A mechanical reasoning test is an assessment, often used for technical positions, that measures how you apply mechanical principles to solve problems. Mechanical aptitude questions can include gears, electrical circuits or levers.
Typically, candidates will be presented with a series of images showing mechanical problems or scenarios, and must answer questions based on these.
The level of difficulty will vary depending on the position applied for. The tests measure your mechanical knowledge rather than underlying aptitude, so if you reach this stage of the process it is expected that you will have a thorough understanding of the key topics and basic principles.
Questions are designed to test a candidate’s ability to apply mechanical reasoning in a practical environment and will generally be industry-specific. So if you were applying for a job with the army, the questions would be based around military scenarios.