Depends on what the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the wrecker is. If it's over 26,000 lbs, then yes. If it will be over 26,000 lbs. with a vehicle in tow, some states will require you to have one.
Depends on the model. If it doesn't have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of more than 26,000 lbs., then no. In 1979, Chevrolet and GMC manufactured trucks in all weight classes, including Class 7 and 8 (which do require a CDL).
If the gross vehicle weight rating of the wrecker is more than 26,000 lbs, yes.
Depends on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the vehicle. 26,000 lbs. or less, it doesn't require a CDL. 26,001 lbs. or higher requires a Class B CDL. If you're running a Class C wrecker (Class C is a heavy wrecker... wrecker classification and driver license classification are two separate things), then you'd need a Class A CDL.
Class B CDL if you're only repossessing the power unit, Class A CDL if you'll be repossessing entire combinations or repossessing them with a wrecker.
A CDL is only required for a tow truck if the vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating greater than 33,000 lbs. There are three classes of wrecker, which are classed by their capabilities, not by the license you need to drive them. Contrary to what some people think, a Class A wrecker is a light duty wrecker. These do not require a CDL, although a DOT medical card typically is required. Class B wreckers are medium duty wreckers, and this class gets to the point where you're going to start needed a Class B CDL. Class C wreckers are heavy duty wreckers - the kind which tow semis and such. You would need a Class A CDL to drive one of these, as well as substantial experience driving a truck - you don't just get out of truck driving school and get put behind the wheel of one of these.
If it's a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 26,000 lbs., then yes, you do.
Yes, you will need insurance to drive with a CDL license.
Yes you do need a CDL License to drive a bucket truck.
You will need a Class B CDL with tanker endorsement.
If you need to earn your CDL for your job, the best thing that you can do is to attend a CDL training school. By attending one of the many CDL training schools, you can learn the basics of driving a truck. A CDL school will teach you the most important things that you will need to know to pass the CDL test. You will also get plenty of hours of practice driving a truck.
You can repo without one. You only need a CDL if you're going to be operating vehicles or combinations which would require a CDL in normal operation. So, if you're repossessing Class 8 trucks, you'd need a CDL. If you're just repossessing a passenger car, you wouldn't need it.
If the vehicle requires a CDL in service, it'll require a CDL for the test drive.