Is There Any Specialized Training Needed for Tow Truck Drivers?

Is There Any Specialized Training Needed for Tow Truck Drivers?

March 2, 2021

Because each day brings a new challenge and the industry is lucrative, working as a tow truck driver is an attractive option for many people searching for a new career. However, getting a job as a tow truck driver isn’t as easy as applying for the position and throwing on a uniform.

Employees at a towing service in Centre County, PA must obtain certifications through the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) and go through quite a bit of training. Continue reading to learn more about the different certification levels and training required to be a successful tow truck operator.

Certifications

There are three certifications that a successful tow truck driver must obtain: light-duty certification, medium- and heavy-duty certification and certification to be a heavy recovery specialist. Light-duty certification necessitates at least 90 days of on-the-job experience, while the others need one and two years of experience, respectively. Drivers must also pass exams to receive each certification.

The good news for tow truck drivers is that they can often pass their exams with the skills they gain while working in the field—there’s no need to pay for additional classes.

Other requirements

A tow truck driver can’t advance in their career without obtaining the certifications mentioned above, but that’s not all they need. All drivers who want to work at a towing service in Centre County, PA must meet the following criteria:

  • Personality: Personality traits aren’t something you can necessarily learn, but they’re vital for tow truck drivers. Operators need to be friendly and personable to customers. They also need thick skin, as customers can be unfriendly when their cars are being towed!
  • Commercial driver’s license: A CDL isn’t necessary in every state to become a tow truck driver, but it is required in Pennsylvania. We advise going to a CDL training school before trying to obtain the license. These courses will help ensure success on the test and in your career as a tow truck driver.
  • Background check: Just like with many other jobs, your employer will perform a background check before bringing you on as a driver. Since tow truck drivers spend a ton of time handling customer’s private property, companies want to ensure their employees are trustworthy.
  • Driving record: Having a clean driving record before applying and maintaining it throughout your employment is crucial. People who have DUIs, DWIs, speeding tickets or parking violations don’t have a good chance of getting a job or keeping it for very long.

Call our team to ensure you work with a qualified operator!

Ideally, every towing service in Centre County, PA would be created equal, but just like in many industries, that’s not the case. To ensure you get the highest level of service with the fastest response time, choose S & R Repairs Towing & Recovery Inc. when you need a tow. We’ll send an experienced and certified driver out as soon as possible to help you out of your sticky situation. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

Categorised in: