8 Steps to Becoming a Tow Truck Driver

One thing is for certain.  As long as vehicles are on the road, our communities will need tow truck drivers to clear accidents, help stranded motorists, and keep our roads flowing with traffic.  For people with good driving skills, attention to detail, and patience with customers, beginning a career as a tow truck driver can be lucrative and rewarding.  Here is an overview of the steps to becoming a tow truck driver.

If you’re interested in becoming a tow truck driver, here are 8 steps to get you started on your new career:

1. Learn about the job.  Visit local tow companies and ask if you can schedule a time to meet with a driver or two to learn what the job is really like.  Ask them questions about what a typical day is like, what the working hours are, and what kinds of challenges they deal with regularly.  
2. Be sure you meet the minimum age and education requirements.  Although the minimum age requirement is 18, many companies won’t hire people under 25.  Ask local businesses in your community if you’re in this age range, but if you don’t meet the age requirements, they may have other work you do qualify for.  Also, many companies (but not all) may require you to have a high school diploma or GED.  
3. Have a good driving record.  Since tow truck drivers are on the road for most of their workdays, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license and prove that your driving record is good.  The company you work for may be paying an insurance premium based on your driving record, so if you have DUIs or speeding tickets, it may not be worth the risk and potential insurance costs to hire you.
4. Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).  A tow truck will most likely meet your state’s requirements for being considered a commercial vehicle.  Because of its size and weight, you need a special license certifying you know how to operate commercial vehicles safely.  You’ll need to complete in-person training, pass a written test, and a driving evaluation to get a CDL.  Your local DMV will have information about how you can obtain a CDL.
5. Pass a physical exam.  Some employers may require you to complete a medical exam to ensure you are strong and healthy enough to meet the job’s physical demands.  Working as a tow truck driver requires heavy lifting, carrying equipment, walking distances, crawling under vehicles, and many other physical tasks.  Your employer or potential employer should pay for the cost of the exam.
6. Pass a drug screening test.  There’s no place on the road for drivers under the influence of drugs.  Applicants are usually required to pass a drug screening before being hired and are often required to repeat drug screening at random intervals throughout their employment.  Once on the job, it’s critical to report to work each day free of influence from drugs and alcohol–whether the substance is legal or not.  Your priority must be safety each and every day.
7. Become certified.  Many employers will require you to complete training and sometimes complete official certification programs.  These achievements help you feel confident in your work and show your employer you are dedicated to learning how to do your job correctly and safely.  If your company deals with hazardous spills, you may also be required by law to obtain a hazardous materials certification.
8. Complete a background check.  Working as a tow truck driver means you’ll have access to vehicles and personal property and be in contact with customers daily.  Potential employers want to know you are trustworthy and will often complete a formal background check.  If you have a criminal history, it’s best to disclose it before you get too far in the application process.

Collins is a long-term partner with towing professionals.

Collins has been an industry leader in the towing equipment industry for over 45 years.  Our Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems provide towing professionals with lightweight solutions durable enough to get even large vehicles out of challenging situations and transport them safely wherever they need to go.  Our products are designed with safety first to keep your employees safe while attaching and moving vehicles.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our products.