NYS Tow Truck Endorsement Practice Test 1-7
Spring 2026 with complete solution
Section 1: Definitions, Classifications, and Weight Ratings
Question 1
Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 148-b, what is the
official definition of a "tow truck"?
A) A motor vehicle that tows or carries a disabled, illegally parked, or
abandoned motor vehicle, or one involved in an accident
B) Any vehicle equipped with a mechanical winch
C) A vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 26,000
pounds
D) A vehicle designed to transport 2-3 motor vehicles on a slanted
platform
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 148-b defines a tow
truck as a motor vehicle that tows or carries a disabled, illegally
parked, or abandoned motor vehicle or a motor vehicle involved in
an accident. A vehicle designed to transport 2-3 motor vehicles on a
slanted platform is a car carrier, not a tow truck.
,Question 2
What does the class of license required to operate a tow truck primarily
depend on?
A) The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being operated
B) The color and body type of the vehicle
C) The number of axles on the vehicle
D) Whether the vehicle is commercial or non-commercial
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The class of license required depends on the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being operated. GVWR is
the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle as specified by the
manufacturer.
Question 3
What does GCWR stand for in towing operations?
A) Gross Compound Weight Rating
B) Grand Combination Weight Rating
C) Gross Combination Weight Rank
D) Gross Combination Weight Rating
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale: GCWR stands for Gross Combination Weight Rating. This is
the maximum allowable combined weight of a towing vehicle and the
trailer or vehicle being towed, including the load.
Question 4
What is the GVWR of medium-duty tow trucks?
A) 8,600-10,000 pounds
B) 10,001-26,000 pounds
C) 11,000-25,000 pounds
D) Over 26,000 pounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Medium-duty tow trucks have a GVWR of 10,001 to 26,000
pounds. Light-duty tow trucks typically have a GVWR of up to 10,000
pounds. Heavy-duty tow trucks have a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds.
Question 5
How are tow trucks generally classified in New York State?
A) By mass and color
B) By weight and volume
C) By weight and body type
D) By body type and mass
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tow trucks are generally classified by weight and body
type. Weight classification determines licensing requirements, while
body type determines the operational capabilities and limitations of
the vehicle.
Question 6
If a tow truck is rated for 16 tons and operates with L-arms rated for 2
tons, what is the weakest link and its rating?
A) The tow truck, 16 tons
B) The tow truck, 2 tons
C) The L-arms, 2 tons
D) The L-arms, 16 tons
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The weakest link in any towing operation determines the
overall capacity. Since the L-arms are rated for only 2 tons, that is
the limiting factor.
Question 7
What is the GVWR of heavy-duty tow trucks?
Spring 2026 with complete solution
Section 1: Definitions, Classifications, and Weight Ratings
Question 1
Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 148-b, what is the
official definition of a "tow truck"?
A) A motor vehicle that tows or carries a disabled, illegally parked, or
abandoned motor vehicle, or one involved in an accident
B) Any vehicle equipped with a mechanical winch
C) A vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 26,000
pounds
D) A vehicle designed to transport 2-3 motor vehicles on a slanted
platform
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 148-b defines a tow
truck as a motor vehicle that tows or carries a disabled, illegally
parked, or abandoned motor vehicle or a motor vehicle involved in
an accident. A vehicle designed to transport 2-3 motor vehicles on a
slanted platform is a car carrier, not a tow truck.
,Question 2
What does the class of license required to operate a tow truck primarily
depend on?
A) The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being operated
B) The color and body type of the vehicle
C) The number of axles on the vehicle
D) Whether the vehicle is commercial or non-commercial
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The class of license required depends on the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being operated. GVWR is
the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle as specified by the
manufacturer.
Question 3
What does GCWR stand for in towing operations?
A) Gross Compound Weight Rating
B) Grand Combination Weight Rating
C) Gross Combination Weight Rank
D) Gross Combination Weight Rating
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale: GCWR stands for Gross Combination Weight Rating. This is
the maximum allowable combined weight of a towing vehicle and the
trailer or vehicle being towed, including the load.
Question 4
What is the GVWR of medium-duty tow trucks?
A) 8,600-10,000 pounds
B) 10,001-26,000 pounds
C) 11,000-25,000 pounds
D) Over 26,000 pounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Medium-duty tow trucks have a GVWR of 10,001 to 26,000
pounds. Light-duty tow trucks typically have a GVWR of up to 10,000
pounds. Heavy-duty tow trucks have a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds.
Question 5
How are tow trucks generally classified in New York State?
A) By mass and color
B) By weight and volume
C) By weight and body type
D) By body type and mass
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tow trucks are generally classified by weight and body
type. Weight classification determines licensing requirements, while
body type determines the operational capabilities and limitations of
the vehicle.
Question 6
If a tow truck is rated for 16 tons and operates with L-arms rated for 2
tons, what is the weakest link and its rating?
A) The tow truck, 16 tons
B) The tow truck, 2 tons
C) The L-arms, 2 tons
D) The L-arms, 16 tons
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The weakest link in any towing operation determines the
overall capacity. Since the L-arms are rated for only 2 tons, that is
the limiting factor.
Question 7
What is the GVWR of heavy-duty tow trucks?
