Driving a tow truck in California requires you to obtain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and the proper endorsements. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers two types of endorsements for driving a tow truck: Class A and Class B. To obtain either endorsement, you must pass both the written and road tests.
To start, you’ll need to decide which type of CDL you need. Class A is required for vehicles that weigh more than 26,001 pounds with a trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds. If your vehicle weighs less than 26,001 pounds but still has a trailer that weighs more than 10,000 pounds, then you’ll need to get the Class B endorsement. You can use either class for vehicles that only weigh up to 26,001 pounds and don’t have a trailer attached.
Once you’ve decided on the type of CDL you need, the next step is to take the written test at your local DMV office. You must pass this test before taking the road test.
The written test covers topics such as vehicle safety, proper cargo loading/unloading procedures, and traffic laws. The DMV also offers practice tests online so you can prepare ahead of time.
Once you’ve passed the written exam, it’s time to take the road test. This is usually done at your local DMV office or at an approved third-party testing center. During this test, an examiner will evaluate your driving skills by having you perform tasks such as backing up, parallel parking and making turns in traffic.
Conclusion: In summary, if you want to drive a tow truck in California then you must obtain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with either a Class A or Class B endorsement. You must first pass the written exam before taking the road test at your local DMV office or at an approved third-party testing center.
