Roadside Vehicle Technician
RAC
£35.0k per year
Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AT
Full time
The Breakroom Take
- People enjoy this job
- Good employer
- Good shift notice
- Paid breaks
- Respectful managers
- Proper breaks
About RAC
RAC is a car services company. They provide car insurance and breakdown cover.
Job description from RAC
Join the team that keeps the UK moving. As a Roadside Technician, you’ll receive:
- A market-competitive base salary of £35,000 and a realistic OTE of £60,000, with top-performers earning significantly more through bonuses and enhanced overtime rates.
- Start and finish on your driveway. Demand-led shifts averaging 40 hours per week, with optional overtime available.
What you’ll need:
• A Level 2 light vehicle maintenance qualification (or equivalent), with proven technical, electrical, and diagnostic experience
• A customer-focused approach
• A full UK driving licence
As a Roadside Technician within our Patrol division, you’ll deliver expert mechanical roadside repair, vehicle diagnostics, and emergency breakdown support across the UK. Whether it’s a flat battery, tyre change, or complex fault-finding, you’ll provide quick, confident solutions and reassurance when our members need it most.
You’ll start and end your day at home, tackling challenges head-on and making a real impact on the roadside - combining your technical expertise with outstanding member service.
We’ll set you up for success from day one, with your own RAC van, fuel card, full uniform, essential tools, and diagnostic kit all provided.
The RAC has been a trusted name for over 125 years, combining heritage with innovation. If you're looking for a career in roadside automotive services that’s rewarding, fast-paced, and full of variety - this is it.
No CV required when you apply – it's easier than ever to start your journey with us.
As a Roadside Technician at RAC, you’ll get benefits that go the extra mile:
- Strong base pay – £35,000 a year and realistic OTE of £60,000, with top-performers earning significantly more through bonuses and enhanced overtime rates
- Share in our success – Join our colleague share scheme for free to benefit from the future growth of the business
- Free RAC Ultimate breakdown cover – From your very first day
- Car salary sacrifice scheme – Includes electric vehicle options (after 12 months) to help you save on tax
- Generous holidays – 23 days plus bank holidays (rising to 25 with service)
- Pension & life cover – Up to 6.5% matched pension contributions and life cover up to 4x your salary (10x with flex benefits)
- Wellbeing support – 24/7 confidential support helpline for you and your family
- Exclusive discounts – Save on tools, tech, holidays, and more through our Orange Savings portal
Sound like your kind of role? Here’s what we’re after:
You’re more than a mechanic. You’re a problem solver, a people person, and a proud ambassador for the RAC. Whether you’re on a busy roadside or a quiet cul-de-sac, you stay calm under pressure and confident in your craft.
You thrive on variety. One moment it’s fault diagnostics, the next it’s a flat tyre or battery - no two jobs are the same. You’ll be equipped and ready for every call-out, with the tools, tech, and support to get the job done.
You think on your feet. You’ll be trusted to think on your feet and make the right call for each customer. Different fixes, different faces, new challenges every day.
Why RAC?
For more than 128 years, we’ve been keeping drivers moving, and today we’re trusted by over 15 million members. We’re also trusted by our people, with a 4.5-star Glassdoor rating showing that RAC is a place where support, ambition, and opportunity go hand in hand.
We welcome people from every background, value every voice, and back your growth every step of the way. At the RAC, you can bring your full self to work and we’ll be with you every step of the way to help you grow and develop your career.
Job insights from Breakroom
Vehicle mechanics and technicians
Vehicle mechanics repair and service cars, vans and other vehicles
What you’ll do as a vehicle mechanic and technician:
- Drive vehicles
- Maintenance of vehicles and tools
- Understand mechanics and engineering
- Responsible for health and safety
- Ability to repair and replace parts needed
Is it right for you?
This job may involve:
- Driving
- Physical activities
- Heavy lifting
- Wearing a uniform
What employees say
Pay
-
Good
-
Most people are paid a living wage
Do RAC pay roadside technicians enough to live on?
Most people are paid a living wage.
How we know this
86% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The current rates are £12.60 per hour, and £13.85 per hour in London.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Good
-
Most people are paid market rates
Do RAC pay roadside technicians market rates?
Most people are paid above average for their job.
How we know this
87% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
Good
-
Most people get paid breaks
Do roadside technicians at RAC get paid breaks?
Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
How we know this
80% of people say they get paid breaks.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
Good
-
Most people get sick pay
Do RAC pay roadside technicians sick pay?
Yes. Most people get proper sick pay.
How we know this
86% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
Good
-
Most people don’t do unpaid extra work
Do roadside technicians at RAC do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
73% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
-
Good
-
4+ weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do roadside technicians get of their shift pattern at RAC?
Most people get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 0% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 0% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 0% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 100% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get any choice of shifts
Do roadside technicians at RAC get to choose the shifts they work?
Most people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
92% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
-
Can be hard to book holiday
How easy is it for roadside technicians to book a holiday at RAC?
Some people find it hard to book holiday.
How we know this
67% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
Good
-
Shifts don’t get changed at short notice
Do RAC managers change roadside technicians shifts at short notice?
Most managers don’t change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
100% of people say their manager doesn’t changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Good
-
Most people find it easy to take sick leave
How easy is it for roadside technicians to take sick leave at RAC?
Most people find it easy to take sick leave.
How we know this
100% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.
A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.
Workplace
-
Needs improving
-
Workplace isn’t safe
Do roadside technicians think RAC is a safe place to work?
Most people think their workplace is unsafe.
How we know this
79% of people report that their workplace isn’t safe.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
No-one should be worried about their safety at work.
Good
-
Most people feel treated with respect
Do roadside technicians at RAC feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
83% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
Good
-
Most people get proper breaks
Do roadside technicians at RAC get proper breaks?
Most people get proper breaks.
How we know this
93% of people report that they get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
Okay
-
Some people are stressed
Is it stressful for roadside technicians to work at RAC?
Some people feel stressed here.
How we know this
53% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
Good
-
Most people enjoy their job
Do roadside technicians at RAC enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
100% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Okay
-
Only some people recommend their team
Do roadside technicians at RAC recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
47% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
Good
-
Most people get enough training
Do roadside technicians get enough training when they start at RAC?
Most people got enough training when they started.
How we know this
73% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
Okay
-
Only some people get support to progress
Are roadside technicians given support to progress at RAC?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 57% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
Needs improving
-
Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do roadside technicians think RAC head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
80% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
Good
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Most people feel well informed by head office
Do roadside technicians feel well informed about how RAC is doing?
Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
87% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and November 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
What RAC employees say about their job
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Best thing
Sick pay
Worst thing
Figure chasing, constant pressure, stress, difficult holiday booking, poor work/life balance
Patrolman at RAC, November 2025
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Best thing
Helping get members back on the road.
Worst thing
Rubbish pay.
Patrolman at RAC, November 2025
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