Who is allowed to operate an excavator?
Excavators are considered self-propelled work machines for which, according to the Road Traffic Act (StVO), no special excavator license is generally required. In particular, tracked excavators often have a maximum speed of less than 6 km/h, which means they do not require a driver's license on public roads. Many mini excavators also fall into this category and are rarely used on public roads due to their low speed. Mobile excavators or wheel excavators, on the other hand, are designed for public traffic and often travel faster. Here, the required driver's license class depends on the maximum speed and weight of the machine. For a detailed overview of the various license classes and their validity in road traffic, read our article on whether you are allowed to operate construction machinery on the road .
Driver's license requirements for excavators
The requirements for the driver's license class for excavators are based on their maximum speed:
- Up to 20 km/h: Class L driver's license (formerly Class 5), which is included in Class B.
- Over 20 km/h: Excavators must be registered for road traffic. For machines up to 25 km/h, Class L is sufficient. At higher speeds, Class B is required for excavators up to 3.5 tons.
- Over 3.5 tons up to 7.5 tons: Class C1 driver's license (formerly Class 3) is required.
- Over 7.5 tons: Class C (formerly Class 2) is required.
It is important to note that for Class C, a regular eye examination is necessary from the age of 50. Proper training and instruction are also essential to ensure safety.
Operating an excavator on private property: Do you need a license?
For operating excavators on private property, no official driver's license is generally required. However, rental companies often require a proof of competency, especially for larger machines such as an 18-ton excavator. Smaller and lighter equipment, such as mini excavators, can be easily rented and operated. Do you need mini excavators for your next construction project? You can easily rent them digitally through klarx .
License for commercial use of excavators
For commercial use of excavators, stricter regulations apply. While there is no officially prescribed excavator license, many employers require what is known as a license certificate for earthmoving machine operators. This certificate, recognized by occupational accident insurance associations, qualifies the holder as an excavator operator and is often part of company accident prevention regulations. The license certificate can be obtained through special courses, which are often funded by the Federal Employment Agency.
How long does an excavator license take?
The duration of an excavator license depends on where and to what extent the training is completed. For beginners, for example, TÜV offers seminars lasting approximately 10 days. These courses are comprehensive and cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of operating an excavator. For people with prior knowledge, there are shorter courses that usually last only two to three days and focus on refreshing knowledge. It is important to tailor the course duration to individual needs and professional requirements.
What does an excavator license cost?
The cost of an excavator license varies depending on the provider, course duration, and level of prior knowledge. A comprehensive starter course, such as those offered by TÜV, typically costs between 800 and 1,900 euros. For people with prior knowledge who take shorter refresher courses, the cost of an excavator license may be lower. This investment can be supported through various funding programs, such as those from the Federal Employment Agency, if the license is for professional qualification.
Excavator license: How to operate a mini excavator
To get a first impression of how to operate a mini excavator, we have created a video about operating a mini excavator for you.
Will the excavator license soon be regulated by law?
Currently, there is no legal requirement for a special excavator license in Germany. However, persons operating excavators and other earthmoving machines must be properly instructed and trained by their employer. These requirements are specified in the following regulations of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV):
- DGUV Regulation 1
- DGUV Rule 100–500
These regulations require that only suitable and trained persons may be assigned to operate such machines.
Conclusion
Whether you need an excavator license depends on the type of use and the machine. For private use on your own property, a license is generally not required, while for commercial use a license certificate is recommended. Would you like to rent construction machinery for your construction project? At klarx, you will find the right machines and can receive comprehensive advice.
