How to Be Tow Truck Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 7, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Tow truck drivers provide a valuable service to their local community. When a vehicle becomes disabled due to an accident, mechanical failure, or other problem, a tow truck driver is responsible for providing roadside assistance and towing the vehicle to a safe location. This service can be critical in avoiding further damage to the vehicle, preventing traffic delays and protecting the safety of motorists.

The cause of the need for a tow truck driver is often due to a lack of preventative maintenance, driving under the influence, or bad weather conditions. The effect of failing to call a tow truck driver in these situations can be costly repairs, lengthy delays, and potentially dangerous consequences. For these reasons, it is important to always keep a reliable tow truck drivers contact information handy and to call them promptly when needed.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). To become a tow truck driver, you must obtain a CDL. To do this, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid drivers license, and pass a written test and a driving test.
Get Certified. You must obtain certification from the National Safety Council before you can operate a tow truck. To obtain certification, you must complete a training program and pass a written exam.
Get Licensed. Depending on your state, you may need to obtain a special license to operate a tow truck. Check with your local DMV to find out what is required in your state.
Get Experience. To become an experienced tow truck driver, you will need to gain experience in the field. You can do this by working under an experienced driver or by volunteering with a local towing company.
Find Employment. Once you have obtained your CDL, certification, and experience, you can start looking for employment as a tow truck driver. You can search for job openings online or contact local towing companies directly.

Being a reliable and competent tow truck driver requires certain skills, traits and qualities. As a tow truck driver, one must have strong problem solving skills in order to quickly and accurately assess the situation and arrive at a solution. excellent communication skills are essential for interacting with customers and other professionals in the field, as well as for providing clear instructions to a colleague or assistant.

Furthermore, tow truck drivers must have a valid drivers license and be able to remain focused and alert while driving, especially in hazardous conditions. Finally, tow truck drivers must be patient and courteous, as they are often dealing with people who are distressed or in difficult situations. All of these skills, traits and qualities combine to make a reliable and competent tow truck driver.

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Job Description

Operate a tow truck to safely and efficiently transport disabled vehicles.
Hook up vehicles using a boom, wheel lift, or other towing equipment.
Secure vehicles properly and ensure safety of towed vehicle.
Inspect and maintain tow truck, including fueling, lubricating, and cleaning.
Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
Follow all safety protocols and procedures while driving on public roads.
Respond to customer inquiries in a professional manner.
Be familiar with all local laws and regulations related to towing services.
Maintain communication with dispatch regarding all towing services performed.
Provide exceptional customer service at every opportunity.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to operate a tow truck
Knowledge of local road and highway systems
Ability to hook up a vehicle to the tow truck
Ability to maneuver a large vehicle in tight spaces
Excellent customer service skills
Good organizational and problem-solving skills
Able to lift heavy objects
Knowledge of safety regulations relating to towing
Ability to work long hours and in all kinds of weather
Good driving record and valid license

Being a tow truck driver requires a variety of skills. The most important skill to have is the ability to remain calm and level-headed in high-pressure situations. This is especially true when dealing with emergency situations, as it can be extremely stressful for the person needing help.

Being able to remain calm and take charge of a situation is crucial for a tow truck driver to be successful. Other important skills include being able to troubleshoot mechanical problems, having a good understanding of towing regulations, having knowledge of vehicle safety and security, and being able to handle difficult customers. Furthermore, tow truck drivers must be able to accurately assess the situation and provide appropriate solutions.

Having good problem-solving skills can be the difference between a successful job and an unsuccessful one. If a tow truck driver is able to meet these requirements, they will be able to provide a quality service that customers will appreciate.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have driving a tow truck?
How do you handle difficult situations involving customers in distress?
What safety protocols do you follow when operating a tow truck?
What do you consider the most important aspect of towing services?
How do you assess a vehicle before attempting to tow it?
Describe a situation in which you had to adjust your towing techniques to fit particular circumstances.
What is your experience with loading and unloading vehicles onto a tow truck?
How do you handle situations in which a customer disagrees with the towing service?
How do you keep up with changes in traffic laws, regulations, and safety guidelines related to towing?
What techniques do you use to help prevent accidents when operating a tow truck?

Common Tools in Industry

Wrecker. A heavy-duty tow truck used to haul away large vehicles such as buses, semi-trucks, trailers, and construction equipment (eg: flatbed tow truck).
Winch. A tool that helps to pull a vehicle onto the tow truck bed (eg: cable winch).
Tow Dolly. A two-wheel trailer designed to secure the front wheels of a vehicle while in transit (eg: wheel lift tow dolly).
Strap and Chain Kit. A set of straps and chains used to secure the vehicle to the tow truck bed (eg: ratchet straps and safety chains).
Tow Hooks. A hook that attaches to the back of a vehicle and is used to secure it to the tow truck (eg: tow hook kit).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Tow Truck Association (NTTA)
Automotive Service Association (ASA)
American Towman Exposition
Roadside Assistance Professionals (RAP)
Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA)
International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum
Professional Wrecker Operators of America (PWOA)
International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum
Towing and Recovery Professionals of Canada
International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum

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Common Important Terms

Vehicle Towing. The process of towing a vehicle, usually done by a tow truck driver, where the vehicle is attached to the truck with a tow bar or a tow rope and is then pulled to a desired location.
Tow Bar. A metal bar that is attached to the vehicle and connects it to the tow truck so that it can be towed.
Tow Rope. A rope or cable used to attach the vehicle to the tow truck in order to tow it.
Hookup. The process of attaching the vehicle to the tow truck, including connecting the tow bar or tow rope.
Winch. A device used to help the tow truck driver move the vehicle up or down an incline or out of a ditch.
Accident Scene. The location of a motor vehicle accident, which the tow truck driver may need to attend in order to remove disabled vehicles from the scene.
Salvage Yard. A storage facility for damaged or abandoned vehicles, which may need to be transported by the tow truck driver.
Flatbed Truck. A type of tow truck where the vehicle being towed is loaded onto a flat bed and secured with straps or chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Tow Truck Driver?

To become a Tow Truck Driver, you must have a valid drivers license, a clean driving record, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

How much money can I expect to make as a Tow Truck Driver?

The average salary for a Tow Truck Driver is $35,000 per year.

What type of vehicles do Tow Truck Drivers typically tow?

Tow Truck Drivers typically tow cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles.

Are there any safety guidelines that Tow Truck Drivers must follow?

Yes, Tow Truck Drivers must adhere to safety protocols such as safely securing the towed vehicle and adhering to load limits.

What type of environment do Tow Truck Drivers typically work in?

Tow Truck Drivers typically work outdoors in a variety of conditions and settings.

Web Resources

Tow truck driver leads a nomadic and hectic life in the aftermath wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu
Truck Driving - Technical Diploma | CVTC www.cvtc.edu
8 Trailer Types You May (Will) Tow as a Truck Driver dda.edu