Career guide

Tow truck driver: career guide and training

As a tow truck driver you operate and drive recovery vehicles to move cars, trailers, aircraft and other loads according to the safety rules.

What will you do?

In this role, often called a towing chauffeur or breakdown recovery driver, you agree the job details with the customer, prepare your equipment and check that the vehicle is fit to run before you set off. You make heavy machines ready for transport, register the data of each recovery and always work safely. The work belongs to the transport and logistics sector, where reliable towing keeps roads and sites in Belgium moving.

  • Agree the recovery details with the customer
  • Prepare the equipment for the job
  • Check that the vehicle is in working order
  • Make heavy machines ready for transport
  • Drive the tow vehicle safely to the destination
  • Register the data of each recovery
  • Work according to the safety rules

Skills to develop

  • Basic vehicle maintenance and load-securing skills
  • Good physical condition for handling heavy loads
  • Attention to safety and road regulations
  • Reliability and calm under time pressure

Your foundation for this occupation

Ask about recovery type. Cars, heavy vehicles and specialist moves need different equipment and practice. Check driving category and training. Van experience does not automatically qualify you for recovery equipment.

From preparation to your first day

  1. Develop the practical skills

    Clarify location, vehicle, condition and destination. Practise equipment checks under supervision. Follow site and communication arrangements. Refer unclear assignments before starting.

  2. Check your work

    Document vehicle condition and handover through procedure. Confirm destination and customer against the order. Report additional damage factually. Explain calmly to a stressed customer what is confirmed.

How can you grow?

Specialise by vehicle, roadside support or planning. Ask about nights, weekends and difficult-location support. Aircraft towing is a separate application; describe experience precisely.

Frequently asked questions

Is towing mainly driving?

No. Preparation, equipment, assignment assessment and handover are substantial. Driving is necessary, but task training defines your work.

Sources and training

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