What License Do I Need to Drive a Recovery Truck?
Your complete guide to getting behind the wheel of a roadside‑recovery vehicle, no matter where you are.
Introduction
If you’ve ever watched a bright‑orange recovery truck pull a broken‑down car onto the shoulder of a highway, you’ve probably wondered: What kind of licence does the driver need?
The answer isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all. It depends on the size of the vehicle, the weight it can tow, the country (or even the state/province) you’re in, and whether you’ll be working as a professional driver or just helping a friend. In this post we’ll break down every scenario – from a small “flat‑bed” van that can haul a sedan to a heavy‑duty recovery lorry that hauls trucks and trailers – and give you a clear checklist of the licences, endorsements, and other requirements you’ll need to legally and safely hit the road.
1. The Basics: A Standard Car Licence Isn’t Enough
| Vehicle Type | Typical Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | Typical Tow Rating | Licence Needed (most jurisdictions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small recovery van (e.g., Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter) | ≤ 3,500 kg | ≤ 3,500 kg | Category B (standard car licence) |
| Medium‑size recovery truck (e.g., 7‑ton tipper with winch) | 3,500 – 7,500 kg | Up to 7,500 kg | Category C1 (or equivalent) |
| Heavy‑duty recovery lorry (e.g., 18‑ton “recovery cab‑over”) | > 7,500 kg | > 7,500 kg | Category C (or CDL Class A) |
| Recovery truck pulling a trailer (e.g., a 7‑ton unit with a 12‑ton trailer) | > 7,500 kg + trailer | Any | Category C+E (or CDL Class A with trailer endorsement) |
Key takeaway:
- If the vehicle’s GVW is under 3.5 t and you’re not towing a trailer, a regular car licence (Category B in the UK/EU, Class C in many U.S. states) will usually suffice.
- Once you cross that 3.5 t threshold, you need a higher‑rank commercial licence.
2. United Kingdom (and EU) – The “Category” System
| Category | Minimum Age | What It Covers | Typical Recovery Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | 17 | Cars & vans up to 3,500 kg GVW; can tow trailer ≤ 750 kg | Small van with a 1‑ton winch – perfect for car‑to‑car recovery |
| C1 | 18 | Vehicles 3,500–7,500 kg GVW; can tow trailer ≤ 750 kg | Mid‑size flat‑bed recovery trucks that haul SUVs and small trucks |
| C | 21 (or 18 with CPC) | Vehicles > 3,500 kg GVW; no trailer limit | Full‑size recovery lorries that pull broken trucks |
| C+E | 21 (or 18 with CPC) | Any combination of Category C vehicle + trailer over 750 kg | Heavy‑duty recovery units pulling a separate crane or container trailer |
| D1/D | 24 (or 21 with CPC) | Buses – not needed for recovery unless you run a passenger‑shuttle‑type service |
Additional UK Requirements
- Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) – Required for anyone driving a commercial vehicle over 3.5 t that transports goods or passengers for hire or reward. Most recovery companies will ask you to have a CPC even if you’re only transporting non‑paying vehicles, because the work is classified as “goods for hire.”
- Medical Exam – A DVLA‑approved medical assessment (Category C and C+E require a Class 2 medical, which is more thorough than the standard Category B medical).
- Recovery‑Specific Training – Not a legal licence, but many employers require a recognized “Vehicle Recovery” course (e.g., the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR) Level 3 Award). This covers winch operation, safety zones, and legal responsibilities under the Road Traffic Act.
3. United States – The Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL)
In the U.S., the licence you need is determined by weight and combination rules that vary slightly by state, but the federal standard is the CDL (Commercial Driver’s Licence). The three main classes are:
| CDL Class | GVW / Combination | Typical Recovery Use |
|---|---|---|
| Class B | Single vehicle > 26,001 lb (≈ 11.8 t) or combination ≤ 26,001 lb with trailer ≤ 10,000 lb | Light‑to‑medium recovery rigs (e.g., a 7‑ton flat‑bed that can tow a stalled pickup) |
| Class A | Any combination where the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) > 26,001 lb and the trailer > 10,000 lb | Heavy‑duty recovery trucks pulling trailers, tow‑behind crane units, or “wrecker” rigs |
| Class C | Vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers or hazardous materials | Rarely needed for recovery, unless you’re also a passenger‑shuttle driver |
Endorsements that matter for recovery work
| Endorsement | Letter | What it allows | When you need it |
|---|---|---|---|
| T – Tanker | T | Transporting bulk liquids | Only if you’ll ever haul fuel for winches or generators |
| N – Passenger | N | Transporting 16+ passengers | Never for a pure recovery role |
| H – Hazardous Materials | H | Carrying hazardous substances | Needed if you haul chemicals, batteries, etc. |
| X – Combination of Tanker & Hazardous | X | Both T and H | Same as above |
State‑Specific Nuances
- California: Requires a “Heavy Vehicle Operation” endorsement (Class C) for any vehicle over 10 t, even if you have a federal CDL.
- Texas: Allows a “Recreational Vehicle” (RV) endorsement for certain light recovery rigs under 26,001 lb — useful for “RV Recovery” specialists.
- New York: Mandates a “Vehicle Recovery” endorsement (not a formal letter, but a separate training certificate) for any driver who performs recovery on public highways.
Medical & Testing
- DOT Physical – All CDL holders must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam (Class III for Class B, Class II for Class A).
- Knowledge & Skills Test – You’ll need to pass the standard CDL written test plus a road skills test in the specific vehicle class you’ll drive.
4. Canada – Provincial Commercial Licences
The Canadian system mirrors the U.S. CDL but uses Class designations that differ province‑to‑province.
| Province | Class | GVW/Combination | Typical Recovery Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | G (standard) | ≤ 11 t | Small recovery vans (no trailer) |
| D | > 11 t | Medium‑size recovery trucks | |
| A | Combination > 11 t + trailer | Heavy‑duty recovery rigs | |
| British Columbia | 5 (standard) | ≤ 11 t | Small vans |
| 2 (truck) | > 11 t | Medium trucks | |
| 1 (tractor‑trailer) | Combination > 11 t | Heavy rigs |
All provinces require a medical exam and a “Road Test” in the vehicle class you intend to drive. Some provinces (e.g., Alberta) also demand a Vehicle Recovery Operator Certificate issued by the Motor Vehicle Industry Council (MVIC).
5. What About “Amateur” Recovery? (Friends, Family, Small Business)
If you’re not a full‑time professional but still want to legally help others:
| Scenario | Licence Needed | Extra Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Pulling your own car with a winch | Category B (UK) / Class D (US) – as long as the towing vehicle stays under 3.5 t (UK) / 26,001 lb (US) | Ensure the winch is rated for the weight, use proper anchoring, and follow local “towing on public roads” rules. |
| Running a one‑person roadside‑assist business with a 3‑ton van | Category C1 (UK) or Class B (US) if GVW < 26,001 lb | Register the business, get public liability insurance, and possibly a roadside‑assist operator permit (some US states require a separate “Tow Truck Operator” licence). |
| Operating a full‑scale recovery service | Category C+E / Class A + CPC (UK) or CDL A + any required endorsements (US) | Obtain commercial insurance, a “roadside‑service” licence (if your state requires it), and complete recognized recovery training. |
Bottom line: Even if the law says a standard licence is enough, most insurers and professional bodies will require you to hold the appropriate commercial licence and training to stay covered.
6. Step‑by‑Step Checklist: “I Want to Drive a Recovery Truck”
1️⃣ Identify the Vehicle You’ll Drive
- Weight (GVW) of the truck itself.
- Maximum tow rating – what you’ll be pulling.
- Will you use a trailer? (If yes, you’ll need a combination licence.)
2️⃣ Match the Vehicle to the Licence Category
| GVW / Combination | UK Licence | US CDL | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 3.5 t, no trailer | B | Class D (no CDL) | G/5 |
| 3.5 t – 7.5 t, no trailer | C1 | Class B | D/2 |
| > 7.5 t, no trailer | C | Class B (or A if > 26,001 lb) | A/1 |
| Any truck + trailer | C+E | Class A | A (combo) |
3️⃣ Get the Required Medical Clearance
- UK: DVLA Class 2 medical for C/C+E.
- US: DOT physical (Class II for Class A, Class III for Class B).
- Canada: Provincial medical exam (often a “Class 1” exam for heavy vehicles).
4️⃣ Pass the Knowledge Test
- Study the Highway Code (UK) or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (US).
- Many jurisdictions have a dedicated “Recovery/Heavy Vehicle” module.
5️⃣ Complete the Practical Skills Test
- Usually performed in the exact class of vehicle you’ll be licensed for.
- Bring a winch/anchor if the test includes recovery‑specific maneuvers (some states require this).
6️⃣ Add Endorsements (if required)
- UK: CPC, “Category C+E” endorsement.
- US: “T” (if you ever transport fuel), “H” (hazardous), or a state‑specific recovery endorsement (e.g., Ohio “Tow Truck” endorsement).
7️⃣ Get Formal Recovery Training
- UK: IVR Level 3 Award in Vehicle Recovery (highly regarded).
- US: “Roadside Assistance Operator” certification from the National Association of Tow Truck Operators (NATTO) or a community college program.
- Canada: MVIC “Vehicle Recovery Operator” certificate.
8️⃣ Secure Proper Insurance
- Public liability (minimum £2 m in the UK, $1 m in the US).
- Vehicle insurance that covers towing and recovery activities.
- Employers often require a Professional Indemnity policy for contractors.
9️⃣ Keep Records Up‑to‑Date
- Licence renewal (usually every 5 years).
- CPC refresher (every 5 years in the UK).
- Medical exam (every 2 years for heavy‑vehicle licences).
7. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I drive a 4‑ton recovery van with just a normal car licence? | In the UK & EU – no; you need Category C1. In the US – you need a Class B CDL if GVW > 26,001 lb. |
| Do I need a special licence to use a winch? | No separate licence, but you must be trained in winch safety. Many employers make a winch‑operation course a condition of employment. |
| What if I only tow cars on private property? | Private‑property towing usually doesn’t require a commercial licence, but you must still hold a licence that covers the vehicle you’re driving (e.g., B or C1). |
| Is a CPC required for every recovery driver? | In the UK, a CPC is mandatory for anyone driving a Category C or C+E vehicle for hire or reward. Many recovery firms treat all drivers as “for hire,” so a CPC is almost always required. |
| Can a foreign licence be used? | Most countries recognize a full licence from another EU state, Canada, or the US for up to 12 months. After that you’ll need to exchange it for a local licence (and possibly take a medical/knowledge test). |
8. Bottom Line: Choose the Right Licence, Train, and Stay Covered
Driving a recovery truck is a rewarding career that blends mechanical know‑how, quick decision‑making, and a love of the open road. The most important first step is matching your vehicle to the correct licence class—whether that’s Category B in the UK, a Class B CDL in the US, or a Class D licence in Canada.
From there, it’s all about safety and compliance:
- Medical fitness – Keep your health certificate current.
- Professional training – A recognized recovery course will make you a safer driver and boost employability.
- Insurance & paperwork – You’ll need the right commercial policies and possibly a CPC or equivalent.
Once you’ve ticked those boxes, you’ll be legally cleared to pull, lift, and winch stranded vehicles from motorways, industrial sites, and remote rural lanes—all while staying on the right side of the law.
Ready to hit the road?
If you’re serious about starting a recovery‑truck career, download our free “Recovery Driver Checklist” (PDF) and print it out. Keep it in your glove compartment and watch your progress from “just a licence” to “fully qualified recovery professional.”
Safe travels and happy recovering!