How to Become a Tow Truck Driver

Have you ever considered driving a tow truck?

This can be a lucrative and rewarding career with low entry barriers and a lot of opportunity. This guide will go over the requirements to become a tow truck driver, as well as the steps you can follow to launch your career driving a tow truck.

How Much Do Tow Truck Drivers Make?

Tow truck drivers earn a median annual salary of $87,950, according to Indeed.com.
Those with more experience or who work in geographical areas with higher incomes may earn as much as $137,314. Even the lower earning tow truck drivers can make more than $56,000 per year.

Along with excellent salary opportunities, driving a tow truck boasts other attractive qualities. For one thing, demand for two truck drivers is pretty consistent. For another, this is a truck driving job that lets you go home every night. That cannot be said of every truck driving job.

Tow Truck Driver Requirements

Now that you know why you might want to drive a tow truck for a living, let’s discuss the requirements.

You will notice that we did not list any degree requirements for tow truck drivers. You can become a tow truck driver without any higher education.

Tow Truck Driver Training & Licenses

So, how do you start a career as a tow truck driver?

It is not as simple as sending out your applications. First, you need to meet all the requirements and get the training you require to lay a foundation for your skills. Here are the steps.

1. Get a valid driver’s license if you do not already have one.

2. Earn your CDL.

To do this, you will need to participate in a commercial driving school. There are CDL schools located throughout the country that can help you rapidly pass your commercial driving test to get your CDL.

You can find a CDL school in your state here.

Make sure you know which type of CDL you need.

• Group A CDL: If the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) for the tow truck and the vehicle it is towing exceeds 26,000 pounds, and/or the vehicle you are towing weighs over 10,000 pounds, then you need a Group A CDL.

• Group B CDL: If the tow truck by itself weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you may need a Group B CDL. This type of CDL is required if you either are driving it without towing anything, or if you are driving it while towing a vehicle that is 10,000 pounds GVWR or less.

• Group C CDL: For anything that does not fit into the categories above, a Group C CDL is required. You also will require this type of CDL if you are going to be towing vehicles that need hazardous materials placards for subsequent moves.

3. Apply for jobs.

Most tow truck training programs are run by or offered through companies that hire tow truck drivers. So, once you have the appropriate licenses for tow truck driving, your next step is actually to start sending out your job applications. Do your research on individual companies so you know what to expect in terms of salary, scheduling, training, etc.

Make sure you are ready to pass all the required checks and screenings if they decide to hire you. If you can, research these requirements in advance for the various companies before you begin their hiring processes.

4. Participate in a tow truck training program.

Let’s say that you get a job offer, and you accept it. That is when your training to drive a tow truck will usually begin.

The exact form that your training takes depends on the program your employer chooses. The Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) is the main source of tow truck certifications. TRAA explains that there are several different types of training programs for tow truck drivers.

• Assessment-based certificate programs: This is a type of program it is possible to pass or fail. It incorporates learning in the classroom (or online) with hands-on training. The program concludes with a proctored exam. Note that TRAA says some students must fail, so it appears to be graded on a curve. That means you are competing against your classmates.

• Certificate of participation courses: For a program that does not feature a formal assessment at the end that students can pass or fail, employers can offer a certificate of participation course, also called a certificate of attendance course. The advantage of this type of course is that it is inexpensive. The drawback is that municipalities do not accept it to meet requirements.

• Professional certification: TRAA explains this type of certification must take place via a third party, saying, “The neutral 3rd party evaluation of a participant’s education is the advantage to professional certification and the reason it’s considered to be the benchmark for many municipalities and outside agencies. Additionally, participants who pass the certification exam can legally use the term ‘certified’ which is unique to this type of educational program.”

Keep in mind that some certification levels require that you already have a CDL. That is yet another reason to get one.

Remember, when you are trained, you will generally spend time shadowing a more experienced driver. That person will not only teach you more about how to operate a tow truck, but also explain what you need to know about working at that particular company effectively.

Once you complete your training program and receive (if applicable) your certification, you will be ready to start your new job as a tow truck driver.

Launch Your Career as a Tow Truck Driver

If you are excited to begin a career as a tow truck driver, continue exploring our site to learn more about this truck driver role and to explore CDL courses in your area, employers, tow truck courses, and more.