Tow truck driver accreditation and trainee permit
Accreditation helps ensure that accident tow truck drivers do their job to an acceptable standard. Tow truck drivers who attend accident scenes must perform their duties safely and efficiently, and in accordance with the law.
It is illegal to drive a licensed accident tow truck unless you are an accredited tow truck driver.
It is illegal to accompany the driver of a licensed tow truck unless you are an accredited driver.
Who can apply for accident tow truck driver accreditation?
Anyone can apply to get an accident tow truck driver accreditation or a tow truck trainee permit, providing they hold a current Victorian driver licence.
Note: Drivers of non-accident tow trucks (those with TT number plates or plain number plates) do not need to be accredited.
Accident Tow truck driver accreditation compliance
Tow truck drivers must comply with:
- the Accident Towing Services Act 2007
- the Accident Towing Services Regulations 2019
- any conditions on your accreditation certificate
- all applicable State and Federal laws, such as occupational health and safety and road safety.
Exceptions
You are not required to hold an accident tow truck driver accreditation or a tow truck trainee permit if you:
- are the driver or passenger of a vehicle being towed (or about to be towed)
- are (in certain circumstances) repairing, maintaining or testing the tow truck.
How to apply for an accident tow truck driver accreditation
Applications must be submitted online via the website
You must upload your completed form and supporting documents.
The application form can be downloaded from the tow truck accreditation form webpage.
The following supporting documents are required with the completed application form:
- Original National Police Certificate not more than 6 months old as of issue date of certificate (National Police certificates done via an online provider are accepted, please make sure that the provider is ACIC accredited).
- A copy of your driver’s licence
- Two colour passport size photos
VicRoads has 30 days to assess your application. If additional information is required, this period may be extended. VicRoads will advise you in writing if this is the case.
Accident Tow truck trainee permit
An accident tow truck trainee permit is available for drivers who wish to get on the job training in the provision of accident towing services prior to applying for accreditation. The permit is valid for 60 days.
To ensure drivers receive adequate training, applications for an accident tow truck trainee permits must be sponsored by an accredited operator or depot manager.
During the course of the permit, trainees must always be supervised and accompanied by an accredited tow truck driver when providing accident towing services.
How to apply for an accident tow truck trainee permit
Applications must be submitted online via the website
You must upload your completed form and supporting documents.
The application form can be downloaded from the tow truck accreditation form webpage.
The following supporting documents are required with the completed application form:
- Original National Police Certificate not more than 6 months old as of issue date of certificate (National Police certificates done via an online provider are accepted, please make sure that the provider is ACIC accredited).
- A copy of your driver’s licence
- Two colour passport size photos
VicRoads has 30 days to assess your application. If additional information is required, this period may be extended. VicRoads will advise you in writing if this is the case.