If you’re an entrepreneur who is in charge of hiring tow truck drivers, then you need to be aware of the tow truck schools and training programs that are available. There are many different types of certifications that your employees will need in order to do their job properly. In this article, we’ll discuss the different certifications that your employees will need, as well as the top tow truck schools to train your employees.
Required Certifications
Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs)
The first type of certification that your tow truck drivers will need is a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In order to get a CDL, your tow truck drivers will have to pass a written exam and a skills test. The written exam will test their knowledge of the rules of the road, while the skills test will assess their ability to drive a tow truck.
There are multiple kinds of CDLs, and the type of CDL that a tow truck driver will need will depend on the size and weight of the tow truck they’ll be operating. For example, if they’ll be driving a tow truck that weighs more than 26,000 pounds, they’ll need a Class A CDL.
Other Certifications
In addition to a CDL, you may want your employees to get a Tow Truck Certification. This certification is not required by law, but it will show that your tow truck drivers have the skills and knowledge necessary to safely tow vehicles.
There are typically multiple levels to this certification. The levels correspond to the type of vehicle that the tow truck driver is certified to operate. For example, a Level 1 certification allows the tow truck driver to tow passenger vehicles, while a Level 2 certification allows the tow truck driver to tow larger vehicles, such as RVs and buses.
To get certified, your tow truck drivers will need to pass a written exam and a skills test. The written exam will test their knowledge of towing regulations, while the skills test will assess their ability to tow a vehicle safely.
Your employees may also need to get a Hazardous Materials Certification if they’ll be transporting any hazardous materials. This certification is also not required by law, but it will ensure that your employees are properly trained to handle and transport hazardous materials.
Top Tow Truck Schools To Train Your Employees
Towing and Recovery Association of America
The Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) is a professional organization that offers tow truck training and certification. The TRAA offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the type of training that best suits your needs.
Wreckmaster
Wreckmaster is another tow truck training and certification organization. Wreckmaster offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the type of training that best suits your needs.
In addition to tow truck training, Wreckmaster also offers a course called “Train the Trainer.” This course is designed for tow truck companies that want to train their own employees.
Tow Truck University
Tow Truck University is an online tow truck training program offered by Motor Club. The program offers both self-paced and live courses, so you can choose the type of training that best suits your needs.
The tow truck training program includes both a written exam and a skills test. Upon completion of the program, your employees will be certified to tow vehicles safely.
Community Colleges
Many community colleges offer tow truck courses and CDL training. Community college tow truck courses typically last for a few weeks and include both classroom and on-the-road training.
Before enrolling your employees in a tow truck course, be sure to check with the community college to see if they offer the type of training that your employees need.
Conclusion
There are many tow truck schools and training programs available to help you train your employees. In this article, we’ve discussed the different types of certifications that your tow truck drivers will need, as well as the top tow truck schools to train your employees. With the right training, your employees will be properly equipped to safely tow vehicles.