Starting a Mobile Mechanic Business in Australia

Licensing and qualifications you need

In Australia, you need a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (or equivalent) to work as a mechanic. Beyond that, each state has its own requirements for operating as a mobile repairer.

• •New South Wales: you need a Motor Vehicle Repairer licence from NSW Fair Trading — covers mobile and workshop-based repairers
• •Victoria: no specific mobile mechanic licence, but you must hold a valid trade qualification and comply with Australian Consumer Law
• •Queensland: a Motor Dealer and Motor Vehicle Repairer licence may be required depending on the scope of work
• •Other states: check your state's fair trading or consumer affairs authority for current requirements
• •ABN registration: mandatory for any business — register as a sole trader or company through the Australian Business Register
• •GST registration: required once your turnover exceeds $75,000 per year

Essential equipment and vehicle setup

A mobile mechanic's vehicle is their workshop. Invest in a well-organised setup that lets you complete the most common jobs on-site without return trips for tools.

• •A reliable ute or van with a canopy or enclosed cargo area for tool security
• •Comprehensive socket and spanner sets (metric and imperial)
• •Diagnostic scan tool (OBD-II compatible): essential for modern vehicles — budget $300–$1,500 for a professional unit
• •Jack, axle stands, and wheel chocks rated for SUVs and utes
• •Battery tester and jump starter pack
• •Brake bleeding kit, coolant pressure tester, and multimeter
• •Fluids and consumables: oil, coolant, brake fluid, filters, spark plugs — stock the most common sizes
• •Portable lighting: LED work lights for low-visibility jobs
• •Spill kit and waste oil container: environmental compliance is mandatory

Insurance and protecting yourself

Mobile mechanics face unique risks compared to workshop-based operators. You're working on client driveways, car parks, and roadsides — each with its own liability exposure. Public liability insurance ($10–$20 million cover) is non-negotiable; most clients and strata managers will ask for a certificate before you start. Professional indemnity insurance covers you if a repair fails or advice causes damage. Tools and equipment insurance protects your livelihood if your ute is broken into. Budget $2,000–$4,000 per year for comprehensive coverage.

Finding your first clients and setting prices

Your first clients will likely come from three sources: word of mouth from people who know you're a qualified mechanic, local community groups on social media, and online directories. Post in suburb-specific groups offering mobile servicing — convenience is your selling point. For pricing, charge by the job rather than by the hour where possible. A standard logbook service might be $180–$280 depending on the vehicle. Brake pad replacement: $200–$400 including parts. Battery replacement: $150–$300. Always include parts cost in your quote and add a reasonable markup (20–40%) to cover sourcing time and warranty risk.

Managing callouts, parts, and expenses

The operational challenge of mobile mechanics is juggling scheduled jobs with urgent callouts, sourcing parts on the fly, and tracking every expense for BAS and tax time. Keep your schedule visible — know where you are, what's next, and how long each job should take. When a callout comes in, check whether it fits geographically between existing bookings or if it needs to wait until tomorrow. Track parts costs per job so you can see your actual margins. Save every receipt — fuel, parts, tools, insurance — and categorise them as you go rather than facing a shoebox at tax time. A mileage logbook records your work-related driving automatically for ATO claims.