How to Get Tow Truck Certifications for California

Part of becoming a legally licensed tow truck driver entails meeting the requirements of the state that you operate in. In California, the requirements are not difficult to fulfill. Even so, there are classes available to help you learn more about towing so that you will be a more desirable certified tow truck operator to a potential employer.

• 1

  Apply for a license that will certify you to drive a tow truck. Depending on the type of tow truck you are going to drive, the type of license may differ. Operating a normal one-car tow truck does not require a special license, but operating a tow truck that carries two or more cars requires a CDL, or commercial driver's license.

• 2

  Order a background check from the Department of Justice or Federal Bureau of Investigations. A tow truck driver in California cannot have been convicted of any felonies or three misdemeanors.

• 3

  Apply for tow truck certification. You will initially receive a temporary certification. Once the background check is received, the temporary certification will become a five-year certification that will expire on the same date the license expires.