advisor prior to the completion of the course to investigate possible apprenticeships or entry-level employment. 

During my course, I’ve gained skills in fixing and maintaining cars, enjoying the hands-on experience that helps me learn in a real world setting. My proudest achievement at Totton College has been learning to stay engaged and focused during lessons, which has improved my practical work. My advice to new students is to pay attention and stay focused, as it will help you develop the skills needed for success. After leaving Totton College, I hope to work in a body shop, continue developing my skills, and pursue a long term career in the motor vehicle industry

Makenzie Evans

Motor Vehicle Level 1 Student

Funding and bursaries

Students if you’re aged over 19 you may be eligible for free tuition depending on the course you want to study, your existing qualifications and your financial circumstances. For more information email info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4874.

Advanced Learner Loans are available for students who are aged 19 or over. Repayments do not begin until the course is completed and you are earning £25,000 or over. Eligible learners will be enrolling on a level 3 or above course and are a UK or EU national. For further information, visit gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

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