Driver's license for a front loader (forklift, excavator): training, cost, replacement

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.

Appearance of the ID

Gostekhnadzor issues standard licenses. When applying for a job, the driver must present a certificate, the authenticity of which will not raise doubts among the employer. Rights are prepared on special paper in accordance with the form approved by the state. On the outside there is a photograph of the owner. The full name, date and place of birth of the driver, and the operator’s signature are also indicated here. Inside you can find a list of equipment that the operator can work with. The license will indicate “forklift operator.”

You can use the rights exclusively within the Russian Federation. This is the main difference between an unloader license and a simple driver's license.

Obtaining a forklift license is not that difficult, especially for those who have a standard driver's license. To do this, you need to complete a training course and pass an exam, which will consist of practice and theory. It is important to approach its passage responsibly, since special equipment such as a loader requires a number of operating features.

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.

Categories

There are several categories of forklift driver's licenses depending on the type of equipment.

A

The category includes 4 subcategories. This includes motorized vehicles capable of off-road driving, such as an ATV or snowmobile, and low-power forklifts (up to 4 kW).

B

Tracked and wheeled vehicles with power from 4 to 25.7 kW.

C

This category includes wheeled vehicles with an engine from 25.7 to 110.3 kW.

D

Vehicles with engine power from 110.3 kW.

E

Track loaders with power from 25.7 kW.

F

A separate category that combines agricultural machinery.

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.

Rank

There are 6 qualification categories of forklift drivers, with the numbering starting from 2nd.

2

A driver who has received the right to drive for the first time can only qualify for category 2. This gives him a restriction: participating in repair work and operating special equipment only in the presence of a more experienced employee.

3

The operator has the right to carry out maintenance and repair of the machine independently, as well as operate small battery-powered forklifts.

4

Qualification allows you to operate a front loader from 100 liters. pp., carry out scheduled repairs, commissioning of the machine, and routine maintenance.

5

Tractor loader with power up to 200 HP. With. and other large equipment - up to 100 liters. With. (bulldozer scraper, excavator).

6

The 6th category gives the right to drive special equipment with a carrying capacity of over 5 tons; tractor loader up to 250 l. With.

7

The highest qualification level provides access to work on cars of any level. The operator is allowed to carry out on-board repairs and conduct training.

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.

Self-propelled stacker driver skill requirements

For safe and efficient work, the driver must: - know safety precautions when driving and operating a stacker;
— know fire safety standards and regulations; - understand the features of working in an open area and indoors; — be able to estimate the weight and dimensions of the cargo and the stacker itself; - be attentive and responsible. Operating a self-propelled stacker is not difficult, but working on it is associated with increased danger: loaded pallets can weigh several tons, and in the event of an emergency collapse of a section of a rack, tens of tons of cargo can collapse. In addition, the stacker itself is a moving mechanism with electrical power, which increases the danger during operation. It is therefore extremely important to comply with all safety regulations.

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.

Do I need a category B driver's license?

A category B driver's license allows the driver to drive forklifts weighing up to 5 tons. Such machines are used in warehouses for limited quantities of oversized products.

However, professional activities and production are impossible without a special document.

If you do not have a license of any category, the process of obtaining permission to operate a forklift will become more complicated: the applicant will need to master traffic rules and driving skills. The training course should be supplemented with classes on driving simulators.

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.

Set of documents

To obtain a license for a forklift, a candidate must, upon personal appearance at Gostekhnadzor, fill out a form and attach a package of documents:

  • ID card (passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation);
  • temporary certificate of completion of the course;
  • medical certificate of the established form;
  • valid driver's license;
  • 2 photos in 3x4 format;
  • receipt of payment of state duty;
  • a document confirming successful completion of the exam.

An application for a permanent license is processed within 7-10 days. After completing the form, the driver has the right to work on loading and unloading equipment.

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.

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.

Passing the exam

The applicant is examined by an engineer-inspector of Gostekhnadzor.

The exam includes two parts:

  • theoretical (in the form of a test or oral answers);
  • practical (if the theory is successfully passed).

The management exam, in turn, takes place in two stages. At the first stage, exercises are performed on a special platform. The driver must demonstrate skills in driving and manipulating the unit.

The second part is carried out in a real environment, in open areas.

If the results are positive at all stages, the driver receives the right to operate the loader and can be allowed to work.

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.

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