Tow truck vehicle licence
To operate a vehicle as a tow truck providing accident towing services you will need a licence.
Accident Tow truck licences
There are a limited number of licences and these may be purchased from existing licence holders. The issue of any additional new licences can only be authorised by the Minister for Roads. Accident Tow Truck Licences do not expire, and remain in force until the licence is cancelled, surrendered or suspended.
Types of accident tow truck licences
There are two types of accident tow truck licences:
- regular tow truck licences
- heavy tow truck licences.
Regular accident tow truck licence
A Regular Tow Truck Licence may provide accident towing services to vehicles of any gross vehicle mass that the tow truck is capable of towing, subject to the conditions placed on the licence.
Heavy accident tow truck licence
A tow truck issued with a heavy accident tow truck licence can provide accident towing services to vehicles of a gross vehicle mass of 4 tonnes or more. This means that a heavy tow truck cannot tow a car, truck or other vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of less than 4 tonnes.
Acquiring or disposing of an accident tow truck licence
It is possible to enter into an agreement to transfer an existing licence, if the transfer is approved by The Department of Transport.
The transfer of an accident tow truck licence is from one person or company to another.
Transfer an accident tow truck licence
An accredited operator can purchase an existing tow truck licence from a current licence holder and apply to The Department of Transport for approval of the licence transfer.
If you are not an accredited operator you will need to apply to obtain your accreditation. To do this you will need to download and complete an Accident Towing Operator/Accident Towing Depot Manager application.
The application will need to be submitted via the online webpage along with all required supporting documents.
How to apply for a transfer of an accident tow truck licence
You need to download and complete an Application for Transfer of Tow Truck Licence/s
The application will need to be submitted via the online webpage along with all required supporting documents.
Additional information to support an application
You will need to provide a current National Police Certificate which was issued within the last six months, if you do not hold a current Drivers Accreditation. All company directors that do not hold a current Drivers Accreditation are required to supply a current National Police Certificate. The Department of Transport is unable to process your application without this certificate.
The Department of Transport has 30 days to assess your application. If additional information is required, this period may be extended. The Department of Transport will advise you in writing if this is the case.
Altering the depot or moving an accident tow truck licence
An accident tow truck licensed may be moved from one depot or area to another with the approval from The Department of Transport.
How to apply to alter the depot or move an accident tow truck licence
You need to download and complete an Application to Alter Specified Depot application.
The application will need to be submitted via the online webpage along with all required supporting documents.
Additional information to support an application
The premises of the proposed depot will require a letter from the relevant municipal council supporting the application. If the proposed depot is an active depot, please check with The Department of Transport if a letter has been provided in the last 5 years, if so a letter will not be required.