To determine whether current automotive mechanic training programs provide adequate exposure to the knowledge and skills needed to properly service and repair motor vehicles, data were gathered on the tasks, service and repair establishments, job market, labor force, and training programs. Primary sources of data are reports prepared by various departments and offices of the government. These were supplemented by review of the literature and interviewing persons knowledgeable about service and repair of automobiles and training of auto mechanics. Findings indicate that: (1) Two thirds of the auto mechanics are employed by dealership garages, independent garages, and gasoline service stations, (2) Out-of-school youth constitute the primary source of entry-level automotive service and repair personnel, (3) Public high schools perform most of the automotive mechanic pre-employment vocational training, (4) The standard course guides developed by the AMA and the U.S. Office of Education have national applicability, are current, complete, and satisfactory, (5) A shortage of highly skilled, experienced mechanics exists, (6) More mechanics are trained annually than are absorbed by the industry, and (7) The present system of selection for participation in a high school pre-employment vocational training program is inappropriate and inefficient. (Author)