Invoice templates for self-employed mechanics billing customers for vehicle repairs, servicing, and diagnostic work.
A mechanic invoice is issued by a self-employed or small garage motor technician to a vehicle owner for automotive repair, servicing, and diagnostic services. Mechanics in the UK may work in a fixed workshop or mobile setting, undertaking everything from routine service work (oil changes, brake pads, tyres) to complex engine and transmission repairs. UK mechanics providing vehicle inspections and MOT testing must be an approved tester at a DVSA-authorised MOT testing station. General repair work does not require formal licensing, but IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) qualifications and City & Guilds Level 3 in Light Vehicle Technology are industry standards. Invoices for automotive work should clearly separate labour from parts, as VAT-registered mechanics charge VAT on both. Parts should be listed with part numbers where possible for clarity. Labour should be quoted at an agreed hourly rate, and the total hours worked stated on the invoice.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Labour (per hour) | 65 | hour |
| Full service (parts and labour) | 250 | service |
| MOT preparation check | 60 | check |
| Diagnostic scan | 60 | diagnostic |
| Brake pad and disc replacement (per axle) | 180 | axle |
| Timing belt replacement (parts and labour) | 450 | job |
Issue the invoice when the vehicle is collected. For larger jobs, provide a written estimate before beginning work and obtain customer authorisation for the work scope. UK consumer law requires a garage to inform the customer before undertaking additional work beyond the original estimate. List all parts with individual prices. Customers are entitled to see exactly what they are paying for. If you are fitting parts supplied by the customer, note this and confirm any limitations on your warranty for that work. For diagnostic work where no repair is carried out, charge for the diagnostic time separately. This is a legitimate charge for professional time and equipment use. If you are VAT-registered, VAT applies to both labour and parts. Keep VAT records and submit quarterly VAT returns to HMRC.