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Tow Truck Operator

Kaitaraiwa Taraka

Tow truck operators drive and operate trucks to tow vehicles that have broken down, been damaged or illegally parked.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements for tow truck operators, but English may be useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3

Useful experience

Useful experience for tow truck operators includes:

  • any work with vehicles
  • work as a truck driver or other driving experience
  • work with cranes or forklifts
  • mechanical work
  • customer service experience.

What you will do

Tow truck operators may do some or all of the following:

  • tow vehicles, such as those that are stolen, broken down or illegally parked, to places such as the towing company yard
  • remove vehicles from crash sites for the police
  • unlock vehicles (without keys)
  • jumpstart vehicles
  • keep records of vehicles that have been towed
  • deal with customers and take payments
  • maintain their tow truck.

Skills and knowledge

Tow truck operators need to have:

  • the ability to operate a tow truck safely and tow vehicles without damaging them
  • an understanding of the locking mechanisms of different types of vehicles
  • basic mechanical skills to fix minor mechanical problems or release handbrakes
  • knowledge of their local area.

If tow truck operators tow heavy vehicles, they need to know about the New Zealand Transport Agency's overweight and over-dimension vehicle policies and permits.

Pay

Tow truck drivers with one to two years' experience usually earn

$23-$25

per hour

Experienced tow truck operators can earn

$25-$35

per hour

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a tow truck operator are good due to high turnover and growing demand.
Length of training
<1
year of training required.

Industry

Transport and Logistics

Tow truck operators drive and operate trucks to tow vehicles that have broken down, been damaged or illegally parked.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a tow truck operator you need to have held a Class 1 (full) licence for two years before getting a vehicle recovery (V) endorsement.

Depending on the size of the tow truck you are driving and the vehicles you are towing, you may need a heavy vehicle licence.

If you want to set up your own tow truck business, you'll need a vehicle recovery service licence.

Chances of getting a job

Strong demand for tow truck drivers

Opportunities for tow truck drivers are good because:

  • people tend to stay in the job for a short time only, so vacancies are common
  • New Zealand's growing population means more cars and drivers are on the roads, resulting in more work for tow truck operators.

Your chances of securing a job are best if you can work weekend and evening shifts.

According to the Census, 315 tow truck operators worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Tow truck operators work for small businesses

Most tow truck companies are small businesses employing between five and 15 operators. Some large companies – particularly those in Auckland – employ over 60 staff.

Find out more about training

New Zealand Transport Authority
0800 822 422 - www.nzta.govt.nz

Progression and specialisations

Tow truck operators may progress into management roles or set up their own tow truck business.

They may also move into other transport-related jobs, such as heavy truck driving.

Working conditions

Tow truck operators:

  • usually do shift work, including nights or weekends, and are not allowed to work for more than 13 hours in one day or 70 hours in one week
  • work from their truck and depot, and outside on roadsides and in parking lots
  • work in conditions that can be hazardous, such as accident scenes and busy roads.

Physical Requirements

Tow truck operators need to be reasonably fit, as the job involves stretching, bending, lifting and climbing, especially in difficult salvage situations.

Tow truck operators must pass a medical test every five years.

Useful personal qualities

Tow truck operators need to be:

  • honest and reliable
  • calm, helpful and diplomatic when dealing with customers
  • good at record-keeping
  • efficient and able to work well under pressure.

Industry

Transport and Logistics

Tow truck operators drive and operate trucks to tow vehicles that have broken down, been damaged or illegally parked.

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