What category is needed for a forklift?

A forklift driver's license is required to operate any type of forklift, including electric warehouse stackers and reach trucks. These machines may differ from one another in many ways: category in the license for a forklift , which depends on engine power, engine type (electric, gasoline, diesel, gas), chassis (wheels or tracks), type of equipment (fork, front, backhoe loaders, etc.). But the main parameter is still the engine power, on which the category of the car depends.

Why do you need a forklift license?

Managing specialized construction and warehouse equipment will require appropriate management rights. This is a common certificate that a forklift operator needs to be employed in a warehouse.

In this segment, professions are in high demand, and, therefore, a forklift license will simply be a necessary solution when you are applying for such a vacancy. You can obtain a certificate if you have accurately mastered the specifics of operation, management, and design features of the equipment. Training can be conducted in one or more categories. The main thing is to know exactly which of them the equipment for the upcoming control belongs to.

Attention! The presence of rights indicates the qualifications of the owner, so they must be treated with the utmost attention.

How to get a license for a forklift

If you are over 18 years old, you can submit an application for training at a specialized center or driving school to obtain a tractor driver’s license. The lesson program is approved by the Ministry of Education and State Technical Supervision. It consists of two parts and includes a lecture part and management practice with an instructor. When choosing a center, check whether it has permission to conduct this type of activity and certificates.

After completing the assigned hours of theory and practice, you will receive a certificate of training. But it does not give the right to drive special equipment. To do this, you need to contact Gostekhnadzor and pass an exam there. After successful completion, you will receive a license to drive a front loader (or another type). But there is an exception to this rule, if the power of the equipment is less than 4 kW, then it is allowed to control it at the training center (without passing it to Gostekhnadzor).

When applying for a job, having experience will be a big plus. But if you have a license but no experience, this is not a problem. When starting a job, each newcomer undergoes detailed instruction, and for the first time, an experienced employee is assigned to him.

Now you know what licenses are needed to operate a front loader, and that it is better to undergo training at an accredited educational institution.

Get your forklift license!

Who can receive

An applicant must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a forklift license. there are no contraindications regarding health status. The presence of contraindications is determined by a medical commission, which is mandatory for all applicants.

The student is also expected to have taken a driving course. This will be due to the fact that special equipment can move on public roads in the same way as other vehicles.

Any driving school that trains you to become a forklift operator?

Of course not! Only a licensed educational institution has the right to learn how to drive special equipment. At the same time, the future forklift operator must already have a tractor driver’s license.

The following are the documents that must be provided to obtain these rights:

• application for a license of a certain category to drive special equipment;
• a certificate confirming positive passing of examination tasks at a driving school;
• medical certificate (ordinary medical examination);
• general passport;
• receipt of payment of state duty (500 rubles).

Let's say the future forklift operator already has a tractor driver's license. But this does not mean that he can immediately get a license to drive a forklift! To do this, he needs to pass the theoretical part (safety precautions, basic rules for work, etc.), as well as positively pass the practical part of the training.

Features of a forklift operator driver's license

Depending on what category of license the forklift driver has, models with gasoline, diesel or electric engines may be available to him. This criterion directly affects the power of the machine. After all, in order to work on a large vehicle, a car enthusiast must have the appropriate rank. Without it, an inexperienced driver will only be allowed to drive a small mini-loader designed to perform light work.

Types of categories

Electric forklift licenses have several different categories, each with their own requirements and benefits. And this list looks like this:

• B – class of machines whose power does not exceed 25.7 kW. This includes reach trucks weighing up to 5 tons, designed for moving goods in construction stores and warehouses;
• C is a type of lifting equipment, with an engine from 26 to 110 kW. Large forklifts used at industrial and construction sites. With this category, the driver is allowed to drive mini-stackers;
• D - quarry excavators with a bucket, which are used for bulk elements. To train for this type of loader, the operator must have at least 5 years of experience working on small vehicles.

Working on specialized equipment, the driver receives the appropriate rank, which determines his current qualifications. Depending on this criterion, a person is assigned a role in the production process.

Rank

In total, there are five generally accepted categories for operators of balcony trucks and excavators used at industrial facilities:

1. A light forklift operator who operates the vehicle under the supervision of a professional. At the request of the senior mechanic, he can assist in the repair of equipment;
2. Drives the car independently, performing an individual outfit. In the event of a breakdown, he replaces worn parts himself;
3. Driver of medium-sized forklift trucks with power up to 110 kW. On board the vehicle he also acts as an equipment adjuster;
4. A mining excavator or bulldozer operator working with a partner responsible for loading bulk mixtures;
5. A completely independent unit, which is allowed to operate forklifts of any type (not only move on specialized vehicles, but also use its individual mechanisms), carry out on-board repairs and take on apprentices as contractors.

When receiving a forklift license for the first time, the driver is assigned the first category. And it can only be increased by working at industrial facilities.

Categories of rights and bit depth

Self-propelled machines and loaders fall into the following categories:

• A(I-IV) – transport not for highways (snowmobiles, warehouse equipment) with a power of no more than 4 kW;
• B – tracked and wheeled vehicles up to 25.7 kW;
• C is the most popular, as it includes a large list of machines up to 110 kW;
• D – excavators, quarry equipment, more powerful than 110.3 kW;
• E - tracked vehicles from 34 liters. With. ;
• F – self-propelled agricultural machines.

The rank is determined by the inspector according to the ETKS directory of works and professions and assigned to the driver. There are only six ranks.

For example, what category of license is needed for a bobcat loader? It depends on the engine power. In order to operate such equipment you need a tractor driver’s license and category “C”.

What types of forklifts are there?

Most often, you need to obtain a license for a front loader (front loader category C). It refers to a self-propelled unit, which is designed to lift and move loads. Such equipment is equipped with either a bucket or other means for capturing heavy objects.

Rights to such installations are classified depending on the power of the facility.

In addition, the following stand out:

1. Diesel.
2. Railway loader.

The first type of forklift is designed for driving a forklift and lifting heavy loads. This is a fork mechanism equipped with a special counterweight, which allows you to move very heavy objects. It is also called diesel by the type of fuel it uses.

A railway loader is referred to as such according to the place where it is used. This is a fork unit designed for transporting cargo while on a railway line, as well as filling trains with cargo masses.

A license to operate a forklift must be obtained for each specific type of self-propelled unit described above.

Receipt procedure

Course training will be required. After completing the training, the applicant is required to undergo testing. This is an incomplete exam, but a difficult stage of obtaining a license that cannot be neglected. In the event that the test is passed, the candidate is given a corresponding certificate stating that he has completed the full course of classes. This is required for a subsequent trip to Gostekhnadzor.

It is also necessary to bring a medical certificate and a certificate of completion of training to the regulatory authority, where the recipient of the license is tested. Gostekhnadzor sets a day, as well as an exact time for testing.

Important! The package of documents must be accompanied by a student’s identity certificate.

Do I need a medical certificate?

To obtain categories of rights for a Bobcat, you will need to undergo a special medical commission. Based on the results, a certificate is issued indicating that the driver is admitted to the category corresponding to the forklift, and not the car. As part of the medical commission, the category of special equipment specifies its own requirements.

The cost is included in the final price set for completing the training. The list of doctors can be clarified when applying for training. At the same time, the Ministry of Health is considering the issue of developing new certificates.

Is a regular driver's license required?

It is worth noting that having a driving license will be a condition for obtaining admission to take special courses. A driver's license must be of any category. But, if such a document is not on hand, this will not become a critical condition that should be emphasized.

This factor will complicate the learning process, because in parallel with this, you will have to master traffic rules and the specifics of driving a car. To enroll in a driving school, you will need to prepare and submit documents. In this case, the time spent on training can increase to three months. Training under this program is carried out in separate specialized rooms equipped with the necessary infographics and simulators.

The procedure for obtaining a license for a forklift

How to obtain a new license for a forklift? In 2021, the problem is not as acute as before. Now this can be done in a few days, while continuing to hone your skills in driving the necessary vehicle. Previously, this task was more difficult to complete, since real experience was not taken into account when obtaining the document. To obtain a forklift driver's license, you will need:

1. find an educational organization that provides educational services - a driving school;
2. complete training in the required category (target 45 days);
3. study traffic rules if category A is not open;
4. pass a theoretical exam;
5. successfully pass the practical exam on the training ground and in real conditions.

Having confirmed the availability of skills to the Gostekhnadzor specialist, all that remains is to submit an application with the collected package of documents to Gostekhnadzor and receive a license to operate a forklift (issued for 10 years).

Requirements for drivers

Forklift skills include the driver's knowledge of forklift safety, fire safety precautions, and ability to operate in open and closed spaces. Features of assessing the weight and dimensions of cargo when operating equipment of various modifications always affect the quality of the work performed.

Preliminarily obtain permission from doctors: narcologist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist, therapist and otolaryngologist.

List of documents

To obtain a driver's license to operate a forklift, submit documents to Gostekhnadzor or a specialized institution: passport, received medical report with clearances from doctors, existing driver's license of the appropriate category, 2 photos.

Is training required?

Gostekhnadzor has established training courses for citizens wishing to obtain the right to operate loading and tractor mechanisms. The training consists of theoretical and practical parts, its duration is six weeks. The theory exam takes place in test form, lately usually on computers. In the practical part, the driver demonstrates to the Gostekhnadzor inspector his skills and abilities in operating a transport mechanism - first at the training ground, then in real work conditions.

If the examination tests are unsuccessful three times, you will have to undergo retraining. After the exam, the candidate first receives a temporary license, which is valid for eight weeks, during which time he is required to undergo an internship. After this, a regular certificate is issued, which is valid for 10 years.

Previously, all drivers had to confirm their qualifications in the form of an exam; now the procedure for obtaining a license is quite fast and does not require direct inspection by Gostekhnadzor.

The forklift driver receives the following documents:

1. In an educational institution, after passing internal exams, a certificate of professional training in the profession of “forklift driver” of the 4th category is issued.
2. After passing the exam, the inspector, if successful, is issued a tractor driver’s license with activated marks of categories B and C (self-propelled machines - forklifts, electric forklifts). In the special notes column, the restrictive entry “forklift driver” is indicated if there is no permission to operate other self-propelled machines of the corresponding categories.

The main tasks of a forklift operator are loading and unloading.

Identity example

A loader license is a document for a tractor that identifies open categories. There are special markings that correspond to the qualifications of drivers of a tractor, category 4 loader, excavator, etc. The license for a new model contains the following information:

• document's name;
• certificate code;
• personal data of the owner (last name, first name, date and place of birth, place of residence, signature) and photograph of the owner;
• who issued the license;
• date of issue;
• validity.

The document must be certified by the signature and seal of an engineer-inspector of Gostekhnadzor.

The forklift driver's license is valid for 10 years. After this, you need to change the rights. To get a replacement, you need to undergo retraining and take tests again. After this, the operator’s license for the forklift will be changed; A person will not receive a new sample until he passes tests at Gostekhnadzor. This is necessary due to the increased danger on the roads and the difficulty of controlling construction vehicles.

But sometimes the certificate is replaced earlier, due to loss or other reasons. Then you do not need to re-train as a forklift or take exams. Certification is only needed in case of deprivation of rights.

Cost of education

Application from legal entities Application from individuals

Category of rights for a front loader up to 35 liters. With.

But there is another, very small family of front loaders with an engine power of up to 35 hp. With. There are so few of them that such mini-tractors are rarely mentioned even in construction equipment catalogs. But they exist (a typical example is the German Kramer 5035 with an engine of 31 horsepower, or 23 kW) and are most often used by public utilities for snow removal. What is the category of rights for a front loader of this type? Of course, B (special wheeled and tracked vehicles with an engine power of up to 35 hp). Moreover, the right to independently control the machine, without the supervision of a mentor, comes only with the assignment of the 3rd working category to the tractor driver.

Categories of rights to a forklift

Anyone wishing to legally operate loading equipment should decide on several issues:

1. How and where are forklift licenses issued?
2. What category of rights and rank are required to work on a vehicle?

Having dealt with organizational issues, decide on the choice of a specialized driving school, submit the documents and start classes so that in 2 - 3 months you will receive a category for driving a forklift.

Further, in the article: categories of rights and categories, a list of required documents, the procedure for registering and obtaining a new driver’s license.

The need to strictly classify existing auto-loading equipment is caused by the variety of types and functional features of vehicles.

Category types:

• A (I - IV) - control of certain types of “off-road vehicles” - ATVs, snowmobiles, warehouse loaders with a power of up to 4 kW;
• B - for wheeled and tracked vehicles with power: 4 - 25.7 kW;
• C— for wheeled vehicles 25.7 – 110.3 kW;
• D - for wheeled vehicles from 110.3 kW;
• E— for tracked loaders from 25.7 kW;
• F—for agricultural machinery.

Everyone who completes courses in the chosen specialty is issued a tractor driver's certificate marked: category-rank.

How to exchange a “red” forklift driver’s license for a new document?

Employees with a red-collar forklift license...can still operate forklifts or electric forklifts with engine power up to 4 kW . Such floor-mounted, trackless wheeled vehicles are called differently: electric cars, electric carts, stackers (forklifts or with a platform). Battery-powered forklifts typically transport goods inside warehouses, industrial and commercial bases, and logistics centers. They are prohibited from driving on public roads.

A small clarification: in accordance with inter-industry rules on labor protection when operating industrial vehicles (floor-mounted trackless wheeled vehicles), you (workers operating forklifts, electric forklifts, cargo trolleys) must annually undergo a knowledge test of labor protection rules in accordance with GOST 12.0.004-2015 . And workers who have had a break in work in a given type of work, position, profession for more than three years, and when working with hazardous production facilities for more than one year, undergo training and testing of knowledge of rules, regulations and instructions on labor protection and safety before they are allowed to work independently. work in accordance with clause 8.10.POT RM – 008-99.

If you can confirm your work experience with an entry in your work book or 3 years have not passed since the certificate was issued, it is possible to extend your forklift license if you are required to do so when applying for a job.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to exchange an old-style forklift driving license (crust) for a plastic tractor license.

Current categories for the loader

The current ETKS is used by the inspector taking the exam when assigning a rank

• 2nd category. Assumes the ability to operate the forklift under the supervision of an employee with more experience. In addition to driving, the driver can participate in repair work related to unloading and loading mechanisms.

• The 3rd category implies having permission to operate various load-grasping mechanisms, including forklifts. The driver is allowed to perform loading and unloading work, stacking cargo, carrying out repair work and maintenance of forklifts.

• The 4th category is the driver’s right to work with loading mechanisms with a power of up to 73.5 kW. During manipulation, it is allowed to move all kinds of cargo and place them in dumps and stacks. The driver who has received the 4th category of the loader is responsible for carrying out maintenance and actual repairs of the loading mechanism.

• The 5th category implies the ability to operate loaders with an engine power of over 100 hp, and those with less power if they are used as bulldozers, excavators, scrapers.

• The 6th category is needed to have access to work on a tractor loader with an engine power of more than 200 hp, when it is used as a bulldozer or excavator.

Replacement of expired rights

To replace an expired license, you will need to re-pass the exam at a driving school, which includes theoretical and practical parts. The cost of the procedure will depend on the region where it is performed by the citizen. After this, the replacement of the expired certificate is carried out in accordance with the standard step-by-step instructions.

A fine for the very fact of having expired rights will not be assessed. This is possible only in the case when the owner of the license was stopped by a traffic police officer and determined that the driving was carried out after its validity period.