About this Course

Our Tow Truck training course complies with current regulations, and our online version meets classroom training requirements. Each lesson covers anatomy and pre-shift inspections, safe operations, typical dangers, and other relevant topics. 

We will look at the basic anatomy and components of tow trucks throughout this course. In addition, we will concentrate on components that must be evaluated during pre-shift inspections. Following that, we'll go over safe tow truck operation practices.

This will cover fundamentals such as how to use your tow truck safely, as well as measures to keep you safe on the jobsite. We will discuss common hazards causing injuries or fatalities and their prevention, avoidance, or reduction, using case studies based on actual accident profiles to emphasize the significance of safe operations. 

This course meets the following OSHA requirements:

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 – General Industry

29 CFR 1910.132 – PPE General Requirements

29 CFR 1910.212 – General Requirements for All Machines

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 – Construction Industry

29 CFR 1926.600 – Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment, and Marine Operations

Title 49 CFR – Transportation

49 CFR 383.91- Operators of vehicles over 26,000 LBS must possess a CDL.

49 CFR 396.11- CDL operators must conduct a pre-shift inspection

49 CFR 395.8 – CDL operators must keep a logbook

49 CFR 390.21- CMVs must have an official DOT number

Topics Covered

Overview of the Course  

Introduction to the Equipment  

Anatomy  

Operator Prerequisites 

Pre-shift inspections  

Safe Traveling  

Towing a Vehicle  

Common Hazards  

Accident Profiles  

Safe Operation 

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: 

Understand the common hazards associated with tow truck driving  

Recognize and mitigate hazards before they happen  

Understand proper roadside safety  

Understand the importance of standard operating and pre-operative procedures 

Expertise on the equipment you operate  

Safely operate your equipment  

Determine when and how to safely withdraw an automobile off a road by assessing the safety of various conditions. 

How Long Will It Take to Complete the Course?   

Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 90 – 120 min.   

Who Should Take This Course?   

This course is designed for employees and supervisors.   

Does This Course Meet OSHA Requirements?   

This course is aligned with OSHA standard training requirements to cover: 

CFR 1910.132 – PPE General Requirements 

CFR 1910.212 – General Requirements for All Machines 

CFR 1926.600 – Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment, and Marine Operations 

CFR 383.91- Operators of vehicles over 26,000 LBS must possess a CDL. 

CFR 396.11- CDL operators must conduct a pre-shift inspection 

CFR 395.8 – CDL operators must keep a logbook 

CFR 390.21- CMVs must have an official DOT number 

Do I need a CDL to drive and operate a Tow Truck? 

Whether or not you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is dependent on the state you are working in. Many companies require a CDL, regardless of the state or the weight of the loads being town. 

Typically, a CDL is required when the Gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) exceeds 26,000 pounds (about the weight of a school bus). Towing trucks can vary in size, weight, and loads, making it essential to obtain a CDL regardless of local regulations. To get a CDL, one must pass a skills test consisting of a vehicle inspection, basic controls test, and a road test. 

What is a Tow Truck Driver? 

Tow truck operators are skilled drivers capable of operating various tow vehicles and machinery, often holding a commercial driver's license (CDL) and some may be OSHA certified to drive tow trucks. 

What Do They Do?  

Tow truck operators assist stranded or broken-down drivers by loading, moving, and unloading abandoned or illegally parked cars. Drivers assess safety situations to determine when and how to safely remove a car from the road.