Published: July, 18 2026
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There is no single "tow truck licence" in Australia. To drive a tow truck doing accident recovery, you need two things: a standard heavy vehicle driver licence (MR or HR depending on the size of the truck) and separate driver accreditation from your state transport authority. In Victoria, the accident tow truck vehicle itself also needs its own accident towing licence - issued to the vehicle, not the driver - and that licence must be purchased from an existing holder.
Trade towing - breakdown recovery, private property towing, and general roadside assistance - is a different story. In Victoria, trade towing has been deregulated. You can do it with any suitable vehicle and a standard heavy vehicle licence, without needing accident tow truck accreditation.
These two types of towing have completely different rules. Mixing them up is the most common source of confusion for anyone getting into the industry. Getting this wrong can put you in breach of the Accident Towing Services Act 2007.
The licence class depends on the size of the tow truck you will be operating. Most medium and heavy tow trucks require HR. Light tow trucks used for small car recovery may qualify under MR. Check with your employer before you book a course.
Your MR or HR licence may carry a transmission condition in Victoria. Condition A covers automatic; condition B covers synchromesh. Most modern tow trucks run automatic gearboxes, but older heavy recovery trucks may use synchromesh.
Confirm with your training provider what vehicle is used in your assessment, and check with prospective employers what their fleet runs before you book.
Driver accreditation is the personal credential that lets you drive an accident tow truck and attend crash scenes. It is separate from the vehicle licence. Here is how to apply in Victoria.
| Step | What You Need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Hold a current driver licence | Full Victorian MR or HR licence | Must be full and current - not provisional or learner |
| 2. Criminal history consent | Consent form for Victoria Police check | Included in the accreditation form. All convictions and non-conviction matters may be considered |
| 3. Current passport photo | Recent photo showing full facial features | Prescription glasses must be worn if normally used |
| 4. Submit to VicRoads | Completed accident tow truck driver accreditation form with all attachments | Download from transport.vic.gov.au. VicRoads assesses within 30 days |
| 5. Trainee permit option | Available while your accreditation is being assessed | Lets you drive under supervision of an accredited driver while you wait |
Tow truck licensing is not nationally consistent. Each state runs its own framework and the rules vary significantly. Here is how the main states handle it.
Regulated under the Accident Towing Services Act 2007. Accident tow trucks display TOW or HTT plates. Both driver accreditation and vehicle licence required for accident towing. Trade towing is deregulated.
Tow trucks licensed by NSW Fair Trading under the Tow Truck Industry Act 1998. Category A licences (accident and trade towing) display 4-digit TT plates. Category B licences (trade towing only) display 3-digit TT or TTT plates. Annual HVAIS inspection required for licence renewal.
Regulated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Class 4 tow truck permit scheme. NHVR processes heavy tow truck permit applications in QLD.
New Towing Services Act 2024 and Towing Services Regulations 2025, in force January 2025. Sets maximum charges for light vehicle towing from crash scenes in Perth and Peel regions.
Tow truck driving is not just driving. You are often the first person on scene after a crash, before emergency services have fully cleared the area. The job involves vehicle recovery, roadside safety management, customer communication, and paperwork - all at the same time.
Accident towing is physically and mentally demanding. You are working around damaged vehicles, distressed motorists, traffic hazards, and time pressure. Experience behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle helps, but it is the combination of practical skills, situational awareness, and communication ability that makes a good tow truck operator.
Pay varies by state, employer, and whether you are doing accident towing or trade towing. Accident towing roles that cover night and weekend callouts attract penalty rates on top of the base hourly rate, which can significantly lift total take-home pay.
| Source | Reported Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indeed (May 2026) | $75,684/yr average | 39 salaries reported in Australia |
| SalaryExpert (2026) | $76,890/yr ($37/hr) | Entry $57,195 - Senior $85,887 |
| Payscale (2026) | $25.49/hr median | Range $21.26 - $33.63/hr |
| Jooble (July 2026) | $73,610/yr ($38.74/hr) | Aggregated from job ad data |
Penalty rates for night callouts, weekend work, and public holidays under the Road Transport Award can add meaningfully to the base figures above. Drivers who cover after-hours emergency callouts typically earn more than those on standard business-hours shifts.
More guides to help you plan your transport and heavy vehicle career:
Head of Sales & Business Development
Chris writes about trucking, logistics, and transport industry trends.
