License type for tow truck driver in michigan

For example, tow companies in michigan need to follow specific procedures when responding to a complaint about an abandoned vehicle on private property. Apply to tow truck driver, recovery agent, truck driver and more. These licenses, however, are not all created equal. One of the largest benefits of working as a truck driver is the wide variety of job titles and specialized job types you can apply for. Each cdl classification is distinguished by the vehicles gross vehicle weight rating gvwr among other items.

It was incorporated in the mid 50s and has continued to be one of the leading towing organizations in the united states. A chauffeurs license must be obtained to drive any size motor. How to start a towing company in michigan bizfluent. Most people get this type of drivers license so that they can drive their personal vehicles. Aug 31, 2016 driving a tow truck is used for the movement of improperly parked, disabled, or impounded motor vehicles. Have a valid drivers license and clean driving record. Truck drivers guidebook michigan center for truck safety.

Michigan cdl requirements for outofstate residents and transfers. Regulations are specific to the equipment and vehicles used to tow, as well as the circumstance. The law now defines a wrecker as a truck that has a permanentlyaffixed hoist, towing apparatus, or selfloading flatbed platform wrecker. Drivers must have a valid tow truck driver s license.

If your license is present or did not expire more than two years prior, it will be only a straight swap. In addition to carefully studying your states driver handbook, these tests will give you an idea about the types of questions you may see on the actual written test. The requirements will vary based on the state youre trying to get the license in but typically you. Commercial truck driving can be a rewarding career, especially if you really enjoy driving and dont mind spending long periods of time away from home. This ensures that the tow truck driver has several years of driving experience. Getting your standard state issued driver s license is an easy step to becoming a tow truck driver. Research what it takes to become an armored truck driver.

All drivers of commercial motor vehicles cmvs must have a commercial drivers license cdl. With a class b cdl and the appropriate endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles. Has a current valid license for the type of vehicle operated as per uca 533, uniform drivers license act. The two types of tow truck licenses are consent or nonconsent licenses. In michigan, most towtruck drivers will need a class b cdl because the gross combination weight rating will likely be more than 26,001 pounds, which is the minimum weight for needing a cdl in this state for commercial tow vehicles. Colorado issues a drivers license for operators age 21 and older, m class. The commercial class b license allows you to operate vehicles up to a certain amount for instance, 26,000 lbs. Group a to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating gcwr of 26,001 pounds or more including a towed trailer or vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating gvwr of more than 10,000 pounds. To get a commercial driver s license, drivers have to go through in person training, take a written exam and pass a driver s test. State laws differ on whether tow truck drivers need specific towing certification, but most states do require this before a driver can gain employment. Some states require all professional tow truck drivers to obtain a commercial license regardless of the weight they intend to tow. Single vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating gvwr of 26,001 pounds or more. How to get your registered tow truck operator license. The michigan towing association is the oldest association of wrecker companies in the united states, with its genesis occurring in 1941.

Class a and class b licenses are usually needed to tow large rvs and to drive large motorhomes. Mar 24, 2009 in michigan you have to have a proper driver s license class c or cdl, depending on what kind of wrecker you ae driving, a business license, a dot number for the vehicle, proper insurance vehicle, liability, etc. And in many states, legally operating a pickup andor a trailer combo exceeding 26,000 pounds may require a commercial drivers license cdl. These drivers may have involvement with the recovery of vehicles which have been damaged in accidents, the return of vehicles to a solid driving surface in inclement weather, the towing or transportation of vehicles to repair shops or any other location. A michigan resident needs a cdl with the appropriate group designation as follows. Keep in mind that the cdl classification you apply for will determine not only the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive. Commonwealth of virginia department of criminal justice services. Nov 22, 2019 michigan tow truck laws govern the towing industry and define what tow truck operators can and cannot do in certain situations.

This manual is a study guide for passing the written knowledge tests and the cdl skills test. Possess a valid drivers license for the type of vehicle heshe is to operate. If you dont have one already, you should check with your states dmv to see what kind of license youll need when starting a tow truck business. A description of any endorsements you have is printed on the back of your photo license document. Tow truck driver requirements truck driving school hq. Michigan towing association membership information. This would include a pickup truck, being used commercially, towing a trailer. Tow truck motor carriers are required to ensure that the driver of a tow truck. To obtain a cdl for tow trucks, candidates need either a type a cdl or a type b license. You need a license to drive a tow truck in michigan. Getting your standard state issued drivers license is an easy step to becoming a tow truck driver.

In most states, tow truck drivers need a class b license. Apply to tow truck driver, recovery agent and more. The requirements for getting a license vary from state to state. State tow truck law remains relatively flexible to best.

W tow truck x endorsements give you extra driving privileges. License endorsement codes are printed on the front of your license on the line under the expiration date field, after the letter e. Commercial drivers practice tests cdl we offer a series of dmv practice tests to help you prepare for your commercial driver license test. The word nonresident must be conspicuously and unmistakably displayed, but may be noncontiguous with the words commercial drivers license or cdl. The type of vehicle you intend to operate dictates your cdl classification, and vice versa. Original tow truckbusinessoperatorequipment inspection report issued by inspecting officer from the washington state patrol. A type b license is for combination vehicles towing less than 10,000 lbs. Any michigan resident who intends to operate the following commercial vehicles is required to have a commercial driver license. A class b license usually allows drivers to operate a vehicle weigh more than 26,000 pounds or a vehicle that is towing another vehicle that weighs 10,000 pounds or less. Type a is for combination vehicles weighing in excess of 26,001 lbs. It is a class 3 misdemeanor to drive a tow truck without having a valid license or dcjs registration.

Types of drivers licenses aaa digest of motor laws. A class b drivers license authorizes the holder to operate a vehicle with a gvwr of more than 26,000 lbs. The indiana code outlines provisions for tow trucks to ensure disabled vehicles are moved in a manner that doesnt pose a danger to others on state roadways. In many cases, the need for a tow truck driver stems from a vehicle. Learn about the job responsibilities, licensure and certification requirements, along with salary information, to find out if this is the career for you. Mar 18, 2019 a standard drivers license is a class c license. Any out of state license you presently hold must be converted to a michigan issued license. Mar 28, 2020 a class b commercial driver s license is required to operate a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds. A class a drivers license authorizes the holder to operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating gvwr of 26,001 lbs. A vehicle including buses having a gvwr of 26,001 pounds or more. A commercial class c license can contain endorsements that allow the driver to transport hazardous materials or more than 16 passengers. Current drivers license you must hold a motor vehicle drivers license that is valid under new york state law, shows tow truck operator endorsement e.

In most cases, youre going to need to have a commercial drivers license to drive a tow truck. License classes are based on the size of the vehicle you wish to drive or the weight of the trailer you wish to tow. A class b commercial drivers license is required to operate a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds. To drive certain types of commercial motor vehicles in the united states, the federal government requires drivers to possess a commercial drivers license cdl. Obtain and maintain a certification from one of the accepted certification courses. No passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or rv may tow more than one other vehicle without a commercial class a license with the proper endorsement. Names and addresses of all employees wholl drive a tow truck.

Each of the major pickup manufacturers now offers oneton dually pickups with a gross combined weight rating gcwr of more than 26,000 pounds. Most tow truck companies also require their drivers to have at least a high school diploma or ged. Whale article first published in 2011 most contractors are towing equipment trailers of one sort or another and they do so without giving a second thought about their drivers license. Tow truck drivers are required to have their tow truck driver registration document in their possession when driving a tow truck. Must have a valid drivers license and excellent driving. A driver with an michigan class b cdl plus appropriate endorsements can. To get a cdl, you will need to pass written knowledge tests, a skills test and a dot physical examination. In some cases, these jobs require specialized training or additional education.

A class a commercial drivers license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight of at least 26,001 pounds, including a towed vehicle heavier than 10,000 pounds. How to get your registered tow truck operator license statece. A tow truck business owner must know how to and be legally licensed to operate a tow truck. The type of license required to drive a tow truck depends on the state and the size of the tow truck.

Most tow companies will also take a look at their prospective employees personal driving record. The michigan towing association has gathered to use its strength in numbers to work with the michigan state legislature and with the michigan state police to improve wrecker operations throughout the state of michigan. Gcwr of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gcwr of the vehicle being towed is in excess of. Dcjs will automatically be notified once you have been fingerprinted. State license search towing service state of michigan. Please print or type all answers, do not use pencil, make sure application is signed and dated.

Flat bed drivers generally required a cdl where as claw truck drivers generally can use their. Mar 12, 2020 what is a commercial drivers license, exactly. Potential tow truck drivers will also need to decide what type of tow truck. Drivers who need a chauffeur license may also need a commercial driver license cdl to operate.

What license do you need to drive a tow truck answers. A vehicle towing a trailer or other vehicle with a gvwr of 10,001 pounds or more when the gcwr is 26,001 pounds or more. Our 2020 big guide to rv driver license requirements never. Sos cdl group designations and endorsements michigan.