Course in Adjusting Vintage Headlamps and Type Approval
300 h online course in adjusting vintage headlamps and type approval. 6 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 48 (installation of lighting and light-signalling devices), UNECE Regulation No. 112 (headlamps with asymmetrical beam) and DIALux. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Adjusting Vintage Headlamps and Type Approval — studying from Ireland
Ireland has an active heritage vehicle and classic machinery community, supported by clubs, restoration workshops and specialist suppliers serving classic cars, motorcycles and agricultural equipment. Engineering skills in this area combine historical knowledge with modern techniques in fabrication, materials and diagnostics. Restoration work is often linked to heritage conservation and museum collections, and classic vehicles operate under national roadworthiness and vehicle registration rules. Professional bodies and enthusiast organisations help maintain standards and knowledge across the sector.
Fees for Ireland: €797 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Is there a recognised professional body in Ireland for classic vehicle restoration?
Classic vehicle restoration in Ireland is largely a craft and hobby sector, supported by enthusiast clubs and heritage bodies rather than a regulated professional title. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so they do not confer membership or formal recognition. Check the requirements of any club or body you wish to join.
Would Irish restoration businesses or employers value this qualification?
Restoration businesses in Ireland often rely on hands-on skill, reputation and portfolio work. A private online qualification may add to your CV, but employers decide for themselves whether it is relevant. Your final project can help show your capability, though there is no guarantee of any outcome.
Can I study this part-time while keeping my current commitments?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from home around existing commitments. Durations are 300, 800 or 1,900 hours depending on the course, so plan your schedule accordingly. Fees can be paid in instalments, and each student has an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify the legal requirements applicable to the lighting of a historic vehicle.
Explain the photometry and beam geometry of the dipped and main beam.
Use the beam setter and other lighting measuring equipment.
Adjust vintage headlamps according to the load and geometry of the vehicle.
Diagnose causes of insufficient light output.
Propose lighting improvements compatible with type approval and authenticity.
Document the adjustment process for the technical inspection.
Who it's for
- Automotive lighting technician who wants to specialise in Adjusting Vintage Headlamps and Type Approval.
- ITV inspector who wants to specialise in Adjusting Vintage Headlamps and Type Approval.
- Historic vehicle restorer who wants to specialise in Adjusting Vintage Headlamps and Type Approval.
- Vehicle type-approval technician who wants to specialise in Adjusting Vintage Headlamps and Type Approval.
- Classic car electrical specialist who wants to specialise in Adjusting Vintage Headlamps and Type Approval.
- Vehicle modification consultant who wants to specialise in Adjusting Vintage Headlamps and Type Approval.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter vehicle technical inspection.
What you'll work with
- UNECE Regulation No. 48 (installation of lighting and light-signalling devices)
- UNECE Regulation No. 112 (headlamps with asymmetrical beam)
- UNECE Regulation No. 1 (headlamps with R2 lamps)
- UNECE Regulation No. 37 (filament lamps)
- Directive 2014/45/EU (periodic technical inspection)
- Royal Decree 920/2017 (technical inspection of vehicles)
- Royal Decree 892/2013 (Historic Vehicles Regulation)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Technical inspection requirements1.2Headlamp type-approval regulations1.3Type-approval marking and how to read it1.4Vehicles predating the marking requirement1.5Mandatory and optional lighting1.6Significant modifications affecting lighting1.7Vehicle documentation1.8Inspector's judgement and real margin1.9Where to consult the applicable standard1.10Workshop: checking the requirements for a vehicle
2.1Quantities: intensity, luminous flux and illuminance2.2Dipped beam and its cut-off2.3Main beam and range2.4Regulatory beam inclination2.5Mounting height and its effect2.6Glare and its control2.7Asymmetrical beam and right-hand traffic2.8Beam conversion for another country2.9Isolux diagrams2.10Practical: reading a photometric diagram
3.1Beam setter: types and operation3.2Calibration and verification of the equipment3.3Preparing the vehicle for measurement3.4Floor, levelling and distance3.5Measuring inclination and intensity3.6Wall screen as an alternative3.7Lux meter and its use3.8Common measurement errors3.9Recording the results3.10Practical: full measurement of a set of headlamps
4.1Adjustment screws and access to them4.2Correct adjustment sequence4.3Adjustment with and without load4.4Correcting deformed headlamps4.5Focusing the filament in vintage headlamps4.6Adjusting auxiliary lamps4.7Verification after adjustment4.8Adjustment with non-original bulbs4.9Documenting the adjustment4.10Practical: adjusting and verifying several headlamps
5.1Degraded reflector and light loss5.2Cloudy or cracked lens5.3Voltage drop in the circuit5.4Poor earthing and yellowish light5.5Relays and improved power supply5.6Higher-output lamps that are permitted5.7LED lighting: legality and judgement5.8Auxiliary lamps and their legality5.9Balancing authenticity and safety5.10Practical: measured performance improvement
6.1Measurement report for the client6.2Preparing for the technical inspection6.3Complaints and re-inspections6.4Type approval of parts and reproductions6.5Retaining original parts that have been removed6.6Workshop liability6.7Necessary equipment and its cost6.8Common errors and rejections6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: lighting file for a classic vehicle
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DIALux, LightTools, advanced Excel, ITV Inspection Procedure Manual (digital consultation), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real beam-setting procedures using a beam setter, photometric measurement of the dipped beam, and lighting inspection at an ITV station. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify the legal requirements applicable to the lighting of a historic vehicle.
Explain the photometry and beam geometry of the dipped and main beam.
Use the beam setter and other lighting measuring equipment.
Adjust vintage headlamps according to the load and geometry of the vehicle.
Diagnose causes of insufficient light output.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses DIALux, LightTools, advanced Excel, ITV Inspection Procedure Manual (digital consultation). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate a free alternative where one exists.
An in-house diploma from SEIUM Institute on passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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