Rules, driving licence and certificates you must master
The formal foundation under the roadside assistant's work — from driving licence to dangerous goods
Auto Assistance isn't just about being able to handle a car — it's also about having the right papers in order. Part of what you gain through your education is a series of driving licences and certificates that the law requires in order for you to perform parts of the work. They are not formalities; they ensure that you can work safely and legally.
§Driving license for heavy vehicles
A car breakdown assistance worker often drives vehicles that are larger and heavier than an ordinary car — recovery vehicles and tow trucks. Therefore, a driving licence for lorries (category C) and for lorries with large trailers (category C/E) are a natural part of the qualifications in the profession. With them you are allowed to operate the vehicles used to recover and transport damaged vehicles.
§Commercial vehicle and business driving
Many tasks are also solved from smaller vehicles such as vans. A certificate for commercial driving with a van (often called VUB certificate) is therefore relevant because much of the roadside assistance and service driving happens precisely in that type of vehicle.
§Forklift
In a workshop or on a salvage site heavy equipment must be moved and sometimes parts are handled with a truck. Therefore you typically obtain a forklift certificate (certificate B), which allows you to operate an ordinary forklift lawfully.
§Color blending can no longer happen digitally.
When you salvage cars you may come into contact with fuel batteries and other substances classified as dangerous goods. A basic ADR introduction (chapter 1.3) makes you aware of how to handle such things responsibly so you do not harm yourself others or the environment.
§First aid and fire
You are often the first to arrive at a breakdown or accident. Therefore, first aid and basic fire fighting are mandatory certifications. They enable you to act correctly in those first crucial minutes before emergency services arrive.
| Proof / certificate | What it allows you to do |
|---|---|
| Driving license cat. C and C/E | Operating heavy trucks and recovery vehicles with heavy trailers |
| Commercial Vehicle Certificate (VUB) | Commercial van driving. |
| Forklift certificate B | Operating a standard forklift |
| ADR chapter 1.3 | Basic handling of dangerous goods |
| First aid | To provide life-saving first aid at an accident site |
| Basic fire fighting. | To safely extinguish small fires |
The exact requirements are laid down in the education regulation and the current traffic legislation. Always check the current rules with the school or authorities as they may change over time.