This study was aimed at investigating perceived cognitive strategies and the acquisition of motor mechanic competency among trainees of auto training institutes in the Buea Municipality. Four research objectives guided the study which was to find out: The influence of cognitive strategies on diagnostic motor mechanic competency, the influence of problem-solving strategies on the acquisition of motor mechanic competency, the influence of technical skills on the acquisition of motor mechanic competency and determine the influence of inter-personal relationship on the acquisition of motor mechanic competency. At the level of theories, Atkinson and Shriffrin’s information processing (1968), Lev Vygotsky and socio-cultural theory (1896-1934), John Flavel’s metacognition theory (1978) and Albert Bandura observational learning theory were used for the study. The study used the concurrent triangulation mixed method where both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The sample population of this study comprised of thirty (30) apprentices in mechanic garages and 10 trainers randomly selected from five garages namely; C.O.I.C, great soppo, “Kilonomic garage” mile 17, “Top ten” Molyko, “Fako Garage” Bonduma, and “Faith Auto garage” Bokwai Junction. The sampling technique used in this study was convenient sampling technique. The instruments used for the collection of data were a questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive data were analysed using tables, percentages, and frequencies. Inferentially data were analysed via the Product Moment Correlation. As for analysis of data from the interview, the researcher used themetic analysis. The findings revealed that a diagnostic strategy positively and significantly influences the acquisition of motor mechanic competency. Problem solving strategies positively but insignificantly influences the acquisition of motor mechanic competency. A technical strategy positively and significantly influences acquisition of motor mechanic competency. Inter-personal strategies positively and insignificantly influence the acquisition of motor mechanic competency. Based on the findings the following recommendations were made: Government should assist in training roadside mechanics to upgrade their knowledge and skills in the area of automotive electronics and Training institutions and organizations such as the universities, polytechnics, Board for Small Scale Industries etc., should assist particularly in the form of education and training to equip roadside mechanics with the requisite skills and technology to be able to work on the electronic managed vehicles.