HGV Mechanic / Technician
Maintain, diagnose, and repair heavy goods vehicles, buses, and commercial fleets — keeping the UK's logistics and public transport networks running safely.
High
Low
3–4 years via apprenticeship; or 2 years via college plus employer placement
Level 3 NVQ in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair; IRTEC licensing recognised industry-wide
possible
What you do
HGV mechanics (also called heavy vehicle technicians) service, inspect, and repair lorries, buses, coaches, and other commercial vehicles. The work covers routine servicing (oil changes, brake checks, tyre inspections), MOT preparation for heavy vehicles, diagnosing faults using manufacturer diagnostic systems, repairing engines, gearboxes, air brake systems, suspension, and electrical systems. You work in fleet workshops for logistics companies, bus operators, local authorities, or specialist commercial vehicle garages. DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) authorisation is required for MOT testing. The transition to electric and hydrogen HGVs is creating new high-voltage training requirements rather than reducing demand — fleets still need physical maintenance. Progression leads to master technician, workshop supervisor, fleet engineer, or MOT tester roles.
Why this career is resilient
The UK's freight and public transport systems depend on roughly 500,000 HGVs and 35,000 buses, all of which require regular maintenance and statutory annual testing. The logistics sector faces a well-documented shortage of qualified HGV technicians, with industry bodies regularly citing vacancy rates above 10%. The shift to electric and hybrid commercial vehicles adds new specialist skills (high-voltage systems, battery management) rather than eliminating mechanical maintenance — brakes, suspension, tyres, and chassis still need physical attention. Fleet operators cannot defer safety-critical maintenance, and the work must be performed in-person at workshop or depot level.
A typical day
Start with a morning vehicle inspection on a 44-tonne artic unit due for its annual test — check brake performance on the roller brake tester, inspect suspension bushes, test lights and electrics, and road-test. Mid-morning diagnose an engine management fault on a refuse collection vehicle using the manufacturer diagnostic laptop. Afternoon spent replacing a clutch on a rigid truck, then carrying out a full service on a double-decker bus including oil, filters, and a brake adjustment.
Routes in
Apprenticeship
Earn while you learn: work with an employer and study part-time, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Typically funded by the government and your employer.
Full-time college course
Study full-time at a further education college, usually for 1–2 years. You will need to fund yourself or apply for a student loan (available for Level 4+ courses).
Pay and costs
Earning potential: Newly qualified HGV technicians earn £26,000–£32,000. Experienced technicians earn £34,000–£44,000. Master technicians, MOT testers, and workshop supervisors earn £40,000–£52,000. Overtime and shift premiums common in 24/7 fleet operations.
Training costs: Apprenticeship: no upfront cost. College full-time course: free for 16–18 year olds, £3,000–£6,000 for adults. IRTEC licence: approximately £150–£200. Specialist tools (personal set): £500–£1,500 built up over time.