Automotive licenses.
Mechanics, auto electricians, panel beaters and spray painters. In New South Wales and Western Australia you need a certificate for your kind of work. We check what applies where you work, and help you get it.
The five automotive trades
Light vehicle mechanic
Service and repair cars, utes and vans: engines, brakes, steering and suspension.
- In New South Wales
- Certificate class: Motor mechanic
- Qualification: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620)
- In Western Australia
- Repair class: Light vehicle work
What each state asks.
Only two states license the people who do the work. Here’s the short version.
- NSW
A certificate for each tradesperson
NSW Fair Trading issues a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate for your kind of work, for 1, 3 or 5 years. You need the qualification for your class. Apprentices can’t apply until they finish. A business that does repairs also needs a motor vehicle repairer license.
- WA
A repairer’s certificate
Consumer Protection WA certifies repairers class by class: light vehicle, heavy vehicle, electrical, panel beating, painting and more. You can qualify through an apprenticeship, RTO training or a skills assessment. Repair businesses need a license too.
- ACT
A license for the business
In the ACT, a repair business needs a motor vehicle repairer license from Access Canberra. The people doing the work don’t need their own.
- QLD, VIC, SA, TAS
No license for the person
These states don’t license mechanics, auto electricians, panel beaters or spray painters. Some work has its own approval, like roadworthy inspections in Queensland and Victoria.
Working on vehicle air conditioning? Handling the refrigerant gas needs a national automotive air conditioning license (ARCtick), in every state.
On the regulators’ own pages
Questions people ask us.
Something else on your mind?
Ask us on WhatsAppI’m a qualified mechanic from overseas. Can I work in NSW?
NSW asks for an Australian qualification for your class. A registered training organisation (RTO) can assess the skills you learned overseas towards it. Tell us your history and we tell you the way in.
Do I need a certificate in Queensland or Victoria?
No. Only New South Wales and Western Australia certify the people who do repairs. If you move to either, you’ll need theirs.
I run my own workshop. What does the business need?
In NSW and WA, a business that does repairs needs its own license, as well as a certificate for each person doing the work. In the ACT, the business needs a license. Ask us what applies to you.
I’m still an apprentice. Can I apply?
Not yet. In NSW you can apply once your apprenticeship is finished. Talk to us before then, so you’re ready.
Ask about yours.
Tell us your trade and where you work. We tell you what the license asks for, what we can do for you, and the full cost.