How to Become a Tow Truck Driver in Rhode Island
If your car has ever broken down on the side of the road or you have been in an accident, you know how important tow drivers are. Rhode Island requires its tow truck drivers to be at least 18, hold a regular license for two years, pass a medical exam and have no other current driver's license after they obtain their commercial driver's license. The type of CDL you need depends on the type of vehicle you are driving, the weight of the vehicle you are towing and whether you cross state lines while driving a commercial vehicle.
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Instructions
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Attend a driver's training school to learn the laws concerning commercial drivers. Take a Class A license instructional course if you plan to tow vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds or cross state lines. Take a Class B instructional course if you plan to tow vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 pounds and remain in Rhode Island. You cannot learn to drive a commercial tow truck until you pass the written exam for your license.
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Receive your medical certificate. The cost of the examination to receive your medical card varies according to the facility that provides the exam. The examination tests your blood pressure, vision, hearing and includes a urinalysis to test for diabetes.
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Apply to take your written exams at the Division of Motor Vehicles in Cranston, Rhode Island. Receive your permit after passing the written exams with a score of at least 80 percent. The number of exams you must take depends on the type of license you are receiving. You must take the General Knowledge exam to receive a Class B license.
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Finish your training class to receive experience driving a commercial truck.
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Apply to take your skills test at the Community College of Rhode Island after passing the written exam. The college gives skills tests at the Davisville Industrial Park in Quonset, Rhode Island. Make at least 80 percent on your skills test.
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Look in Rhode Island newspapers and perform online searches for Rhode Island tow truck driving jobs. Apply for available positions. Receive on-the-job training once you begin your employment.
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Tips & Warnings
The cost to obtain your CDL varies based on what license you are applying to receive. A Class B license costs $120.
Receiving your Class A license allows you to drive any commercial vehicles legally.
Applications for commercial drivers require that you include your work history for the past 10 years. If you have not been working for 10 years, list what you were doing when you were not working. For example, if you were in school, write that you were in school and the dates of attendance. If you were unemployed, write that you were unemployed and include the dates.
You cannot have any license suspensions or revocations within the two years prior to applying for your CDL.
While the urinalysis for your medical certificate does not test for illegal drugs, all employers must send you for a drug test and receive the negative results back before allowing you to drive a commercial tow truck. The employer must pay for the prehire test.
