To drive a tow truck in the greater metropolitan area of Adelaide you must hold a tow truck certificate. Outside of metropolitan Adelaide a tow truck is driven according to its weight and a certificate is not required.
Requirements to obtain a tow truck certificate
To obtain a tow truck certificate, you must meet with following requirements:
- be at least 18 years old
- hold a current South Australian driver’s licence
- know the laws about driving and operating tow truck equipment
- be a ‘fit and proper person’. You can prove this with a national police certificate (available from any police station). It will take about seven to 10 working days before it is ready to collect.
Vehicles that are classed as a tow truck
A tow truck is defined as a vehicle that has been constructed or adapted for the specific purpose of towing or carrying another vehicle that cannot be driven on its own and is fitted with a winch or some type of lifting equipment. This includes trailers that are attached to another vehicle by a normal ball coupling.
How to apply for a tow truck certificate
Step 1: Complete and lodge the application forms.
You’ll need to:
- Go to a metropolitan Service SA customer service centre and ask for the tow truck certificate application forms (MR410, MR420 and MR428).
- Take your national police certificate and your driver’s licence.
Step 2: Arrange for an authorised officer to check your application.
Contact the:
Driver Development Centre
237 Oaklands Road, Oaklands Park
Telephone (08) 8374 5163
The authorised officer will determine whether you are eligible to be issued with a certificate. If you are eligible you will be issued a temporary tow truck certificate valid for a period of three months during which time you will need to complete a practical and proficiency test in a tow truck.
The temporary tow truck certificate will be restricted to driving a tow truck for any purpose other than attending crash sites.
Step 3: Pass the tow truck practical and proficiency test.
You’ll need to:
- Go to a Service SA customer service centre or to the Driver development centre to pay the fee for the test.
- Telephone 'Accident towing and investigations' to arrange a test date (08) 8374 5163.
For further information on the test, telephone (08) 8374 5100 and ask to discuss the test with an accreditation officer.
When you pass the test you will be issued with a tow truck certificate, which is valid for one year and renewable annually.
If you will be working for a business granted a position on the accident towing rosters you will need to be issued with an accident tow truck certificate. This incurs a higher fee than the trade only tow truck certificate.
For more information contact:
Accident towing and investigations
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure
237 Oaklands Road, Oaklands Park.
Telephone (08) 8374 5163