Automotive Repair

By the end, you can explain how the main systems of a car work, follow a basic service checklist and describe common faults, and you are ready to start a formal motor mechanic apprenticeship or learnership (this path does not qualify you as a mechanic).

Career pathwayAbout 70 hours3 stagesFree

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Career pathway. This is a regulated career. Online learning gives you strong foundations and a clear plan, but you will need to study and register formally to work in it. The route is explained on this page.

Lessons play here, from free YouTube courses.

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Automotive repair is the diagnosis, servicing and repair of cars and light vehicles, from engines and brakes to electrical systems. South Africa has a large vehicle fleet and many workshops, dealerships and fitment centres that need trained mechanics.

Turn on JavaScript to track your progress. The lessons are:FoundationsUnderstand how a four-stroke engine works and how the main systems of a car fit together.Task: Draw and explain the four strokes of a petrol engine (intake, compression, power, exhaust). Then list the main systems of a car (engine, cooling, fuel, ignition, electrical, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering) with one sentence on what each does.Core skillsLearn how brake, suspension and related systems work and how they wear out.Task: Explain how a hydraulic disc brake system works from the pedal to the wheel. List four signs that brakes need attention (for example noise, vibration, a soft pedal, pulling to one side) and the likely cause of each.Applied practiceWatch real repair and service jobs being done step by step and learn the right order and safety checks.Task: With an adult or car owner present, do a basic visual check on a car: engine oil level, coolant level, brake fluid, tyre pressure and tread, lights and wipers. Record your findings on a checklist you design and write what you would recommend to the owner.

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What competent looks like

Can explain the four-stroke cycle and the purpose of each main vehicle system
Can carry out and record a basic under-bonnet and tyre check
Can describe how disc and drum brakes work and list signs of wear
Can follow a service procedure in the correct order, including safe use of jacks and stands
Can describe a fault clearly to a customer or supervisor

The South African route

Motor mechanic is a listed trade in the merSETA sector (motor retail and manufacturing). You qualify through an apprenticeship, learnership or occupational qualification with workplace experience at a workshop or dealership, and then pass a trade test to become a qualified artisan.

Free resources

merSETA trade guides (motor mechanic) and learnerships
merSETA
How a Car Works: guides to car mechanics and automotive engineering
How a Car Works

These links go to free courses and sites run by other organisations. We chose them in October 2026 but do not run them, so check costs, dates and entry requirements on their site. Broken link? Tell us.

Jobs it can lead to

Workshop assistant
Apprentice motor mechanic
Fitment centre assistant (tyres, exhausts, batteries)
Service bay assistant
Auto parts sales assistant