Aerial work platform licence: who may operate an aerial work platform?

The term 'platform licence' is widely used in everyday language - but there is no statutory driving licence for aerial work platforms. What does exist are requirements for operator qualification and employer duties under occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.) and Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll.; without meeting them, an operator should not put an aerial work platform into operation.

Yes and no. There is no state driving licence for aerial work platforms. What does exist is a requirement for operator qualification and authorisation of the operator by the employer in line with applicable Czech safety rules:

• The operator should prove through aerial work platform operator training or an equivalent recognised qualification that they can operate the machine safely.
• The employer authorises the operator to work with the machine - we recommend issuing the authorisation in writing.
• In addition, a machine-specific briefing is advisable before every new machine or after a longer break.

What is commonly called a 'platform licence' is the certificate of completed aerial work platform operator training or an equivalent qualification (e.g. the PAL Card from IPAF).

In the Czech Republic, the framework for operator qualification is set by occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.) and Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., which govern the safe operation and use of machinery and equipment; work at height is covered by Government Regulation No. 362/2005 Coll. Key points:

• Operator qualification: proof of operating knowledge through completed recognised training
• Authorisation by the employer: the employer confirms - preferably in writing - that the operator has the necessary qualification and is authorised to operate the machine
• Machine-specific briefing: before first use on a new or unfamiliar machine, a briefing focused on the machine and the specific job is advisable
• Minimum age: usually 18 years; different rules may apply in vocational training

Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. requires the employer to ensure that work equipment is operated only by qualified and authorised personnel.

Operator training with external providers

The classic route to operator qualification: aerial work platform operator training with a recognised training provider. Content:

• Basics of occupational safety (fall protection, personal fall protection equipment)
• Physics and stability of aerial work platforms
• Legal basis (Act No. 309/2006 Coll., Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., Government Regulation No. 362/2005 Coll.)
• Platform types and their differences
• Practical exercises on the machine

Training is offered by recognised external education providers - including manufacturers' training centres, specialised training companies and IPAF training centres. Luibl Rental does not offer training. IPAF can recommend certified providers in your region.

IPAF training and PAL Card

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

The PAL Card is widely recognised in the industry; check in advance whether it meets the requirements of applicable Czech safety rules for your application. Internationally active companies prefer the PAL Card because of its cross-border validity.

Authorisation by the employer

Training alone is not enough. After the qualification has been obtained, the employer should authorise the operator - preferably in writing, stating the operator's name, the permitted platform types and any further restrictions. Without this step, the operator is not formally entitled to use the machine.

Costs and duration depend on the provider, the platform category and the scope (theory and/or practice). Typical market ranges for aerial work platform operator training:

• 1-day training (theory + practice, 1 category): approx. 75-300 € excl. VAT as a guide
• Extended training (several categories / platform types): price depends on the provider
• IPAF training (PAL Card): for example approx. 280-340 € excl. VAT per participant

Group discounts are common. These figures are guide values - obtain quotes from certified training providers.

The validity of the operator qualification and the need for refresher training are governed by applicable Czech safety rules and the employer's rules. We recommend regular refresher training for operators - it confirms the qualification and adds up-to-date knowledge (new machine types, changes to regulations).

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

When handing over rented aerial work platforms, Luibl Rental provides a machine-specific operator briefing: controls, safety devices, emergency lowering, site-specific features and machine-specific instructions - always for the specific rented machine.

This briefing at handover is not an operator qualification under Czech safety rules and does not replace recognised operator training. It complements it - for the specific rental machine. Anyone without the required operator qualification should not operate the platform independently after the briefing.

Using a personnel basket on a telehandler involves special requirements: in addition to the aerial work platform qualification, knowledge of telehandler operation and the specific risks of basket use must be demonstrated. Details: Telehandler with personnel basket ->

Rent aerial work platforms in the Czech Republic and Europe -> | Send an enquiry ->

Information on operator qualification and external training providers: Training / statutory information ->

Is an aerial work platform licence mandatory?

There is no state driving licence, but operators should have the required qualification under applicable Czech safety rules and be authorised by their employer. Without this qualification and authorisation, nobody should operate an aerial work platform independently. What is commonly called a 'platform licence' is the certificate of completed operator training.

How much does an aerial work platform licence cost?

Depending on the provider, platform category and scope. As a guide, basic operator training with theory and practice for one category costs approx. 75-300 € excl. VAT. IPAF training (PAL Card) for example approx. 280-340 € excl. VAT per participant. 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 validity of other operator training certificates is governed by applicable Czech safety rules and the employer's rules; we recommend regular refresher training.

Is the rental company's briefing enough to operate an aerial work platform?

No. The machine-specific briefing at handover by Luibl Rental complements the operator qualification under Czech safety rules for the specific rental machine - it does not replace it. Operators without a recognised qualification should not operate the platform independently after the briefing.

Who may operate an aerial work platform without a licence?

Nobody - at least not independently and in commercial use. Even in vocational training, the operator should be under the direct supervision of a qualified person. The combination of an operator qualification under applicable Czech safety rules and authorisation by the employer is the minimum requirement for operating an aerial work platform independently.