Do you need to figure out how to be a tow truck driver? The license, skills, and everything else need to be clarified. Many people feel confused when they start their careers.
Don’t worry! Becoming a tow truck driver is much easier than you think. With proper information and guidance, you will be able to help people and make money.
In this post, we’re going to make things easier for you. You’ll learn the exact steps required for a tow truck driver. By the end, you will know what steps to take to start your journey as a tow truck driver.
Basic Requirements to Become a Tow Truck Driver
Age: The minimum driving age to operate a tow truck is 18, although in some states, it is usually 21 years and above.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is helpful, but it is not always required.
Physical Fitness: This job can be physically tough. You’ll need strength and energy to handle heavy tools and work long hours.
Clean driving record: It would help if you did not have any serious driving violations, such as speeding or DUIs.
Background Check: You don’t have any criminal history. Employers will trust you to handle vehicles responsibly.
| Requirement | Description |
| Age | At least 18 (21 in some states) |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Physical Fitness | Able to lift heavy equipment and work in tough conditions |
| Clean Driving Record | No serious violations |
| Background Check | No criminal record |
Licenses Required for a Tow Truck Driver:
If you want to be a tow truck driver, you must have license and some specific certificates. Here’s what you need to know:
Regular License
To become a tow truck driver, you must have a Regular driver’s license. This is the common license everybody acquires for driving a car or small vehicle. Your driving record should be clean. It will show you as a responsible and safe driver.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
A commercial Driver’s License is required if you plan to transport loads over 26,000 pounds or drive big towing trucks.
There are three types of CDL
Class A: For towing big trailers or vehicles.
Class B: For driving heavy trucks like trucks or buses.
Class C: For vehicles carrying hazardous materials or more than 16 passengers.
- To get CDL, follow these steps:
| Steps | What You Need to Do |
| Study | Read your state’s CDL manual to understand the rules. |
| Get a Permit | Pass a written test to receive your learner’s permit. |
| Training | Practice driving with a qualified CDL instructor. |
| Take the Test | Pass a skills test, including driving on the road, to earn your CDL |
Certificates Required for a Tow Truck Driver:
Consider certifications from organizations like the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) for various towing levels.
Level 1: This certification is required for light duty, which consists of light towing tasks. You will need 90 days of tow truck experience within the last five years. The test includes 100 questions.
Level 2: This certificate is necessary for large and more difficult towing jobs. In Level Two, the test also includes a written part on theoretical knowledge, and an oral test checks your ability to find good responses for practical situations.
Level 3: This certificate is required for handling large vehicles and challenging situations. You will also need two years of work experience. The test is similar to the level 2 test.
Types of Tow Truck you can Drive:
There are various types of tow trucks that you should know if you want to become a tow truck driver. Each one of them has its specific use. The main ones include:
Flatbed Trucks: Flatbed trucks have long platforms that can tilt down to the ground. These trucks are ideal for towing luxury cars, motorcycles, or even highly damaged vehicles. The cars are generally loaded onto the bed with all the wheels up to the ground.
Wheel-Lift Trucks: Wheel-lift trucks lift cars by placing a metal yoke under the front or the back wheels. This raises the vehicle off the ground. These are ideal for towing small and medium cars in tight spaces. The wheels to be lifted are then locked in place. The remaining car is towed with its wheels touching the ground.
Heavy-Duty Trucks: Heavy-duty trucks are designed for large vehicles, like buses or trucks. These trucks have heavy winches and booms that safely lift and tow objects. These trucks are made for heavy-duty towing jobs that really need extra strength.
Skills and Traits of a Great Tow Truck Driver:
What does it take to be a tow truck driver? The job is very demanding, requiring effort, patience, and great skills. Here are some traits and skills required for success in this field.
Good Communication: You will have to deal with clients, dispatchers, and police many times. Being polite yet to the point makes the job easier.
Basic Mechanical Knowledge: It would be very handy to know the simple things, such as how to check a battery, fix a flat tire, and jump-start a car.
Technical and Physical Skills: The work of the tow truck driver involves heavy machinery and equipment. Regularly inspecting the tow truck must ensure the safety and smooth flow of the operation.
Driving Skills: Driving tow trucks can be exhausting. Drivers must be skilled, especially when dealing with bad weather or heavy traffic.
Patience: Patience and empathy are the biggest ingredients in dealing with stressed clients. Effective conversation skills allow for clear conversations with customers, dispatchers, and law enforcement.
Attention to Detail: Rechecking the connections of vehicles enables safe towing, which does not involve accidents. Keeping accurate job records and reports shows professionalism. Drivers are also supposed to organize schedules and routes.
Problem-solving skills: Unexpected situations, like dealing with stuck vehicles or equipment failures, require quick thinking and problem-solving. Adapting to new challenges is part of the job.
Time Management: Many tow truck drivers’ work under tight schedules. Their time is effectively used to answer many calls, so they have to do every task quickly.
Safety Awareness: Knowledge of traffic rules and the use of personal protection equipment provide more protection for both the driver and other road users.
How to get a Job as a Tow Truck Driver:
Finding Employment Opportunities
To get started in your tow truck driving career, seek employment with towing companies, roadside assistance services, and car dealerships. Other than that, a great way to find opportunities in this field is through networking. Talk to more experienced tow truck drivers and attend events associated with the industry so you find out about job openings.
Tips for Job Applications
Whenever you’re applying for jobs, you have to make sure to mention your skills. You need to talk about your licenses, certifications, and anything mechanical. It may be the only way to prove to an employer that you qualify in some fields of work. Feature your customer service experiences in interviews.
How do you start your own Business as a Tow Truck Driver?
Owning a towing business can be a highly rewarding and successful experience. Here are some basic approaches to help you get started with your towing business.
- Create a Business Plan
- Register Your Business
- Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits
- Purchase Equipment
- Get Insurance
- Hire Qualified Staff
- Market Your Services
How Much Do Tow Truck Drivers Earn?
The average hourly wage for a tow truck driver in the United States is $20.31. However, many factors affect how much money you can make. These include:
- Location
- Experience
- Type of Towing
- Overtime and Emergency Calls
Conclusion:
Driving a tow truck is a great job that lets you help people and also pays well. Of course, it takes some serious effort to get the right licenses, build up the right skill sets, and gain experience, but it is definitely worth it. You will continue to work here and have many opportunities for advancement, whether you are employed by a company or starting your own business.
Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)
Can I drive a tow truck with a regular license?
Yes, you can drive a tow truck with only a regular license. You might need a Commercial driver’s license to drive a tow truck if the GVWR of the towing vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds.
Do you need a CDL to drive a tow truck?
Yes, you usually need a Commercial driver’s license to drive a tow truck if the gross vehicle weight rating of the towing vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds.
What is the maximum tow you can have without having a CDL?
Generally, you can only tow a vehicle of 26,000 pounds without a CDL, but it does vary from state to state.
What do I need to operate a tow truck in California?
The tow truck can be operated in California using a valid driver’s license. However, you have to obtain the CDL if the gross vehicle weight rating is over 26,000 pounds. Motor Carrier Permit and insurance coverage is also required.
Do you need a CDL to drive a tow truck in Maryland and Georgia?
For both Maryland and Georgia, this requires a CDL if the GVWR of the tow truck is more than 26,000 pounds. For lighter vehicles, a regular driver’s license will be sufficient.
What’s included in tow truck training programs?
The courses of study for tow truck operators cover techniques in vehicle recovery, safety protocols, operational processes of equipment, and customer service. Some programs include practical exercises and a certification exam as well.
How long does it take to get certified?
Some certification programs are only a few days, while others take several weeks, depending on the in-depth training and differences in state requirements.
How to be a Tow Truck Driver ?