This course is pending TDLR approval. Enrollment opens once the provider and course numbers are issued.
Texas CE Online

Texas Towing Operator 4-Hour Continuing Education

TDLR Provider # pending · Course approval pending

Course outline

1 hr

Texas Law and Rules

  1. The Texas Towing and Booting ActOccupations Code Chapter 2308: who TDLR regulates, consent and nonconsent tows, parking facility towing, required signs and the tow hearing.15 min
  2. TDLR Rules: Licenses, Permits, Insurance and Truck Markings16 TAC Chapter 86: operator licenses, tow truck permits, cab cards, insurance, truck signage, and renewal requirements.15 min
  3. TDLR Rules: Fees, Tow Tickets, Conduct and Safety EquipmentPrivate property fee caps and drop charges, nonconsent fee limits, tow ticket contents, destinations, drug testing, safety clothing and records.15 min
  4. Vehicle Storage Facilities and BootingOccupations Code Chapter 2303 and 16 TAC Chapter 85: what happens after drop-off, owner notices, law enforcement reports, owner rights, payment and booting rules.15 min
1 hr

Roadway Safety

  1. Terminology, Readiness and AwarenessKey incident terms, struck-by risk, the Move Over or Slow Down law, high-visibility clothing and situational awareness.15 min
  2. Parts of a Tow Truck and the Circle CheckMajor components of wreckers, wheel-lifts and carriers, and a step-by-step circle check before every shift.15 min
  3. Traffic Control and Lane ClosuresTruck positioning, MUTCD incident management areas, tapers and cones, lane closures, night work and quick clearance.15 min
  4. Stopping Distance, Following Distance and Driving SkillsHow weight changes stopping, the following-distance rule, space management, backing, curves, merging and fatigue.15 min
2 hr

Industry Topics

  1. Equipment Ratings and Tow CapacityGVWR, GCWR and axle ratings, boom and wheel-lift capacity, the weakest-link rule, and how to check a tow is within limits.20 min
  2. Wire Rope, Chain and Secondary AttachmentsWire rope construction and inspection, chain grades, hooks, synthetic straps, snatch blocks, and secondary safety attachments.20 min
  3. Light-Duty Towing: Wheel-Lifts and DolliesFront- and rear-wheel-drive tows, AWD and EVs, dollies, steering locks, safety chains, tow lights and common damage to avoid.20 min
  4. Car Carrier Loading and TransportWhen to use a carrier, safe loading, approach angles, four-point securement, load distribution and transporting damaged vehicles and EVs.20 min
  5. Winching, Recovery and Uprighting BasicsPlanning a recovery, estimating resistance, anchoring, snatch blocks, line of pull, and the basics of uprighting a rolled vehicle.20 min
  6. Customer Service, Ethics, Documentation and DisputesProfessional conduct, explaining charges, handling upset customers, complete tow tickets and photos, privacy, and how complaints and hearings work.20 min

How the course works

  • Each chapter has a minimum study time. The timer runs only while the lesson is open and you are active.
  • Chapters unlock in order. Finish the review at the end of each chapter to move on.
  • After the last chapter you confirm, under your name, that you completed the full 4 hours yourself.
  • Your certificate is available immediately and we report your completion to TDLR within 7 days.

Requirements

  • An active or recently expired Texas towing operator license
  • A current browser with internet access
  • Your own account; enrollments can't be shared

Written for working operators

Short lessons, plain language and real roadside scenarios. Every rule cited points back to the Texas Occupations Code or the TDLR towing rules so you can look it up yourself.

IH35E in Lewisville north from SH 121