How To Become A Tow Truck Driver

If you need a tow truck, you aren't having a good day. Odds are you're worried and angry. The technician operating the tow truck has met numerous customers in the exact predicament today already. If you've ever wondered how to become a tow truck driver, know that patience is a virtue. But there are other requirements.

How to Become a Tow Truck Driver: Basic Requirements

The precise guidelines for tow truck drivers differ from state to state. Many states require individuals to pass a list of licensing programs and tests before they're qualified to operate a tow truck.

People interested in working tow trucks must have a flexible schedule, clean driving record, and excellent interpersonal skills. They must be over 18 capable of passing a drug, a physical, and a vision test. Some towing companies run criminal background checks too.

Licensing
Federal law compels drivers to have a commercial license before towing over 25,000 pounds. Some states require every professional tow truck driver to possess a commercial license regardless of the weight they expect to tow. To obtain a commercial driver's license, motorists must undergo training, pass a driver's test, and take a written exam.

State laws vary on if tow truck drivers need a particular towing certification. However, most states do require this certification before a driver can get a tow truck driving job. 

Training
Many tow drivers pick up their job skills, following an experienced driver to learn about specific strategies, safety procedures, and company policies. The job doesn't necessitate any certain educational degrees or diplomas. Though, many tow companies feel better hiring someone with at least a high school diploma.
After a driver gets some job experience, they can go for certification to prove their skills and further their careers.

Certification
A driver who has previous towing experience can get a certificate via the Towing and Recovery Association of America.

The training is online or in-person at three levels:

Level One: Light-duty training obliges drivers to satisfy all state driving requirements and has 90 days of experience functioning as a tow truck operator in the last five years. The certification test, offered at community colleges and towing shows, has 100 questions. Individuals who pass get their certificate via fax within a couple of days.

Level Two: The mid-level certification requires 12 months of work as a medium- or heavy-duty truck driver. A driver also has to satisfy state requirements, possess a Level 1 certification, and maintain a commercial driver's license. The test consists of a written segment on basic knowledge and an oral component to see how drivers manage real-life situations.

Level Three: Heavy-duty certification entails having a commercial driver's license with endorsements, a Level 2 certification, and two years working on a tow truck. The exam has a written part that tests theoretical knowledge and an oral portion that tests real-life situations.

If you want more information on becoming a tow truck driver, contact Buffalo Towing Service.

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