8-Hour Light Duty Certification
Whether you’re new to the towing industry or looking to strengthen your existing skills, the ATRI 8-Hour Light Duty Certification provides the knowledge and practical experience needed to safely recover, transport, and tow today’s passenger vehicles. This nationally recognized course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to help operators build confidence, improve safety, and elevate professionalism.
Designed by experienced towing professionals, this certification focuses on real-world scenarios and industry best practices that students can immediately apply in the field.
Course Overview
The ATRI 8-Hour Light Duty Certification is designed to provide tow operators with a strong foundation in light-duty towing techniques, vehicle recovery, equipment operation, and roadside safety. Throughout the day, students learn the proper procedures for safely handling passenger vehicles while minimizing damage, protecting themselves, and delivering professional service to customers.
Combining classroom instruction with practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, this course prepares operators to confidently perform everyday towing and recovery operations using proven industry techniques.
Whether you’re beginning your career or refreshing your skills, this certification delivers practical knowledge that can immediately improve your performance on the job.
What You’ll Learn:
Vehicle identification and weight considerations
Safe hook-up procedures
Proper towing techniques
Winching fundamentals
Recovery scene safety
Equipment inspection and maintenance
Wheel lift operations
Flatbed loading procedures
Damage prevention techniques
Traffic incident safety
Customer professionalism
DOT and industry best practices
Operator safety
Hands-on vehicle recovery exercises
Who Should Attend?
This certification course is ideal for:
New tow operators
Experienced operators seeking certification
Roadside assistance professionals
Fleet operators
Municipal towing personnel
Public safety towing contractors
Vehicle recovery professionals
Companies onboarding new employees
Anyone wanting to improve light-duty towing skills
No previous certification is required.
Why Choose This Course?
Every day, tow operators encounter new vehicle technologies, changing equipment, and increasingly complex recovery situations. Proper training helps reduce accidents, minimize vehicle damage, improve customer service, and build confidence behind the controls.
The ATRI 8-Hour Light Duty Certification gives operators the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to safely perform common towing operations while following nationally recognized best practices. Students leave with practical skills they can immediately apply in the field, helping protect themselves, their customers, and their employers.
Whether you’re just entering the industry or looking to sharpen your skills, investing in professional training is one of the best ways to build a safer and more successful career.
What Makes This Course Different?
Real-World Light Duty Training:
Practice techniques used during actual light-duty towing operations by an instructor who works in the industry every day.
Hands-On Instruction:
Practice light-duty towing and recovery procedures with guidance from experienced industry instructors.
Industry-Tested Curriculum:
Learn proven methods developed from real-world towing and recovery experience.
Build Operator Confidence:
Develop the skills and decision-making abilities needed to safely manage real-world situations.
What You’ll Receive
Upon successful completion of the course, students receive:
ATRI 8-Hour Light Duty Certification
Certificate of Completion
Student Training Materials
Hands-On Instruction
Practical Industry Knowledge
Continuing Education from Experienced Instructors
Why Choose ATRI?
ATRI is more than a training provider—we’re committed to advancing the towing and recovery industry through practical education, experienced instruction, and a focus on safety. Here’s what sets our programs apart.
Nationally Recognized Certifications
Hands-On Training
Experienced Industry Instructors
Safety-Focused Curriculum
Modern Vehicle Technology
Training for Individuals & Companies
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous towing experience?
No. The course is designed for beginner to intermediate operators. It is also valuable for experienced operators who want to refresh their light-duty skills and improve their knowledge of electric vehicles.
What should I bring & wear to class?
Students should bring a writing utensil, note paper, and the appropriate clothing for hands-on. Hands-on training includes everything that a student would be doing in the field, so all PPE gear should be brought with them. This can include: hard hat, gloves, protective glasses/goggles, and steel toed boots.
Is the course hands-on?
Yes. The course combines classroom education with hands-on light-duty towing and recovery exercises.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the course receive an ATRI Light Duty Certification and Certificate of Completion.
How many students may attend?
Each class is limited to a maximum of 40 students to support effective instruction and hands-on participation.
Can my company host this course?
Yes. ATRI works with towing companies, associations, dealerships, municipalities, and industry partners to bring certification training to communities across the country.
Where can I find an upcoming class?
Visit the Upcoming Classes page with the button below to view scheduled training dates, locations, pricing, and registration information.
