How to Become a Recovery Driver in the UK
Becoming a recovery driver in the UK means setting yourself up to legally and safely transport broken-down, non-running or accident-damaged vehicles for a fee. There is no single "recovery driver licence", but there are a handful of things you need in place — the right driving licence category for your vehicle, the correct insurance, and a recovery vehicle with the proper equipment. This guide walks through each step and how to start receiving jobs.
What you need to get started
- A full UK driving licence in the correct category for your recovery vehicle (a standard car licence covers vehicles up to 3.5t; larger recovery trucks need C1 or C).
- The right insurance — road risk cover for driving customers’ vehicles, plus public liability and, ideally, goods-in-transit cover.
- A recovery vehicle: commonly a flatbed (tilt-and-slide) or a spec-lift, with a winch, straps and basic safety kit.
- A way to find work — either building your own customer base or receiving jobs through a platform like Recovery Drivers.
Step by step
First, decide what kind of recovery work you want to do. Local roadside recovery and short garage moves can be done with a 3.5-tonne flatbed on a standard licence. Heavier work, multi-car transport or long-distance jobs may need a larger vehicle and an upgraded licence category.
Next, sort your insurance and vehicle so you are legal to carry customers’ vehicles for reward. Then register as self-employed with HMRC so you can invoice and pay tax on your earnings.
Finally, get a steady flow of work. Recovery Drivers sends breakdown and recovery jobs near your postcode straight to your phone — you set your own quote and only pay a fee on jobs you complete.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a special licence to be a recovery driver?
- There is no dedicated recovery licence, but you must hold the correct driving licence category for the vehicle you drive. A standard car licence covers recovery vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes; heavier recovery trucks require a C1 or C licence.
- Can I start part-time?
- Yes. Many drivers start part-time alongside other work, accepting jobs when they are available. Because you set your own quotes and only pay a fee on completed jobs, there is no pressure to commit full-time from day one.
Ready to start earning?
Join the Recovery Drivers network, receive jobs near your postcode, and quote your own price.
Join as a recovery driver