WBCHSE HS Vocational Automobile study plan
WBCHSE HS Vocational Automobile · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Engine Systems and Overhauling & Automobile Fundamentals and Workshop Safety
Sequence the four strokes of a four-stroke SI engine and the corresponding piston, valve and ignition events, sketching each stroke from memory
Distinguish petrol (SI) and diesel (CI) combustion and list the major components of each engine system (fuel, cooling, lubrication, intake and exhaust)
Identify and name at least 25 workshop hand tools and safety equipment, stating the correct use and one misuse of each
Demonstrate and write down the safe procedure for jacking, supporting and working under a raised vehicle, plus fire-extinguisher and PPE rules
Classify the main engine sub-assemblies (cylinder head, block, piston-rod assembly, crankshaft, valve train) and state the function of each
Your checkpoint
A labelled hand-drawn cross-section of a four-stroke engine with all strokes annotated, plus a one-page workshop safety checklist covering tools, lifting and PPE
Engine Systems and Overhauling
Explain the construction and function of cylinder head, cylinder block, piston, piston rings, gudgeon pin, connecting rod, crankshaft and flywheel
Describe valve timing, valve clearance and the purpose of the camshaft and valve train, and state typical valve-clearance checking steps
Outline the cooling system (radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant flow) and lubricating system (oil pump, filter, galleries) with component functions
List the standard steps for engine removal, dismantling, inspection, reassembly and refitting, including torque-sequence and marking practices
Diagnose three common engine faults (overheating, low oil pressure, excessive oil consumption) from symptoms to likely causes
Your checkpoint
A step-by-step engine overhaul procedure sheet with torque-sequence notes and a fault-symptom-cause table for at least six engine faults
Transmission, Steering and Suspension Systems
Explain the function and construction of clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, universal joint, differential and final drive, and trace the power flow from engine to wheels
Compare manual and automatic transmission layouts and describe the role of the torque converter
Describe steering geometry terms (camber, caster, toe-in, king-pin inclination) and their effect on tyre wear and steering feel
Explain suspension types (leaf spring, coil spring, MacPherson strut, wishbone) and the function of shock absorbers
Identify common transmission and steering faults and match each to a component-level cause
Your checkpoint
A driveline power-flow diagram from clutch to wheels with a one-paragraph explanation per component, plus a steering-geometry terms glossary
Braking Systems and Vehicle Dynamics & Automotive Materials, Tools and Measuring Instruments
Compare drum and disc brake construction and explain hydraulic braking, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake fluid and bleeding procedure
Describe the role of ABS, parking brake and brake proportioning in vehicle control, and explain fade and its causes
Explain vehicle dynamics basics: weight transfer under braking and cornering, stopping distance factors, and tyre grip limits
Identify and correctly use measuring instruments: vernier caliper, micrometer, dial gauge, feeler gauge, torque wrench and tyre-pressure gauge
Select appropriate materials for engine and chassis components (cast iron, aluminium alloy, steel grades, composite) and justify each choice
Your checkpoint
A brake-system fault-and-bleeding procedure sheet plus a measuring-instrument record sheet showing at least five readings taken with correct technique and units
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
Explain the battery, starter motor, alternator and charging circuit, and trace current flow during cranking and charging
Describe ignition systems (conventional and electronic) and the function of spark plugs, coils and ignition timing
Identify lighting, horn, wiper, indicator and instrument-cluster circuits and the purpose of fuses, relays and switches
Explain the role of sensors and actuators (crank, cam, oxygen, temperature, throttle position) in engine management and list common ECU inputs and outputs
Practice safe electrical testing: multimeter voltage, resistance and continuity checks, and correct battery charging and jump-starting procedure
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn vehicle electrical schematic covering battery, starter, alternator, fuse box and one lighting circuit, with a written safe-testing procedure
Vehicle Diagnostics, Servicing and Maintenance & Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
Build a preventive-maintenance schedule listing service intervals for oil, filters, coolant, brake fluid, belts, tyres and battery checks
Apply a structured diagnostic method (symptom, verify, isolate, test, repair, confirm) to at least three electrical and three mechanical faults
Interpret common diagnostic trouble codes and explain how scan tools read live sensor data
Perform and document a pre-delivery inspection checklist covering fluids, lights, brakes, tyres and road test
Explain emission-control components (catalytic converter, PCV, EGR) and their role in passing emission checks
Your checkpoint
A completed vehicle service and diagnostic report for one practice vehicle or simulated case, including symptom log, tests performed, DTC interpretation and final recommendation
Entrepreneurship, Employability and Trade Practice & Automobile Fundamentals and Workshop Safety
Explain the legal and safety obligations of a small auto workshop: waste oil disposal, PPE, lifting safety and record keeping
Draft a simple business plan for a two-bay service workshop covering services offered, pricing basis, tools required and break-even estimate
Prepare a customer communication script for explaining a fault, quoting cost and handling a complaint professionally
Write a CV and cover letter for an automotive technician role, listing trade skills and certifications
Describe the roles and responsibilities of a technician, service advisor and workshop supervisor, and the importance of job cards and invoicing
Your checkpoint
A one-page workshop business plan plus a sample job card and invoice for a routine service, and a drafted technician CV
Engine Systems and Overhauling & Transmission, Steering and Suspension Systems & Braking Systems and Vehicle Dynamics & Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems & Vehicle Diagnostics, Servicing and Maintenance & Automotive Materials, Tools and Measuring Instruments & Automobile Fundamentals and Workshop Safety & Entrepreneurship, Employability and Trade Practice
Revise all eight domains using a self-made one-page summary sheet per domain, prioritising engine, transmission and electrical
Complete at least 120 practice questions across all domains under timed conditions and log every wrong answer with the correct reasoning
Re-demonstrate the five most error-prone practical skills (torque sequence, brake bleeding, multimeter use, valve clearance, measuring with micrometer) and self-assess
Recite the key formulas, definitions and safety rules from memory in a 30-minute self-test
Plan exam-day strategy: question order, time allocation per section and how to handle multi-part practical questions
Your checkpoint
A timed mock-test score sheet with error log and a completed set of eight domain summary sheets used for final revision
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain the full four-stroke cycle and name every major engine component and its function without notes; engine overhaul procedure sheet reviewed and complete
Week 4: Can trace power flow from engine to wheels and state all four steering-geometry terms with their effects; can take five measuring-instrument readings within tolerance
Week 6: Can follow the six-step diagnostic method on an unseen fault and correctly interpret at least three DTCs; service report completed for one practice case
Week 8: Scores at least 70% on the timed 120-question mock test with all eight domain summary sheets completed and the error log reviewed