Are you considering a career change and wondering if becoming a tow truck driver is the right move for you? Towing can be an excellent career choice that offers flexibility, job stability, and opportunities for advancement. As a tow truck driver, you have control over your workday – with some drivers opting to do their hours and go home, while others prefer to make more money and stay out a little longer. As you gain experience and skills, you can even become an owner-driver and run your own towing business. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of becoming a tow truck driver and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your future career.
Job Description
As a tow truck driver, your primary responsibility is to move vehicles that have broken down, been in accidents, or have been illegally parked. This requires you to operate a tow truck and other equipment, as well as use a range of tools to secure the vehicle onto the tow truck safely. Additionally, you’ll need to maintain accurate records of the vehicles you tow, including the location and reason for the tow.
There are several different types of towing jobs that you may encounter as a tow truck driver. The most common types include light-duty towing, medium-duty towing, and heavy-duty towing. Light-duty towing involves moving passenger vehicles, such as cars and trucks, while medium-duty towing may involve larger vehicles like buses or RVs. Heavy-duty towing is typically reserved for commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers and requires specialised equipment and training. In addition to these standard towing jobs, you may also be called upon to provide other services, such as jump-starts, lockouts, and tyre changes.
Requirements
To operate a tow truck, you will need to hold a Medium Rigid (MR) driver’s license or higher, which requires passing a written and practical test. Additionally, tow truck drivers must pass a background check and meet certain health standards.
A key requirement to joining our team at Combined Towing is undergoing our driver training program, which includes:
- Driver training video
- Mandatory on-board driving test with an experienced instructor
- Induction manual
- Customer Service course
Physical requirements for tow truck drivers in NSW include being in good physical condition, as the job may require lifting heavy equipment or maneuvering vehicles in tight spaces. Excellent hand-eye coordination is also important when using tow truck equipment.
Personal requirements for tow truck drivers include strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations. Tow truck drivers must interact with clients who may be upset or anxious due to accidents or breakdowns and must be able to provide clear instructions while demonstrating empathy and understanding.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Tow Truck Driver
Pros of Becoming a Tow Truck Driver:
- Job stability due to a constant need for tow truck services
- Flexible scheduling options
- Potential to work as an independent contractor and set your own schedule
- Opportunity for career advancement within the industry
- Potential for high earnings, especially with experience and specialised skills
Cons of Becoming a Tow Truck Driver:
- Physical demands of the job, including heavy lifting and long periods of standing or walking
- Potential for hazardous working conditions, such as working in traffic or inclement weather
- Dealing with upset or anxious clients in stressful situations
- Need for a clean driving record and passing background checks
- Working irregular hours, including weekends and holidays
Training and Certification
Tow truck drivers must hold a Medium Rigid (MR) driver’s license or higher to operate a tow truck. To obtain an MR license, drivers must complete a heavy vehicle driver training program, which covers topics such as vehicle safety, towing techniques, and relevant laws and regulations. The training program must be completed through a registered training organization (RTO) that is approved by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), the governing body for driver licensing in New South Wales.
In addition to completing the training program, tow truck drivers must also pass a written and practical test to obtain their MR license. They must also pass a background check, including a criminal background check of major crimes committed in the past 10 years, and meet certain health and fitness standards.
To operate a tow truck, tow truck drivers must also obtain a towing license. This license is obtained through the Department of Fair Trading.
The Pros of Working with Combined Towing
Becoming a tow truck driver can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. At Combined Towing, our amazing team of tow truck drivers work tirelessly to provide top-notch towing and recovery services to our clients. We pride ourselves on our commitment to safety, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. We also offer many perks for our tow truck drivers, including the opportunity for our employees to take their trucks home so they can start their first job of the day from their home and return upon the completion of their final job for the day.
In your first week with us, you will be eased into the job by being placed with one of our existing drivers until you become comfortable with the type of work and responsibility. So, if you are considering a career as a tow truck driver, we encourage you to join our team today and experience the satisfaction that comes from helping others in need while driving some of the most powerful tow trucks on the road.
