A statutory operator certificate is required for self-propelled forklifts with mechanical mast lift. Certificate A covers fork stackers with stabiliser legs under the load; certificate B covers forklifts without stabiliser legs under the load — and B also counts as A. Here are the rules and the 1-metre exemption.
Introduction
A statutory operator's certificate is required for all forklift trucks and fork stackers that have mechanical lifting of the load along one side of a vertical mast AND mechanical travel (i.e. are self-propelled). If both conditions are met, the operator must hold a certificate.
Certificate A and B
- 01Certificate A (BEK 1978/2021 § 7(2)): applies to fork stackers — self-propelled machines with forks along a vertical mast that have stabiliser legs under the load. This also applies when the operator stands on a standing platform.
- 02Certificate B (§ 7(4)): applies to forklifts that do not have stabiliser legs under the load (e.g. counterbalance truck, reach truck, narrow-aisle truck). Whether the operator walks, stands or sits does not decide the category — the stabiliser legs do.
- 03Certificate B also counts as certificate A — if you hold B, you may also drive the A machines.
Decision tree
- 01Is the machine self-propelled WITH mechanical mast lift? No → no certificate requirement.
- 02Is the lift height limited to max. 1 m (key switch)? Yes → no certificate requirement (exception).
- 03Does the machine have stabiliser legs under the load? → Certificate A (also with a standing platform).
- 04No stabiliser legs under the load? → Certificate B (also covers A).
- 05Are you driving where the Road Traffic Act applies? → also requires at least a tractor driving licence.
Machine types per category
The boundary between A and B is the stabiliser legs (BEK 1978/2021 § 7(2) and (4)): if the machine has stabiliser legs under the load, it is a fork stacker (A); if not, it is a forklift (B). Here are the typical machines in each category:
| Category | Typical machines | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate A | Fork stacker with stabiliser legs under the load — pedestrian or with a standing platform | Stabiliser legs under the load carry the load. |
| Certificate B | Counterbalance truck, reach truck, narrow-aisle truck | No stabiliser legs under the load. B also covers A. |
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