Online Towing Training
The Ontario Tow Truck Driver Certification Program has been developed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely and professionally perform towing, roadside assistance, transportation, and recovery operations.
The program combines online learning and practical hands-on training to support the development of competent tow truck drivers who can operate safely, professionally, and in compliance with Ontario legislation, industry standards, and Ministry requirements.
Students must successfully complete all program requirements before becoming eligible to apply for a Tow Driver Certificate through the Ministry of Transportation.
- Online Training: Approximately 8–10 Hours
- Practical Training: Minimum 6 Hours
- Final Certification Examination: 100 Multiple-Choice Questions
This program is delivered using a hybrid training model consisting of:
- Online Training
- Practical Training
- Final Certification Examination
Students must complete each stage of the program in the order presented.
Online Training
The online portion of the program consists of structured learning modules that include:
- Read-along lesson content
- Audio narration
- Images, diagrams, and illustrations
- Videos and demonstrations
- Learning activities
- Module Quizzes
The online training component requires approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete.
Practical Training
Practical training is completed after all online training requirements have been successfully completed.
Students participate in instructor-led practical exercises designed to reinforce the knowledge and skills learned during the online training.
Practical training includes a minimum of six (6) hours of hands-on instruction.
Final Certification Examination
Following successful completion of practical training, students must complete the Final Certification Examination.
The Final Certification Examination evaluates the student’s understanding of the knowledge and skills presented throughout the training program.
Final Certification Examination: 100 Multiple-Choice Questions
Module Quizzes
A Module Quiz is administered at the end of each training module.
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 80% on each Module Quiz before the next module will be unlocked.
Students who do not achieve a passing grade may review the course material and retake the quiz in accordance with Ontario Towing School policies.
Module 1 – Introduction to Tow Industry Vehicles
Students learn tow truck terminology, vehicle components, towing equipment, licensing requirements, vehicle weight ratings, manufacturer information labels, and sling-type tow trucks.
Module 2 – Safe Working Environment: Health and Safety
Students learn workplace health and safety requirements, hazard assessments, WHMIS requirements, workplace responsibilities, personal protective equipment, environmental hazards, mental health awareness, and safe work practices.
Module 3 – Transportation Legislation, Regulations, and Policies
Students learn transportation legislation, regulatory requirements, documentation requirements, vehicle weight ratings, load securement requirements, lighting requirements, and industry compliance obligations.
Module 4 – On-Scene Protocols
Students learn incident scene management, customer interactions, emergency responder coordination, communication procedures, and professional conduct requirements.
Module 5 – On-Scene Safety Measures and Traffic Management
Students learn traffic control procedures, safe work zones, roadway hazards, scene protection measures, and traffic incident management principles.
Module 6 – Towing, Recovery and Winching Techniques
Students learn towing procedures, recovery operations, vehicle loading methods, winching techniques, equipment selection, and safe recovery practices.
Module 7 – Roadside Services and Documentation
Students learn roadside assistance procedures, documentation requirements, customer service expectations, towing records, and required reporting practices.
Module 8 – Tow Truck Vehicle Operation and Driving Considerations
Students learn vehicle operation considerations specific to tow truck operations, including vehicle handling characteristics, backing procedures, visibility limitations, mirror usage, space management, driving with a casualty vehicle, adverse weather considerations, fatigue awareness, emergency situations, and safe operation practices associated with tow truck driving.
Topics include:
- Vehicle handling characteristics
- Visibility and blind spots
- Mirror use and adjustment
- Backing procedures
- Space management
- Driving with a casualty vehicle
- Adverse weather considerations
- Fatigue awareness
- Emergency situations
- Professional vehicle operation practices
To successfully complete the Ontario Tow Truck Driver Certification Program, students must:
- Complete all online modules and lessons
- Complete all required learning activities
- Successfully complete all Module Quizzes
- Successfully complete a minimum of six (6) hours of practical training
- Successfully pass the 100-question Final Certification Examination
Successful completion of the Ontario Tow Truck Driver Certification Program does not guarantee issuance of a Tow Driver Certificate by the Ministry of Transportation.
Ontario Towing School is responsible for delivering approved training and reporting successful completion.
The Ministry of Transportation is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing Tow Driver Certificates.
Students are responsible for ensuring they meet all Ministry eligibility and application requirements.
