SVP Light Vehicle Mechanic study plan
SVP Light Vehicle Mechanic · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Workshop Safety, Tools and Equipment & Engine Mechanical Systems
Set up a safe work area: select and use PPE, jack, stands, and wheel chocks correctly, and document each step of a lift procedure
Disassemble and reassemble a top-end assembly to specification, recording every torque value and tightening sequence
Measure cylinder bore, piston-to-bore clearance, valve lash, and cam lift, then compare each reading to the manufacturer's specification and record a pass/fail verdict
Describe the four-stroke cycle and trace the flow of the lubrication and cooling circuits, labelling each major component and its failure symptoms
Write a hazard assessment covering three common jobs (lifting, fuel system work, live electrical work)
Your checkpoint
A signed-off lab sheet for one top-end job containing all torque values, measured clearances, specification comparisons, and pass/fail verdicts
Engine Mechanical Systems & Engine Management, Fuel and Emission Systems
Perform a compression test and cylinder leak-down test on a known-good and a simulated-fault engine, and interpret the results
Measure fuel pressure and volume, test injector operation, and read short- and long-term fuel trim on a live scan tool
Verify operation of EGR, PCV, EVAP, and catalytic converter systems and state the driveability symptom produced by each failure
Diagnose three abnormal-noise or fluid-leak case studies using a structured listen, inspect, and pressure-test routine
Your checkpoint
A written diagnostic report on one driveability complaint that includes all test data and a justified repair recommendation
Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems
Read wiring diagrams and trace ten circuits end to end, stating connector, pin, and wire colour at each point
Measure voltage drop, resistance, and current draw on those circuits and compare results against acceptable limits
Test battery state of charge, parasitic draw, cranking voltage, and charging output, and judge pass/fail against specification
Locate and repair simulated open, short, and high-resistance faults in lighting, accessory, and network circuits
Explain CAN bus fundamentals and demonstrate a module communication check with a scan tool
Your checkpoint
Ten completed circuit fault worksheets, each with a schematic sketch, measured values, and the confirmed fault conclusion
Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems & Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Apply a six-step diagnostic process (verify, gather information, analyse, test, repair, confirm) to five fault scenarios
Pull DTCs and freeze-frame data, form a written hypothesis, and design a test that proves or disproves it
Complete a timed 40-question quiz covering electrical and diagnostic content and log the score
Review every missed item and write a one-line reason for each error
Your checkpoint
Five completed diagnostic worksheets plus a quiz score log showing at least 80% on the combined electrical and diagnostics quiz
Transmission and Drivetrain
Identify drivetrain layouts and state the function of clutch, manual gearbox, torque converter, planetary gearset, CV joint, driveshaft, differential, and final drive
Measure clutch wear, CV boot condition, and driveline free play, and compare each against specification
Check fluid level and condition and select the correct lubricant specification for gearbox, transfer case, and differential
Calculate the effect of final drive ratio on engine speed at a given road speed
Your checkpoint
One complete drivetrain inspection report with measured values and a pass/fail verdict for every checked component
Braking Systems & Suspension and Steering Systems
Measure pad thickness, disc thickness, and disc runout, then bleed a hydraulic brake system to specification
Diagnose an ABS warning light using DTCs and wheel speed sensor resistance and waveform testing
Inspect and test ball joints, tie rod ends, struts, wheel bearings, and steering play, and record each result against specification
Match four tire wear patterns to their likely alignment or suspension cause
Your checkpoint
A combined brake and suspension inspection checklist for one vehicle with all measurements and a prioritised repair recommendation
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning & Preventive Maintenance and Service Procedures
Explain the refrigeration cycle, identify each component, and state the safety and handling rules for refrigerant and high-pressure lines
Diagnose a weak-cooling complaint using ambient temperature, vent temperature, and high- and low-side pressure readings
Perform a full scheduled service to manufacturer intervals, including fluid and filter changes and all inspection items
Build a reusable pre-delivery service checklist and complete a customer-facing vehicle health report
Your checkpoint
An HVAC performance test sheet (ambient, vent, high-side, and low-side readings) plus a completed full periodic-maintenance service record
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting & Engine Mechanical Systems & Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems & Engine Management, Fuel and Emission Systems
Sit a full-length timed mock exam and score at least 85% overall
Re-drill every domain that scored below 80% until the drill set is answered correctly twice in a row
Apply the six-step diagnostic process aloud to three unfamiliar complaints, stating the next test for each
Run a rapid recall drill on torque specifications, fluid specifications, and workshop safety rules
Your checkpoint
A mock exam score report broken down by domain, with a written remediation list for any domain under 80%
Milestones
Week 2: Explain, without notes, the cause and symptom of low compression, a leaking head gasket, and a clogged catalytic converter, and back each answer with a test you performed
Week 4: Score at least 80% on the 40-question electrical and diagnostics quiz, and demonstrate tracing and testing one live circuit from diagram to measured result
Week 6: Complete a brake and suspension inspection on one vehicle, correctly identifying at least three out-of-specification items against the manufacturer's limits
Week 8: Score at least 85% overall on the full-length timed mock exam with no domain below 80% after remediation