So, you want to become a tow truck driver in Sacramento and are not sure how to go about it? I’ve written down what I believe is what you need to know to get started.
Before I begin with the technical stuff, let me just say that there is more than just certification and licensing involved if you want to become a tow truck driver. It may seem like a great job to get away from the public and clear your head, but some jobs involve working with people who, for obvious reasons, are really stressed out and part of your job is to help them keep calm, while still carrying out your duties.
So, having good interpersonal skills is very important for this job.
It Can Be Dangerous
Also, being a tow truck driver can be dangerous. Other drivers on the roadside don’t slow down when they see a tow truck, so when we are out doing our jobs, we need to be extra cautious.
Now that I’ve got that out of the way, I have to say that with all the dangers related to the job I wouldn’t want any other job.
Still interested in Becoming a Tow truck Driver? Let’s go.
License Requirements
You must have a clean driver’s license and the DMV might perform a background check before issuing you a Class B license
If you want to be a tow truck driver in Sacramento, CA a permit is not required. But you must obtain a Class B driver’s license which is otherwise known as a commercial driver’s license. To get your Class B driver’s license, you need to pass a written examination as well as a pre-trip inspection and a skills examination. These are all administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
To start off go to the California Department of Motor Vehicles website where you can download the “Medical Examination Report form DL 51”. Take that to your doctor and have him conduct a physical examination and fill out the form. Once that is done you must take the form with you to the DMV office when you go to apply for your license.
At your local Sacramento DMV office fill out a “California Driver License Application form (DL 44 or DL 44C)” and submit the original (the DMV does not accept copies). If you have a valid driver’s license that was received in another state within ten years of the application date, you must complete and submit a “10 Year History Record Check form (DL 939).” Submit your “Medical Examination Report form DL 51” with the application.
You will have to give the DMV your date of birth, full legal name and social security number. Your picture and thumbprint will be taken, and you’ll pay for the Class B application fee.
You must then take (and pass) the “Traffic Laws and Signs” written test. You can find practice tests online. It’s important to know that you only have three chances to pass the test, so prepare yourself!
After you pass the test you will be issued a Class B permit. This allows you to drive a tow truck accompanied by a person with a Class B license.
Schedule an appointment to take the driving test with the California Department of Motor Vehicles Commercial Driver’s License office.
On the day of the test, bring a vehicle requiring a Class B license to the licensing office and before the actual driving test, you will need to pass a pre-trip inspection, where they test your knowledge of the vehicle. You will have three chances to pass these tests and once you pass you will be legally licensed to operate a tow truck in Sacramento, Ca.
