Work Platforms – Do I Need a Driver's License?

Is a Work Platform Driver's License Required?

In Germany, there is no work platform driver's license required for all persons. This means that as a private individual, you can operate a work platform without a driver's license. When renting a work platform, the rental company provides instruction on operating the equipment to ensure safe use.

However, there are some rules to observe for commercial use. For instance, proof of participation in a safety briefing must be provided. This comes closest to what could be called a "work platform driver's license." Employees must be informed of potential hazards before using work equipment, including rented equipment. This process is called a "briefing" and is legally mandatory. To operate a lifting platform for commercial purposes, no driver's license is required – however, a briefing is absolutely necessary.

The employer is responsible for the briefing, as they are best positioned to assess the hazards associated with the planned use. There are no formal requirements for this briefing, but it must be documented. Additionally, the worker must be formally authorized in writing to operate the lifting platform. No briefing is required for private use.

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Who Can Operate a Lifting Platform?

Any person who has reached the age of 18, has been trained in operating the work platform, and can demonstrate their competence to the employer is generally permitted to operate a work platform. Mental, moral, and physical fitness must also be considered. In particular, visual acuity, peripheral vision, spatial vision, hearing, physical mobility, and good reaction time are important. Additionally, understanding of technical and physical principles should be present, and work should be conducted responsibly.

When is an Operator Certificate Required? And What Does a Lifting Platform Certificate Cost?

Although specific training, which can be documented with an operator certificate, is not legally required, the DGUV Principle 308-008 recommends undergoing such training nonetheless. The training consists of a theoretical and practical component. Each concludes with a final exam in which a specified number of error points must not be exceeded. Training typically lasts at least one day, and upon passing the exam, participants receive a training certificate. The costs for such a certificate vary depending on the provider but typically range from approximately €150 to €300.

Training according to DGUV Principle 308-008 can be completed at, among others, Dekra (https://www.dekra-akademie.de/de/hebebuehnen-fuehrerschein/), IPAF (https://www.ipaf.org/de/ipaf-schulung), alpintec (https://www.alpintec.de/ausbildungtraining/sonstige-kurse/unterweisung-zum-fuehren-von-hubarbeitsbuehnen-nach-dguv-g-308-008/), as well as many dealers and rental companies organized in the industry association bbi.

The operator certificate can also serve as proof of proper training, which is required by law for commercial use. Even if training is not legally mandated, there are good reasons to complete it. This allows workers to operate lifting platforms more safely and with minimal accident risk.

Who Can Drive a Work Platform?

Anyone driving a truck-mounted work platform on public roads must have a valid driver's license. For smaller models weighing up to 3.5 tons, a standard car driver's license (Class B) is sufficient. If the weight exceeds 3.5 tons, a truck driver's license of the appropriate class is required (up to 7.5 tons Class C1, and over 7.5 tons Class C).

Finally, here is an overview of the most important points for operating work platforms:

• Privately, anyone can operate a work platform without a driver's license
• When renting, the rental company provides instruction
• For commercial use, a briefing is mandatory
• The operator must be at least 18 years old and have demonstrated their competence
• The operator certificate can be used as proof of competence but is not legally required
• A valid (truck) driver's license is mandatory in road traffic, depending on the weight

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