Work Platform Licence: Who May Operate an Aerial Work Platform?

The term "work platform licence" is in common use — but legally there is no statutory driving licence for aerial work platforms. What does exist is a clearly regulated qualification duty and business owner duty under DGUV Principle 308-008, without which no operator may put an elevating work platform into service.

Yes and no. There is no state-issued licence for aerial work platforms. What exists is a qualification duty for operators and an authorisation duty for the business owner under DGUV Principle 308-008:

• The operator must demonstrate, through training to DGUV Principle 308-008 or an equivalent recognised qualification, that they can operate the machine safely.
• The business owner must authorise the operator in writing — verbal permission is not sufficient.
• In addition, equipment-specific instruction is required before each new machine or after a longer break.

What is commonly called the "work platform licence" is the training certificate to DGUV Principle 308-008 or an equivalent qualification (for example the IPAF PAL Card).

DGUV Principle 308-008 (operator authorisation for elevating work platforms) is the central basis for the qualification duty. It has applied since 2023 and replaces the former BGG 966. The essential points:

• Operator's qualification duty: proof of operating knowledge through recognised training (DGUV 308-008 or equivalent)
• Written authorisation by the business owner: the employer confirms in writing that the operator holds the qualification and is authorised to operate
• Equipment-specific instruction: before first use on a new or unfamiliar machine, equipment- and application-specific instruction is required
• Minimum age: as a rule 18 years; different arrangements are possible in a training context

The Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (§ 12 BetrSichV) obliges the business owner to ensure that only qualified and authorised personnel operate work equipment.

Training to DGUV Principle 308-008 with external providers

The classic route to operator authorisation: training to DGUV Principle 308-008 with a recognised training provider. Content:

• Fundamentals of occupational safety (fall protection, fall-arrest PPE)
• Physics and stability of elevating work platforms
• Legal bases (BetrSichV, DGUV 308-008)
• Platform types and how they differ
• Practical exercises on the machine

Training is offered by recognised external institutions — including manufacturer training centres, BG BAU training centres and IPAF training centres. Luibl Rental does not offer training. For certified providers in your region, enquire with the responsible employers' liability insurance association or directly with IPAF.

IPAF training and the PAL Card

IPAF (the International Powered Access Federation) offers an internationally recognised certificate: the PAL Card (Powered Access Licence). The training is practice-oriented, specific to machine classes, and available at IPAF-certified training centres.

The PAL Card is recognised across the industry and meets the requirements of DGUV Principle 308-008. Companies operating internationally prefer the PAL Card because it is valid across borders.

Written authorisation by the business owner

Training alone is not enough. Once the qualification is complete, the business owner must authorise the operator in writing — stating the operator, the platform types permitted and any further restrictions. Without this step, the operator is formally not entitled to use the machine.

Costs and duration depend on the provider, the platform class and the scope (theory and/or practice). Typical market ranges for training to DGUV 308-008:

• One-day training (theory + practice, 1 class): approx. 200–450 € per participant
• Extended training (several classes / platform types): approx. 350–700 € per participant
• IPAF training (PAL Card): approx. 250–550 € depending on class and location

Group discounts are customary. These figures are guide values — obtain quotes from certified training providers.

The qualification under DGUV Principle 308-008 has no explicit statutory expiry date. However, the BetrSichV prescribes annual instruction of operators — this confirms the qualification and introduces current knowledge (new machine types, changes in the legal position).

The IPAF PAL Card has a fixed validity of 5 years and must then be renewed through refresher training.

When handing over rental work platforms, Luibl Rental provides equipment-specific instruction: operator controls, safety devices, emergency lowering, site particularities and machine-typical guidance — relating to the specific machine hired.

This equipment-specific instruction at handover is not a qualification under DGUV Principle 308-008 and does not replace the operator's recognised training. It supplements it — for the specific rental machine. Anyone without a qualification under DGUV 308-008 or equivalent may not operate the platform independently after the instruction.

Using a personnel basket on a telehandler (Stage 2b under DGUV 308-008) brings particular requirements: alongside the platform qualification, knowledge of telehandler operation and of the specific risks of basket use must be demonstrated. Details: Telehandlers with a personnel basket →

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On the statutory training duty and information on external providers: Training / statutory information duty →

Is a work platform licence mandatory?

There is no state-issued licence, but: operators must be qualified under DGUV Principle 308-008 and authorised in writing by the business owner. Without that qualification and authorisation, nobody may operate an elevating work platform on their own responsibility. What is commonly called the "work platform licence" is the training certificate to DGUV 308-008.

What does a work platform licence cost?

Depending on provider, platform class and scope: approx. 200–700 € per participant. One-day training with theory and practice for one class from approx. 200 €. IPAF training (PAL Card) from approx. 250 €. Obtain quotes from recognised external training providers — Luibl Rental does not offer training.

How long is the PAL Card valid?

The IPAF PAL Card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed through refresher training at an IPAF training centre. The training certificate to DGUV Principle 308-008 has no fixed statutory expiry date, but annual instruction by the business owner is mandatory.

Is the lessor's instruction enough to operate an aerial work platform?

No. The equipment-specific instruction at rental handover by Luibl Rental supplements the qualification under DGUV Principle 308-008 for the specific rental machine — it does not replace it. Operators without a recognised qualification may not operate the platform on their own responsibility after the instruction.

Who may operate an aerial work platform without a licence?

Nobody — at least not on their own responsibility and in commercial use. Even in a training context, the operator must be under the direct supervision of a qualified person. The combination of qualification under DGUV 308-008 and written authorisation by the business owner is the minimum requirement for operating a platform independently.