If you are interested in becoming a tow truck driver, you must know there’s more to it than simply hauling vehicles that are broken down, involved in accidents, or illegally parked. This is a job that requires a combination of specialised training, certification, and proper licensing. Not only that, but you also need incredible social skills and good physical fitness.
Being a tow truck driver is more like a calling that takes hard work and dedication. So, if you’re ready to ensure other drivers never get stranded on the road, what is it you need to get started in your career? Read on to learn more.
Overview of What Becoming a Tow Truck Driver Is Like
As previously mentioned, a towing professional helps with several situations, such as car accidents, vehicle breakdowns, impoundment, illegal parking, and roadside assistance. Your job as a tow truck driver will often require you to traverse and navigate different kinds of roadways, from winding country roads to steep hills to bustling city streets and jam-packed highways.
Such work requires advanced training since you are not only handling hefty loads but also operating specialised machines. Even after your pre-licensing education is over, you may still have to take a continuing education tow truck course from a reputable education provider like RocketCert. This ensures you stay on top of industry best practices, state regulations, and new technologies.
Basic Requirements of Becoming a Tow Truck Driver
You already have an idea, by now, that you will need some sort of training to become a tow truck driver, but what basic prerequisites must you meet first?
1. Age
The first, and arguably most important, basic requirement of becoming a tow truck operator is being at least 18 years old. Some companies might, however, need you to have several years of experience on the road, thus pushing the minimum age to between 21 and 25.
2. Physical Assessment
Towing is a physically and mentally demanding job that might even involve unplanned tasks like shovelling out cars that are stuck in snow. Generally, however, you will have to take a physical exam that will include a hearing and vision test as well as a drug screening. The main aim of this exam is to ensure you are in good health.
That’s because your job description will involve tasks like lifting and operating heavy equipment, like wheels and tow chains. Not only that, but they should be able to work and drive in different weather conditions.
When it comes to vision and hearing, you must be capable of seeing long distances and navigating through challenging traffic patterns. Your eyesight must also be perfect for both short and long distances, so you’re able to hook up cars and move equipment.
3. Education
As a tow truck driver, you also need to meet the education requirements that exist. The reason we’ve used the word “any” is that a majority of these education requirements depend mostly on your potential employer, as opposed to established standards. Legally, you aren’t required to have a specific education, but it’s not uncommon for employers to expect tow truck drivers to have at least a GED or high school diploma.
4. Valid Driver’s Licence
Handling a tow truck requires a lot of care and attentiveness while on the road. That’s why you will be asked to provide a state-issued driver’s licence to qualify as a tow truck operator. Additionally, you will need a driving record that proves you are reliable and understand how to practise safe driving.
5. Driver Training
While this isn’t a common requirement, you shouldn’t dismiss it. Your employer might require you to train at a local community college or vocational school before you can start working with them. This training process equips you with the knowledge and skills that make you a safe and efficient tow truck driver.
You can also learn new skills in the job environment through apprenticeship or shadowing. On-the-job training is typically the go-to method for enabling new drivers to understand company policies, strategies, and safety procedures.
6. Background Checks
This is also not a common requirement, but your employer may decide to run a criminal background check since you will potentially be in charge of moving valuable items. This doesn’t just refer to the vehicle’s worth but also the items inside it. In some states, you will even get fingerprinted just to ensure you are trustworthy.
How About Licensing and Certifications?
After meeting the basic prerequisites, you might be wondering what’s next. If you ask us, the logical thing to do is to complete your licensing and certification requirements, where applicable.
For licensing, there isn’t a law that mandates you to acquire a licence to become a tow truck driver. However, federal law, according to the United States Department of Transportation, makes it paramount to hold a commercial driver’s licence (CDL) in certain situations. These are when towing a vehicle that exceeds 10,000 pounds or when your tow truck’s Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is 26,0001 pounds or more.
Certifications, on the other hand, are a great acquisition if you are thinking about taking the next step in your towing career. There are three main levels:
- Light-duty towing (level 1)
- Medium or heavy-duty towing (level 2)
- Master tower (level 3)
You can take your certification classes in an in-person setting or online through the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA).
Grow in Your Tow Truck Operation Career With RocketCert
Becoming a tow truck driver is a great idea if you are interested in a job that offers great stability, flexibility, and the potential for high earnings. It’s a good fit if you enjoy working with cars and are capable of driving in challenging conditions.
However, you need to keep updating your knowledge and skills to excel in your career, and that’s where RocketCert comes in. Thanks to their expertly written and fully narrated continuing education courses, you won’t have to worry about feeling rusty when it comes to the best practices in your field.