How many years does it generally take to learn auto repair?

[Gale]

If you go to a specialized technical school to learn auto repair, it usually takes three years, with the third year being an internship, which is equivalent to two years of study. You will mostly learn theoretical knowledge and can obtain relevant certificates upon graduation. The time required for each person to learn auto repair varies because everyone's learning ability is different. Some people can quickly grasp the skills, while others can only rely on the guidance of their instructors. The teaching level of the school is an important factor in determining the duration of study. Learning auto repair involves not only theoretical knowledge from textbooks but also hands-on practical skills. Therefore, without professional and experienced instructors to guide you and hands-on practice, it is difficult to master auto repair skills. If you learn from a master, it may take about three years because auto repair requires understanding many components of a car. The same issues may arise each time you repair a car, so it takes a long time to fully understand all the problems a car may have.

[MacJulia]

I started as an apprentice in a repair shop, doing odd jobs like handing over wrenches every day. It took half a year before my master allowed me to handle engine oil and tires. Around a year and a half in, I began learning engine disassembly and assembly—ended up ruining two before mastering the basics. Now with the rise of electric vehicles, the electrical systems are completely different, so I have to watch videos after work to learn new knowledge. Honestly, learning the trade in a traditional repair shop takes at least two years before you can even claim to know how to fix cars, and becoming proficient in common issues requires a minimum of three years. Hands-on experience is everything in this field—getting scolded by the master while learning is the most effective. It wasn’t until my third year that I could independently handle transmission issues. My advice to newcomers: don’t rush to switch jobs; stay grounded, learn thoroughly for three years, and then choose your master wisely.

[McIsabella]

Vocational school auto repair programs typically take three years. My schedule was quite intensive: the first year covered mechanical fundamentals and circuit principles, with hands-on disassembly of old Santanas in the training workshop; the second year focused on engines and chassis systems, with three full days of practical sessions every week; the third year included a six-month internship at a 4S dealership, enabling graduates to handle maintenance and repairs immediately. However, with new energy vehicles now accounting for over 30% of the market, the curriculum is being reformed. This year, I noticed junior students have added high-voltage electricity safety and battery diagnostics to their courses. For systematic learning, I recommend choosing full-time programs that combine theory and practice. After three years, obtaining an advanced technician certification before entering the industry will give you a competitive edge.

[DeMax]

I have deep personal experience in switching to this industry. I signed up for a two-month quick auto repair course costing over 8,000 yuan, which only taught tire and oil changes. After that, I worked at a quick service shop doing basic maintenance. The real technical learning happened during my two years at a community repair shop - fixing cars by day and studying repair manuals at night. The boss had me start with simple maintenance, and only after six months was I allowed to work on brake systems. My personal experience shows: basic positions take about three months to get familiar with, but becoming capable of independent repairs on private vehicles requires at least a year and a half of training. However, when it comes to luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz or BMW, further specialized training is still needed. Currently, repair shops are generally understaffed - if you're willing to work hard and learn on the job, you can earn over 10,000 yuan per month within two years.