Having done more than a few mechanical tests on the internet today, I found this test has a more diverse set of question than the others.
Mechanical Reasoning Tests
A mechanical reasoning tests are assessments, often used for technical positions, that measure how candidates apply mechanical principles to solve problems. Mechanical aptitude questions can include gears, electrical circuits, or levers. These tests include a series of images showing mechanical problems or scenarios.
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Free practice mechanical questions
It is really important to practise mechanical reasoning questions as much as possible before your assessment. Put simply, the more familiar you are with the format of the questions and the topics covered, the better you are likely to perform on the day.
Below we have provided a selection of three sample mechanical reasoning questions. Here you can find more free cognitive ability tests, including mechanical reasoning and spatial awareness.
Mechanical practice question 1
How many revolutions per second is C turning?
- A) 5
- B) 10
- C) 20
- D) 40
Mechanical practice question 2
Which magnets will repel each other?
- A) None of them
- B) All of them
- C) Pairs B and C
- D) Pairs A and D
Mechanical practice question 3
How much force is required to lift the weight?
- A) 60kg
- B) 120kg
- C) 180kg
- D) 240kg
Solutions
Question 1: If a cog with 5 teeth can do a full 40 revolutions in a second, a cog with four times as many teeth with take 4 times as long to do a full revolution. This means, it will do 4 times fewer revolutions. So the correct answer is 10.
Question 2: Opposite poles on magnets attract, the matching poles repel. So the correct answer is A and D.
Question 3: There are two sections of rope that are supporting the weight, meaning that we can divide the force needed to lift the weight between them 120/2 = 60kg.
See also our article on how to pass mechanical reasoning tests for more tips and advice.

Within two hours of practice I have improved my score from 50% correct to 88%.Joseph used Practice Aptitude Tests to improve his numerical reasoning scores. Start your success story
Mechanical Reasoning Tests FAQs
How are mechanical reasoning tests scored?
Your score will be formed from the number of questions you answer correctly in the test. This will most likely be compared to a ‘normative group’ to define how you performed in relation to others. It is worth noting that most tests only have a completion rate of about five per cent. The majority of candidates will not get through all the questions, so it is more important to provide accurate answers than to focus on completing the test. Only the questions you answer correctly will count towards your score.
Which employers use mechanical reasoning tests?
Mechanical reasoning tests are highly specialised assessments, which you will only encounter for positions that require mechanics or electronic knowledge and skills. These include engineering and technical positions, emergency services and roles within the military. Mercedes Benz, Shell and Amazon are some of the major employers that use mechanical reasoning tests in their application processes.
What is basic mechanical knowledge?
Basic mechanical knowledge involves the ability to understand how mechanical equipment and tools work, and to apply that knowledge in practical situations. Those with basic mechanical knowledge are able to recognise and work with a number of key principles, such as force and movement, hydraulics, velocity and simple electrical circuits, among others.
What are examples of mechanical skills?
Mechanical skills might include repairing mechanical equipment, performing tests and analysing the results, carrying out equipment and system calculations, troubleshooting equipment, analysing problems and identifying solutions, and designing devices and components.
Where can I practice mechanical reasoning tests?
The best way to excel in mechanical reasoning tests is through consistent practice; this website is a good place to start. Here you can find the most widely used mechanical reasoning tests along with guides, tips, and practice questions set under test conditions.
What are mechanical reasoning tests used for?
Mechanical reasoning tests are used to evaluate a person’s ability to use the concepts of mechanics or electronics to solve problems. They are predominantly used during the selection process for engineering or technology-related roles.
Mechanical Reasoning Tests Tips
1Practice, practice, practice
Practicing example questions is the very best way to prepare for mechanical reasoning tests. By trying your hand at practice tests you will gain a much better understanding of the types of problems you are likely to face during the test. This will give you time to brush up on any gaps or weak spots in your understanding of the key topics and principles.
2Revise key mechanical principles and techniques
Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the main concepts covered in mechanical reasoning tests and are able to apply them to solve real problems. For each question, think carefully about which technique you need to apply.
3Recreate exam conditions
Try to practice in conditions similar to those in which you will be sitting your real mechanical reasoning test. Find a quiet environment with minimal distractions and make sure you stick to the time limit. This will keep you more focused and will make the real assessment less daunting.
4Try things out for yourself
As well as completing practice tests, you can improve your mechanical reasoning skills in a more practical way. Try taking mechanical equipment apart to gain a better understanding of how it works, look for opportunities to work with different tools and equipment, and refer to technical user manuals to increase your knowledge.
5Work quickly but accurately
Make sure you understand how many questions you will have to answer and how long you have to complete the test. These tests are designed to put you under pressure and you may have as little as 30 seconds to answer each question. But remember only a small minority will complete the test; it’s more important to focus on getting the answers right.
6Read the instructions carefully
Make sure that you have understood what you are being asked to do, and double-check your calculations. Each question will only have one correct answer.
7Do your research
Find out as much as possible about the assessment before the test, such as which provider the recruiter is using and the format of the test. Employers typically provide this information to candidates on their careers website; if it’s not available, ask the HR department or other relevant point of contact.
8Be competitive
Try to measure your achievements against other users to make sure you stand out from the crowd. An average score might help you pass to the next stage, but may not be enough to bag you that job.
Mechanical Reasoning Video Tutorials
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Mechanical Reasoning 01
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Mechanical Reasoning 02
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Mechanical Reasoning 03
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Reviews of our Mechanical Reasoning tests
What our customers say about our Mechanical Reasoning tests
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Rocksalot
Pakistan
May 03, 2023
Good diversity in questions
-
Michael Lockwood
United States of America
April 21, 2023
Interesting and challenging
I like the fact that it has a wide array of questions. It makes you think about what your answer might be, so you don't rush to an answer
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Joshua Burns
Australia
April 13, 2023
I like the 'show solution' feature
I like how there is a solution with reasoning. It helps with understanding concepts that I'm not sure of.
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DMack
United States of America
March 24, 2023
Understanding polarity and revolutions per second concept
I liked that this test switch up the thinking method to find each answer. Each question made you think with a different logic.
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Valentin Nuñez
United States of America
March 22, 2023
Pay attention to detail
I like that it was simple, however it doesn’t have much detail on its questions forcing you to imagine and use as much logic as possible.
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Russell Clanton
United States of America
February 08, 2023
Easy to learn
I like how much they explain every answer to the question thoroughly to help understand the answer better
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Rick Granato
United States of America
January 18, 2023
The type of questions to expect
I like that I was given an idea on what to expect. I am going to need to take a test if I am offered a job that I signed up for.
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Chris Shannon
United States of America
December 29, 2022
thank you
i liked the test, it challenged me a lot, hopefully i do well on my real life test with this knowledge.
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Nate Pellerin
United States of America
December 09, 2022
Math
I thought it was pretty straightforward but maybe a couple questions could use a little more clarity
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Lopes Jorge Macuácua
Mozambique
November 08, 2022
The most important thing to know about machinery
I liked all things, the questions were easy and clear too, I'm so happy to be able to participate in these classes.