— Our Vision, Professional Learning
IRTEC Service
Maintenance
Technician
— Our Vision, Professional Learning
IRTEC Service
Maintenance
Technician
Large Commercial Vehicle, Heavy Vehicle Trailer, Bus & Coach
This route is intended for technicians who carry out maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair of Large Commercial Vehicles, Bus & Coach or Heavy Vehicle Trailer.
Technicians must complete the specified practical tasks and a 30-question underpinning knowledge test.
Practical Assessment Units
The IRTEC Service Maintenance Technician practical assessment consists of:
- Braking Systems – 50 minutes
- Engine Electrical Systems – 50 minutes
- Engine Mechanical Systems – 50 minutes
- Hydraulic / Pneumatic Systems – 50 minutes
- Wheel Alignment & Steering – 50 minutes
Knowledge Test
Candidates must complete a 30-question underpinning knowledge test covering:
- Operating principles of relevant vehicle systems
- Methods and techniques used to remove, replace and measure components
- Use of tools and specialist equipment
- Safe working practices
Routes Available
- Large Commercial Vehicle (LGV)
- Bus & Coach
- Heavy Vehicle Trailer
Who is eligible to enroll?
Ideally in full-time employment with at least two years’ experience
 Starting From £800 + £400 (Exam Fee) + VAT
 Full HGV + Trailer Package: £1500 + £700 (Exam Fee) + VAT
Enrol
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IRTEC Service Maintenance Technician licence demonstrate?
The IRTEC Service Maintenance Technician licence demonstrates that a technician has been assessed against recognised industry standards for maintaining, fault-finding and repairing commercial vehicles. The licence is valid for 5 years.
Which vehicles can I specialise in through this IRTEC course?
You can choose the route that matches your role:
- Large Commercial Vehicle (LGV)
- Bus & Coach
- Heavy Vehicle Trailer
This makes the training relevant whether you work in an HGV workshop, bus and coach operation, or trailer maintenance environment.
What practical skills are tested during the IRTEC assessment?
The practical assessment covers five key areas, with 50 minutes allocated to each:
- Braking Systems
- Engine Electrical Systems
- Engine Mechanical Systems
- Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems
- Wheel Alignment & Steering
It is designed to assess the practical skills technicians use when diagnosing and maintaining commercial vehicles.
What is covered in the 30-question IRTEC knowledge test?
The underpinning knowledge test checks your understanding of:
- How relevant vehicle systems operate
- Techniques for removing, replacing, and measuring components
- Using tools and specialist equipment
- Safe working practices
So, it tests more than just theoretical knowledge; it connects directly with day-to-day workshop activities.
Is this course suitable for an experienced HGV technician?
Yes. The course is aimed at technicians already involved in maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair of large commercial vehicles, buses, coaches or heavy vehicle trailers. Ideally, candidates should be in full-time employment and have at least two years’ experience.
How does IRTEC Service Maintenance training help with fault diagnosis?
The assessment focuses on several major vehicle systems, including engine electrical, mechanical, braking and hydraulic/pneumatic systems. This gives technicians the opportunity to demonstrate that they can apply appropriate diagnostic and repair techniques rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.
Why is the practical assessment important for a Service Maintenance Technician?
Commercial vehicle maintenance requires technicians to work safely and accurately on complex systems. The practical assessment allows you to demonstrate how you actually apply your knowledge when inspecting, measuring, removing, replacing and working on vehicle components.
Is the IRTEC Service Maintenance Technician qualification useful for career progression?
For technicians already working in commercial vehicle maintenance, gaining a recognised 5-year IRTEC licence can provide valuable professional recognition. It can also help demonstrate your technical competence to employers and fleet operators.
Why choose THS+ for IRTEC Service Maintenance Technician training?
If you want structured preparation for the IRTEC Service Maintenance assessment, THS+ is a strong choice, with training focused on the practical systems and underpinning knowledge included in the assessment. The course also offers LGV, Bus & Coach and Heavy Vehicle Trailer routes to suit different technician roles.
How much does IRTEC Service Maintenance Technician training cost?
The course starts from £800 + £400 exam fee + VAT. A full HGV + Trailer package is available for £1,500 + £700 exam fee + VAT. Pricing may vary depending on the route selected, so it is worth confirming the current package before enrolment.
