100+ Free MTTC Automotive Trade Test Practice Questions

Prepare for the MTTC Trade Test — Automotive Engineering / Auto Mechanics (NCQF Level III, Botswana) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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68.6% (1,322 passed of 1,928 candidates across all Level III trades in May–June 2026 national series) Pass Rate

100+ Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MTTC Automotive Trade Test Exam

MTTC

National Awarding Body

BQA AB0015 Accreditation

68.6%

Level III Pass Rate

Ministry of Higher Education (May–June 2026)

Q0303

BQA Qualification Code

Botswana Qualifications Authority

40 Credits

NCQF Level III Total

BQA NCQF Register

50%

Trade Test Pass Mark (theory and practical)

S.I. 84 of 1993, reg 18(4)

100 Q

Free Practice Bank

OpenExamPrep

The MTTC Automotive Engineering Trade Test is Botswana's national vocational qualification examination administered by the Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC) under DTVET, Ministry of Higher Education. Accredited by BQA (AB0015), MTTC conducts external assessments for learners on the Certificate III in Automotive Engineering (BQA Q0303) across Brigades and Technical Colleges (such as Jwaneng, Bobonong, and Kweneng). The exam consists of an English-language written theory paper and a timed practical test piece. In the May–June 2026 national sitting, 1,928 Level III trade test candidates sat examinations nationwide with a 68.6% pass rate. Core syllabus areas include basic metal work and workshop tools (14 credits), automotive practice and systems (10 credits), engineering drawing (6 credits), and engineering materials (4 credits). This free preparation resource provides 100 research-based practice questions with complete explanations and AI study support.

Sample MTTC Automotive Trade Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MTTC Automotive Trade Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which safety device must always be placed under a raised motor vehicle before an auto mechanic works underneath it?

A.Cinder blocks or stacked bricks

B.Rated axle stands on firm level ground

C.A hydraulic trolley jack left loaded

D.Timber blocks packed under the tyres

Explanation: Hydraulic jacks are lifting devices only and can lose hydraulic pressure or seal integrity suddenly. Working underneath a vehicle strictly requires rated mechanical axle stands placed under approved chassis lift points on level, solid ground.

2Which precision measuring tool is used to measure the outside diameter of an engine crankshaft main journal with an accuracy of 0.01 mm?

A.Steel measuring tape

B.Outside metric micrometer

C.Dial bore gauge without master ring

D.Standard steel rule

Explanation: An outside metric micrometer has a precision thimble graduated in 0.01 mm increments (and 0.001 mm with vernier scale), providing the exact precision required for measuring engine crankshaft journal diameters and ovality.

3What is the reading on a standard metric outside micrometer when the sleeve shows 25.5 mm and the thimble line 32 aligns with the index line?

A.25.32 mm

B.25.82 mm

C.57.50 mm

D.25.032 mm

Explanation: The reading is calculated by adding the sleeve reading to the thimble reading: Main sleeve = 25.0 mm + 0.5 mm half-millimetre mark = 25.50 mm; Thimble = 32 divisions * 0.01 mm = 0.32 mm; Total = 25.50 + 0.32 = 25.82 mm.

4Which tool is used in conjunction with a straight edge to measure cylinder head warpage across the gasket mating surface?

A.Feeler gauge

B.Inside calipers

C.Dial bore gauge

D.Depth micrometer

Explanation: To check for cylinder head warpage, a precision ground steel straight edge is placed across the head diagonally and longitudinally, and blades of a feeler gauge are inserted beneath to determine clearance against manufacturer limits (e.g. 0.05 mm).

5What is the primary purpose of using a centre punch before drilling a hole in a mild steel bracket?

A.To open the hole out before the drill enters

B.To make an indent that stops the drill tip wandering

C.To work-harden the metal around the hole

D.To mark the hole position for the inspector

Explanation: A centre punch has a 90-degree point that makes a clear indent in the metal at the marked intersection. The web/chisel point of a twist drill seats into this dimple, preventing the drill from skidding off location.

6What is the point angle of a standard prick punch used for precise layout marking compared to a centre punch?

A.Prick punch point is 30 to 60 degrees; centre punch point is 90 degrees

B.Prick punch point is 120 degrees; centre punch point is 45 degrees

C.Both punches have identical 90-degree points

D.Prick punch has a flat circular tip

Explanation: A prick punch has a sharp point of 30° to 60° for light, precise witness marking along scribed layout lines. A centre punch has a heavier 90° point designed to create a wide seat for twist drill tips.

7Which hand file has teeth running in only one diagonal direction across its face?

A.Single-cut file

B.Double-cut file

C.Rasp-cut file

D.Curved-tooth file

Explanation: Single-cut files have a single set of parallel diagonal teeth. They produce a smooth surface finish and are commonly used with light pressure for draw filing and finishing soft metals.

8What is the correct procedure for cleaning metal particles (pinning) trapped between the teeth of a file?

A.Strike the file hard against a steel anvil

B.Brush it with a file card along the tooth rows

C.Heat the file with a torch until the pins melt

D.Grind the face lightly on an off-hand grinder

Explanation: A file card has short, stiff wire bristles that sweep out metal filings when brushed parallel to the tooth rows. Clearing pinning prevents the trapped chips from scratching the finished workpiece.

9Which tap in a standard three-piece hand tap set has the longest taper (approximately 8 to 10 threads) for starting a thread in a drilled hole?

A.Bottoming (plug) tap

B.Taper (first) tap

C.Intermediate (second) tap

D.Master machine tap

Explanation: A standard hand tap set contains: (1) Taper tap (first tap) with 8–10 chamfered threads to start the thread square to the hole; (2) Intermediate tap (second tap) with 3–5 chamfered threads; (3) Bottoming tap (plug tap) with 1–2 chamfered threads to cut full threads to the bottom of a blind hole.

10What is the tapping drill size (TDS) required to tap an M10 x 1.5 standard metric coarse internal thread in mild steel?

A.10.0 mm

B.8.5 mm

C.11.5 mm

D.7.0 mm

Explanation: The formula for tapping drill size is TDS = Major Diameter - Thread Pitch. For M10 x 1.5: TDS = 10.0 mm - 1.5 mm = 8.5 mm.

About the MTTC Automotive Trade Test Exam

The MTTC Trade Test in Automotive Engineering (Auto Mechanics) is the national vocational assessment in Botswana administered by the Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC) under DTVET and accredited by BQA (AB0015). Sat by candidates from state Brigades, Technical Colleges, and industry apprentices on the NCQF Level III qualification (BQA Q0303) and legacy Trade Test C/B ladder, the assessment certifies practical competence and theoretical knowledge across workshop safety, bench metal work, four-stroke engines, transmission and braking systems, automotive materials, and engineering drawing. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for revision of core trade theory.

Assessment

The national assessment comprises an English-language written trade theory paper covering basic metal work, automotive practice, engineering materials, and engineering drawing, paired with an independently moderated timed practical workshop assessment. Regulation 18(4) of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) sets the minimum pass mark at 50% in all tests at all levels and in all subjects, and at 50% in the practical test, and regulation 19 requires both parts to be passed. The BQA Q0303 qualification specification weights each course 60% continuous assessment / 40% final examination but does not itself publish a course pass mark.

Time Limit

Written theory examination plus timed practical workshop test piece

Passing Score

50% in both theory and practical (trade test regulations, S.I. 84 of 1993, reg 18(4))

Exam Fee

Not published — the trade test fee is prescribed under regulation 29 of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) but is not published; confirm it with the MTTC Examination Office (Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC), DTVET, Ministry of Higher Education)

MTTC Automotive Trade Test Exam Content Outline

41%

Basic Metal Work & Hand Tools

Workshop safety, precision measuring instruments, marking out, hacksaws, files, drilling, thread tapping and die cutting, and fastener repair.

29%

Automotive Practice & Systems

Four-stroke petrol/diesel engine cycles, cooling and lubrication systems, dry friction clutches, manual gearboxes, hydraulic brakes, suspension, and auto electrical basics.

18%

Engineering Drawing

Orthographic projections (1st and 3rd angle), isometric views, section views, automotive component symbols, dimensioning conventions, and tolerances.

12%

Engineering Materials

Ferrous metals (cast iron, carbon steels), non-ferrous alloys (aluminium, copper, brass, bronze), heat treatment processes, and non-metallic materials (rubbers, lubricants, coolants).

How to Pass the MTTC Automotive Trade Test Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 50% in both theory and practical (trade test regulations, S.I. 84 of 1993, reg 18(4))
Assessment: The national assessment comprises an English-language written trade theory paper covering basic metal work, automotive practice, engineering materials, and engineering drawing, paired with an independently moderated timed practical workshop assessment. Regulation 18(4) of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) sets the minimum pass mark at 50% in all tests at all levels and in all subjects, and at 50% in the practical test, and regulation 19 requires both parts to be passed. The BQA Q0303 qualification specification weights each course 60% continuous assessment / 40% final examination but does not itself publish a course pass mark.
Time limit: Written theory examination plus timed practical workshop test piece
Exam fee: Not published — the trade test fee is prescribed under regulation 29 of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) but is not published; confirm it with the MTTC Examination Office

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MTTC Automotive Trade Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practice reading vernier calipers, micrometers (metric 0.01 mm), and dial test indicators accurately under timed conditions.

2Understand the four strokes of both Otto (petrol) and Diesel cycles, including valve timing, compression ratios, and fuel delivery methods.

3Review tapping drill size calculations (TDS = Major Diameter - Pitch) and thread pitch identification (metric ISO vs UNC/UNF).

4Memorize the hydraulic braking principles (Pascal's law), master cylinder operation, bleeding sequences, and disc/drum brake maintenance checks.

5Study the heat treatment of plain carbon steels (annealing, normalizing, hardening, tempering) and their effect on hardness and toughness.

6Complete all 100 questions in this bank and review the comprehensive explanations for both correct and incorrect options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the awarding body for the Botswana automotive mechanics trade test?

The awarding body is the Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC), operating under the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DTVET), Ministry of Higher Education. MTTC is accredited as an awarding body (AB0015) by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).

What is the format of the official MTTC automotive trade test?

The official assessment consists of an English-language written trade theory examination and an independently assessed, timed practical workshop test piece. Our online practice bank provides 100 multiple-choice questions adapted to support preparation for the written theory, safety, component identification, and diagnostic topics.

What topics are tested on the NCQF Level III automotive examination?

The test is aligned with BQA qualification Q0303 (40 credits total, 34 core credits), covering Basic Metal Work (14 credits), Automotive Practice (10 credits), Engineering Drawing (6 credits), and Engineering Materials (4 credits). Q0303 was registered on 29 July 2021 with an expiry of 28 July 2026 and the BQA register currently shows its status as 'Renewal in Process', so check the register for the current registration state before relying on the code.

What is the passing score for the automotive trade test in Botswana?

Regulation 18(4) of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) sets a minimum pass mark of 50% in all theoretical tests and 50% in all practical tests, and regulation 19 requires a candidate to pass both parts. The BQA Q0303 qualification specification weights each course 60% continuous assessment and 40% final examination, but unlike the electrical and welding specifications it does not publish a course pass mark.

Does this practice test replace practical workshop training?

No. This practice question bank is an English-language study aid for the written theory, workshop calculations, component functions, materials, and diagnostic principles. Hands-on engine dismantling, measuring with micrometers, brake servicing, and metal work must be practiced in an accredited workshop.

How can I progress after passing the Level III / Trade Test C automotive examination?

Successful candidates can progress to MTTC Trade Test B and the National Craft Certificate (NCC), or pursue the Certificate IV in Automotive Engineering (BQA Q0362) and advanced diagnostic technician diplomas.