Tow truck drivers today just don’t get the respect they deserve. Without tow truck drivers, hundreds of thousands if not millions of owners and their disabled vehicles would be stranded or parked illegally everyday. Whether a vehicle is: disabled, in an accident, parked in an unauthorized area or is repossessed; a tow truck driver must take a vehicle to its destination.
Although it might not sound like the most glamorous job out there, the job might just suit you if you: love to drive, not much of a morning person and looking for a job (or second job) with a night shift or on holidays, and would like to make 25k -38k per year (~$18.37/HR) .
Tow Truck Driver Requirements
Although the requirements to become a tow truck driver generally vary by local, state or federal jurisdictions, each require the below:
1. Obtain a Driver’s License
This should go without saying, but you need a valid driver’s license for the state you which to tow in. Many of tow tow truck companies will even go so far as reviewing your driving record to make sure you are a safe driver before hiring you.
2. Be at least 18 years old.
That’s right folks you can’t just start towing trucks at 16 years old with a junior driver’s license, sorry. Get Free Shipping anywhere in the US on all orders over $75. Shop Advance Auto Parts today!
3. Get your CDL
No not a Certified Dock Loader, you need a Commercial Driver’s License. Although a CDL is not always required by tow truck companies, obtaining a CDL can increase the chances of your application getting accepted by a tow truck company as it demonstrates that you took the time out to attend accredited training and study to pass a written and a driving test. But if you were wondering, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires a commercial driver’s license for tow trucks and cargo over 26,001 pounds. Visit our CDL page where you can find state specific steps on how to obtain your Commercial Driver’s License.
4. Physical Abilities
You can expect some tow truck companies to look for drivers that are in good physical health. In fact, some require the signature of a licensed Physician indicating that you have decent vision, physical fitness, and hearing. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to awkwardly pee in that little cup for a drug test too.
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5. Find and Apply to Tow Truck Services That Are Hiring
Before you start applying for any type of job at a towing company you are going to have create a resume. Check out our article on Creating Your Tow Truck Driver Resume for tips on how to put together a resume that will push your application to the top of the stack.
Once you have created your resume, feel free to upload it to our site so that tow truck companies within our community can view it and possibly contact you for a job. You can also view/apply to jobs that have been posted by hiring tow truck services.
Here is an example of a Tow Truck Driver’s Resume:
