Licencing types and levels
irtec is a renewable accreditation scheme that assesses the safety and competence of technicians who maintain and repair vehicles in the commercial vehicle, trailer and passenger carrying industries.
You can gain irtec licence at 5 different career levels which reflect your job role and experience. Technicians who take the irtec test are assessed on their theoretical and practical skills and, if successful, are awarded an irtec licence that is valid for 5 years.
Once accredited, irtec technicians agree to abide by the irtec code of conduct, receive a licence card, certificate and are placed on the irtec Technicians Directory. As an additional benefit, irtec licence holders are eligible to apply for a free Halfords Trade Card.
Update: Changes to irtec Inspection Technician Routes
The irtec Inspection Technician routes have recently been reviewed by irtec expert working groups. Following testing and quality assurance, the irtec Steering Group has approved a number of updates to improve clarity, consistency and ease of use.
What’s changing
Updated vehicle naming conventions
- Large Commercial Vehicle is now Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), above 7,500kg
- Light Goods Vehicle is now Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV) between 3,500kg and 7,500kg
- Bus and Coach is now Public Service Vehicle (PSV)
Assessment and technician instructions
- Instructions for assessors and technicians have been updated
- Documentation has been reduced and simplified
- Knowledge questions have been removed
Online test updates
- One online test containing 40 multiple-choice questions
- Pass mark set at 70 percent
- Questions focus on legislation and roadworthiness
- The test is now open book
- Technicians can use the DVSA HGV or PSV Inspection Manual and the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness during the test
Quality assurance
A series of trials, tests and online knowledge question reviews were carried out to quality assure the changes and refine documentation, assessments and processes.
What centres need to know
- Centres must use the new irtec assessment materials and documentation from 31 January 2026
All updated materials will be available via the IMI website.
Licensing levels
Service Maintenance Technician
This irtec route is intended for technicians who carry out maintenance on:
- Large Commercial Vehicle
- Bus and Coach
- Heavy Vehicle Trailer
Skills and knowledge requirements
The minimum entry requirement is 2 years industrial experience OR a Level 2 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year's experience in a relevant industrial environment. The technician must be able to work unsupervised and ideally be in full time employment to ensure they are familiar with the skills, knowledge and techniques associated with vehicle maintenance and repair activities.
Assessment
In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first carry out a theory test (30 Questions Underpinning Knowledge) at an irtec-approved assessment centre. Once the theory test is completed successfully, technician has 12 months to complete all the practical assessments.
Practical assessments can be carried out at an irtec centre or the workplace (additional charges may be applicable) by an irtec-approved assessor.
The practical assessments tested in the Service Maintenance Technician Licence are as follows:
| Braking Systems | 50 mins |
| Engine Electrical Systems | 50 mins |
| Engine Mechanical Systems | 50 mins |
| Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems | 50 mins |
| Wheel Alignment & Steering | 50 mins |
Inspection Technician
This irtec route is intended for technicians involve in inspection on:
- Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) over 7,500 kg
- Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV) 3,500-7,500 kg
- Heavy Vehicle Trailer (HVT)
- Public Service Vehicle (PSV)
Skills and Knowledge Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is 3 years industrial experience OR a Level 3 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year's experience in a relevant industrial environment. The technician must be able to work unsupervised and ideally be in full time employment to ensure they are familiar with the skills, knowledge and techniques associated with vehicle inspection.
Assessment
The candidate will need to demonstrate the correct inspection methods and use the appropriate equipment and information when making judgements on the serviceability of vehicle systems and components, and defect catergorisation.
In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first carry a knowledge test (Under Pinning Knowledge) at an irtec-approved assessment centre. Once the theory test is completed successfully, technician has 12 months to complete all the practical assessments.
As part of the underpinning knowledge test there are 40 questions relating to vehicle inspection procedures, standards, defect categorisation and legislation with a Pass mark of 70%
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)
Practical Assessment 1.5 hours
Underpinning Knowledge Tests 1 hour
40 Questions - Pass mark of 70%
Public Service Vehicle (PSV)
Practical Assessment 1.5 – 2 hours
Underpinning Knowledge Tests 1 hour
40 Questions - Pass mark of 70%
Heavy Vehicle Trailer (HVT)
Practical Assessment 1 – 1.5 hours
Underpinning Knowledge Tests 1 hour
40 Questions - Pass mark of 70%
Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV)
Practical Assessment 1 – 1.5 hours
Underpinning Knowledge Tests 1 hour
40 Questions - Pass mark of 70%
Timings are approximate and may vary depending on candidate capability.
Advanced Technician
This irtec route is intended for technicians who carry out maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair on:
- Large Commercial Vehicle
- Bus and Coach
Skills and Knowledge Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is 3 years industrial experience OR a Level 3 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year's experience in a relevant industrial environment. The technician must be able to work unsupervised and ideally be in full time employment to ensure they are familiar with the skills, knowledge and techniques associated with irtec Advanced Technician level.
Assessment
In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first carry out ay test (30 Questions Underpinning Knowledge) at an irtec-approved assessment centre. Once the theory test is completed successfully, technician has 12 months to complete all the practical assessments.
Practical assessments can be carried out at an irtec centre or the workplace (additional charges may be applicable) by an irtec-approved assessor.
The practical assessments in the Advanced Technician licence are as follows:
| Engine Electrical Systems | 60 mins |
| Mechanical Systems | 60 mins |
| Braking Systems | 60 mins |
| Chassis Systems | 60 mins |
| Electrical Systems | 60 mins |
Master Technician
This irtec level provides recognition for individuals who are either working towards a senior position such as a supervisory role or similar role within a maintenance and repair workshop environment in:
- Large Commercial Vehicle
- Bus and Coach
Skills and Knowledge Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is 5 years industrial experience OR a Level 4 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year's experience in a relevant industrial environment. This is to ensure they are familiar with the skills, knowledge and techniques required to diagnose system faults, communicate effectively at all levels and be able to transfer their technical knowledge to others such as apprentices & technicians.
Assessment
In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first carry out a theory test (30 Questions Underpinning Knowledge) at an irtec-approved assessment centre. Once the theory test is completed successfully, technician has 12 months to complete all the practical assessments.
Practical assessments can be carried out at an irtec centre or the workplace (additional charges may be applicable) by an irtec-approved assessor.
The practical assessments in the Master Technician licence are as follows:
| Electrical System Diagnostics | 60 mins |
| Computer Based Test Equipment | 60 mins |
| Diesel Fuel and Emission Systems | 60 mins |
| Instructional Support | 60 mins |
| Effective Communication | 60 mins |
Large Electric Vehicle: High Voltage Isolation, Reinstatement and Safety
This irtec level is intended for technicians involved in the isolation, reinstatement and safety associate with high voltage driveline systems fitted to a 'Large Electric Vehicles'.
This licence expires after three years’.
The term 'Large Electric Vehicle' relates to a hybrid or full electric vehicle, for example:
- A vehicle which exceeds 3,500kg as described in the DVSA HGV Inspection Manual
- Category M2 or M3 vehicle described in the DVSA PSV Inspection Manual
- Other types may be considered but might require authorisation by the IMI
Skills and Knowledge Requirements
Minimum candidate entry requirement is at least 3 years’ experience in vehicle maintenance and repair. This is to ensure they are familiar with the skills, knowledge, and techniques with high voltage driveline systems. Experience could count in another sub-sector such as LCV, LCOMV or B&C in:
- Current irtec Service Maintenance Technician
- Current irtec Advanced Technician
OR
Level 5 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least 1-year post qualification experience.
The candidate must be a minimum age of 18, be in full time employment and must be able to work unsupervised.
Assessment
In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first carry out an online multiple-choice test (30 Questions Underpinning Knowledge) at an irtec-approved assessment centre. Once the theory test is completed successfully, technician has 12 months to complete all the practical assessments.
Practical assessments can be carried out at an irtec centre or the workplace (additional charges may be applicable) by an irtec-approved assessor. The practical task is to demonstrate the correct and safe methods, use appropriate equipment and information to isolate and reinstate a large electric vehicle high voltage driveline system.