Recovery Driver Requirements & Licensing
The requirements to work as a recovery driver in the UK come down to three things: the correct driving licence for your vehicle, the right insurance to carry customers’ vehicles for reward, and a recovery vehicle with safe, legal equipment. Getting these in order is what separates a hobbyist from an operator customers can trust.
Licence category
The licence you need depends on the weight of your recovery vehicle. A standard category B car licence lets you drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass — enough for a small flatbed carrying one car. To operate heavier recovery trucks you will need a C1 (up to 7.5t) or C (over 7.5t) licence, which involves additional tests and, for professional driving, a Driver CPC.
Insurance and registration
- Road risk / motor trade insurance so you are covered to drive customers’ vehicles.
- Public liability insurance to protect against third-party claims.
- Goods-in-transit cover for the vehicles you carry (strongly recommended).
- Registration as self-employed with HMRC for tax and invoicing.
Vehicle and equipment
Your recovery vehicle needs the equipment to load and secure a casualty vehicle safely — typically a winch, ratchet straps or wheel straps, wheel chocks, warning beacons and basic PPE. Keeping the vehicle well maintained and properly marked builds trust with customers and keeps you the right side of the law.
Frequently asked questions
- What licence do I need for a 3.5-tonne flatbed?
- A standard category B car licence covers vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass, which includes most single-car flatbeds. Always check the plated weight of your specific vehicle against your licence.
- Is public liability insurance a legal requirement?
- It is not always a strict legal requirement, but it is essential in practice — most customers, garages and platforms expect it, and it protects you against third-party claims that could otherwise be very costly.
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