PSV Mechanic Jobs

The PSV Mechanic is the mid-level maintenance and repair professional in the bus and coach workshop - technically capable across the full range of mechanical systems on a passenger service vehicle, carrying out scheduled servicing, reactive fault repair, brake and suspension work, engine ancillary repairs and safety inspection support with confidence and without requiring the constant supervision that a PSV Fitter in the early stages of their development would need.

The PSV Mechanic title is used widely across bus operators, coach businesses and municipal transport departments to describe someone who has progressed beyond the fitting level but who may not yet hold the full statutory inspection authorisation and diagnostic capability associated with the PSV Technician designation. In practice, the distinction between Mechanic and Technician varies considerably between employers - some use the titles interchangeably, while others use them specifically to denote a difference in inspection authority, qualification level and diagnostic responsibility. Venatu clarifies the precise scope with each employer before presenting candidates.

The PSV Mechanic who is developing their safety inspection competency, building confidence on fault diagnosis and acquiring their DVSA AVE qualification is a highly productive workshop employee at a stage in their career where targeted employer support can accelerate their development into a fully accredited PSV Technician within a clearly defined timeframe.

Venatu recruits PSV Mechanics for permanent and contract roles across bus operators, coach and school transport businesses, municipal transport VMUs and PSV dealerships throughout the UK. This role sits within our bus and coach recruitment division.

Who We Recruit For

We place candidates with:

• Municipal and urban bus operating companies
• Regional and national coach and express service operators
• School and contracted transport operators
• Local authority transport VMU departments
• Franchised PSV dealerships
• Third-party PSV fleet maintenance businesses

Roles We Place

• PSV Mechanic
• Bus Mechanic
• Coach Mechanic
• PSV Mechanic (Developing Technician)
• Senior PSV Mechanic
• PSV Mechanic / Developing Inspector

Who Can Apply

Strong PSV Mechanic candidates typically come from:

• Experienced PSV Mechanics at bus or coach operators who want to move to a new employer or an improved package
• PSV Fitters who have developed their technical competency to the point where they can independently carry out the full range of mechanical maintenance and repair without supervision and are ready to progress into the PSV Mechanic role, developing towards inspection and diagnostic capability
• HGV Mechanics at goods vehicle operators or franchised truck dealers who want to move into the PSV sector, where their commercial vehicle chassis mechanical skills transfer directly and the passenger transport environment and VMU working pattern are attractive
• Commercial Vehicle Technicians earlier in their career development who want a PSV-specialist environment with structured support towards AVE and inspection qualification
• Agricultural or plant mechanics with strong hands-on mechanical competency on large diesel vehicles who want to develop a specialism in road passenger vehicles, where their heavy machinery mechanical skills translate well and employer training bridges the PSV-specific knowledge gap
• Ex-military vehicle mechanics who have maintained heavy wheeled or tracked vehicles and want to transition into a civilian PSV workshop environment

City and Guilds or IMI Level 2 or 3 in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance is the typical qualification. DVSA AVE is the key development target for the PSV Mechanic developing towards full PSV Technician accreditation. A Category D driving licence is an advantage for road testing vehicles after repair. Venatu confirms all qualification requirements and development pathways with each employer before presenting candidates.

PSV Mechanic Salary Guide

Shift premiums apply across most bus operator workshop operations. Local authority and municipal transport roles typically include Local Government Pension Scheme membership. Venatu benchmarks total package expectations with each employer before beginning a search. Visit the HR Hub for broader context on PSV and heavy vehicle workshop remuneration. Read about the PSV technical career pathway in Benefits Of Becoming A HGV/PSV Technician.

What the Role Involves

• Carrying out the full range of scheduled preventive maintenance services on buses, coaches and minibuses including engine servicing, air braking inspection and adjustment, cooling system maintenance, tyre checks and rotation, lighting and electrical checks and all associated service items
• Diagnosing and repairing mechanical faults on PSV chassis including engine ancillary work such as alternator, starter motor, fan and cooling system component replacement, braking system fault diagnosis and component replacement, suspension and steering component replacement and gearbox and drivetrain fluid and seal maintenance
• Supporting safety inspections carried out by a qualified AVE inspector or PSV Technician, carrying out rectification work arising from inspection findings under the inspector's direction and completing assigned inspection items within the PSV Mechanic's authorised scope
• Carrying out repairs and replacements on passenger-body systems including door mechanism adjustments and component replacement, seat and restraint repairs, heating and ventilation system maintenance and any accessible bodywork repair within the mechanic's competency
• Completing job cards accurately for each task, recording parts used and time taken, and working within the qualification and authorisation boundaries that the employer's maintenance quality management system defines for the PSV Mechanic role
• Maintaining a safe and organised working environment, following all relevant health and safety procedures for operation around high-floor buses, use of vehicle lifts and jacking equipment, and work on air pressurised braking and suspension systems

How the Process Works

For employers:

1. Submit a vacancy with the fleet type, shift pattern, any AVE development support available and the distinction between Mechanic and Technician scope at the employer's operation.
2. We confirm candidate qualification and experience level and present a pre-screened shortlist within five working days.
3. Candidates are assessed for heavy vehicle mechanical competency, PSV sector knowledge and development trajectory.
4. Interview and offer supported by Venatu throughout.

For candidates:

1. Register your CV with your heavy vehicle or PSV mechanical experience, qualifications held, any inspection experience and preferred shift pattern and geography.
2. A Venatu consultant will review your background and contact you directly.
3. Roles are matched to your mechanical experience, preferred operator type and geography.
4. Venatu manages the process and advises on package and development pathway expectations ahead of offer.

Browse current vacancies or create a job alert to be notified when relevant roles become available.

FAQ

What is the difference between a PSV Mechanic and a PSV Fitter? A PSV Fitter carries out defined component replacement, tyre and basic service tasks, often working alongside and under the direction of a more senior engineer. A PSV Mechanic works independently across the full range of mechanical maintenance and repair on PSV chassis, carries out fault diagnosis at mechanical system level and supports the inspection and rectification process as their qualification develops. The Mechanic title reflects a broader technical scope and greater independent working capability than the Fitter designation.

Is PSV Mechanic the same as PSV Technician? The distinction depends on the employer. Some bus operators use the titles interchangeably; others use PSV Mechanic specifically for roles below the full statutory inspection and diagnostic scope associated with the PSV Technician designation - typically where the candidate is developing towards DVSA AVE qualification and Class 5 MOT Tester authorisation. Venatu clarifies the precise scope with each employer before presenting candidates to ensure the distinction is understood by both parties.

What does a PSV Mechanic earn in the UK? Experienced PSV Mechanics typically earn between £32,000 and £42,000. Senior PSV Mechanics earn between £36,000 and £48,000. Shift premiums and local authority pension scheme membership enhance total package at municipal operations. Venatu benchmarks all package elements with each employer before beginning a search.

What is the progression from PSV Mechanic? The primary progression route is to PSV Technician through the development of DVSA AVE qualification, Class 5 MOT Tester authorisation where applicable and IRTEC accreditation. From PSV Technician the pathway continues to Senior PSV Technician, PSV Engineer, Workshop Supervisor and Engineering Manager. Read about careers in the bus and coach technical sector in Benefits Of Becoming A HGV/PSV Technician.

Register or Enquire

Candidates - Register your CV with your heavy vehicle or PSV mechanical experience, qualifications held and any inspection background. Venatu will match you to current PSV Mechanic vacancies across bus operators, municipal departments and PSV dealerships, including roles not publicly advertised. Browse live vacancies or create a job alert.

Employers - Submit a vacancy or visit the client hub to discuss your PSV Mechanic requirements. Our team will respond within one working day.