Gain access to the profession for the mechanical, electrical or electronic repair and maintenance of light vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes)

Are you planning to open a garage to repair cars or motorcycles? Or would you like to add this service to your existing business? In this case, you need to prove that you have the professional skills required to work on small vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes). If you don't have a diploma or experience in this field, you can obtain a certificate by sitting the central jury exam.

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  • Which activities require professional skills for light vehicles?

    By definition, this includes the repair and maintenance of mechanical, electrical and electronic components of light vehicles. Light vehicles include cars, motorcycles, mopeds and other motorised vehicles with a mass of up to 3.5 tonnes. 

    In addition to skills specific to motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, you also need to prove that you have the cross-sectoral skills of the vehicle sector. In addition, if your project involves a new business, you'll need basic management knowledge.

  • Which activities are exempt? 

    Proof is not required for the following activities: 

    • Activities relating to "ancestors". These are motor vehicles that have been on the road for at least 25 years and are exempt from certain technical inspection requirements;
    • The sale of automotive parts and accessories without assembly that directly affect the operation of the vehicle;
    • Work required during recovery or towing by emergency road services or at the customer's home;
    • The following maintenance activities:
      • Fitting tyres, changing wheels and replacing rims;
      • Replacing windows or windscreen wipers;
      • Cleaning; 
      • Installing or replacing fire extinguishers. 

    If in doubt, contact a Business Counter. They will be able to tell you whether or not you qualify for an exemption.

  • How can I prove my skills?

    Skills can be proven in two ways:

    • With a diploma or certificate; 
    • With 3 years' full-time or 5 years' part-time professional experience within the last 15 years.

    If you don't have either, you can obtain a certificate by sitting the professional skills exam for motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (20102) before the Central Jury.

  • Frequently asked questions about access to the profession

    How do I know if my diploma grants me access to a profession?

    A database of diplomas, degrees and certificates from all over the world helps you determine whether your qualifications meet entrepreneurial requirements. You can look up your diploma to find out which activities it gives you access to. If in doubt, contact a business counter. The Central Jury Service is not able to validate your qualifications.

    See the DIPLO database

    Other than the company manager, who else can bring entrepreneurial skills to the business?

    For a self-employed person (natural person), this person can be:

    • A spouse;
    • A legal cohabitant;
    • A partner who has been cohabiting with the individual for at least 6 months;
    • A self-employed assistant, parent or relative up to the third degree;
    • An employee with a permanent employment contract.

    For a business (legal entity), this person can be:

    • The management body (e.g.: a manager of a limited liability company or a managing director of a public limited company);
    • A company director (e.g.: an active partner in a limited liability company or a director of a public limited company);
    • An employee with a permanent employment contract.

    If in doubt, contact a Business Counter. They'll be able to tell you if you have the required skills for your activity.

  • What skills are tested on the exam? What subjects does the exam cover?

    Your knowledge of:

    • Electronics and auto-mechanics;
    • Hydraulic and pneumatic systems;
    • Microelectronic control and regulation devices;

    Your ability to:

    • Analyse the operation of an internal combustion engine;
    • Control and service an internal combustion engine;
    • Detect and repair faults in a vehicle's electrical and electronic circuits;
    • Diagnose the most common faults;
    • Repair faults.

  • How does the exam work? 

    The exam is a written multiple-choice questionnaire.

  • How do I register? Follow the steps

    All procedures