If a crane licence is on your list, we’ve got the key information you need. At NMT Crane Hire, we break down the UK crane licence requirements so you know exactly what to expect. Just like getting your car or lorry licence, there are mandatory steps to complete before you qualify.

Anyone who wants to operate a crane professionally in the UK must hold the correct licence. This applies whether you’re working on construction sites, infrastructure projects, or industrial operations. Employers are legally required to make sure their crane operators are properly qualified, so you can’t just step into our cranes without proof of training.

Do Other Licences Count?

Even if you already hold a driving licence for cars or lorries, a separate crane licence is still needed. The type of licence you’ll need depends on the crane you want to operate, with different categories covering mobile cranes, tower cranes, and other specialist equipment.

1. Check your eligibility
   You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and physically fit to handle the demands of crane operation. Some employers may ask for a standard driving licence too, depending on the crane type.

2. Choose the right crane category
   Different licences apply to different cranes – for example, mobile cranes, tower cranes, or crawler cranes. Make sure you apply for the category relevant to the equipment you’ll operate.

3. Complete recognised training
   Training must be done through an accredited body, such as the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) or NPORS. These courses cover both theory and hands-on practice.

4. Pass the theory and practical tests
   You’ll sit a written or computer-based test to prove your knowledge, followed by a practical assessment where you demonstrate safe crane operation.

5. Obtain your certification card
   Once you pass, you’ll receive your CPCS Red Card (or equivalent), which proves you’re qualified. With further experience and assessment, you can upgrade to a Blue Competence Card for long-term recognition.

6. Keep your licence valid
   Licences usually need renewal every few years. You may have to show evidence of ongoing work and take refresher training or re-tests.

There are plenty of benefits to gaining your crane licence, no matter the steps it takes to achieve it. Earning any certification is rewarding, but a crane licence is one you can put to real, practical use throughout your career.

With the expert team at NMT by your side, you’ll have the guidance and support you need to succeed in the field. A crane licence doesn’t just qualify you, it opens the door to a work environment where you can grow and progress.

What Else?

The crane industry relies on highly trained operators who can deliver precision on every job. With standards set high from the very start of your career, gaining your crane licence early gives you a strong advantage. It positions you for more qualified roles as you progress and can have a lasting impact on your future opportunities. Certified operators are less likely to be replaced, as regulations require qualified personnel for lifting operations.

Overall, you will be trained to a professional and certified standard making your license much more than just a card. 

At NMT we are always open to helping those who are changing careers or completely fresh into work life to know all about the crane license requirements in the UK as well as hiring those that do. 

If you are interested in roles in the industry with a team that truly cares about your progress, contact our team at NMT Crane Hire on 08000266985 to discuss your needs to qualify and where to go when you do… and maybe it could be with us. Check out our job roles page today!

If you are an individual or business that needs to transport heavy items, then investing in low loader services would be a great option. These heavy vehicles are useful in a variety of industries, yet their uses in particular would be construction, agriculture, energy, logistics, and mining. There isn't much limit on what you can carry on them, so we advise you to save the stress of attempting to transport them yourself and get some professional help.

In this article, we will cover what a low loader really is, its uses, and overall benefits for anybody interested.

A low loader vehicle is a unique type of heavy-duty trailer with a deck positioned extremely close to the ground, used for transporting tall, heavy, or oversized loads that cannot be carried on standard trailers due to height restrictions. So, even if you have other machinery in itself, a low loader could carry this. It often features a detachable front or ramps to allow machinery or equipment to be driven directly onto the trailer.

Weight Limits on Low Loaders

Regarding weight, a low loader's limit for what it can carry is very impressive. Here are 5 examples of the extent of items you can transport:

• Excavator (Construction) – 20–90 tonnes

• Combine harvester (Agriculture) – 10–25 tonnes

• Power transformer (Industrial/Energy) – 50–300+ tonnes

• Main battle tank (Military) – 60–75 tonnes

• Wind turbine blade (Renewable Energy) – 10–20 tonnes

So these vehicles are absolutely perfect for anybody in any stage of life, such as moving house, business needs and large-scale projects. 

If you are undertaking a project or difficult task involving transporting heavy goods, there is nothing better than knowing they will get transported in time, but more importantly, in a safe manner. Larger objects can often be difficult to keep in good condition, especially when they are going from place to place. With low loaders, you can be assured that your items, small or huge, will be supported by this vehicle from onboarding to offboarding.

As well as this, low loaders are great for unique-sized and shaped loads. Due to its low deck feature, it can hold objects and machinery that would not be suitable on a regular trailer. Equally, with its additional features, adding your heavy goods is made much easier.

Following this, these vehicles offer improved road clearance and stability. The low center of gravity offers better stability during transport, especially with heavy or awkward loads.

Lastly, as with any process throughout life, with saved time and effort it can make a stressful task a lot smoother than it may have been initially. When a low loader is involved it would ultimately cut any time you could have spent, lifting and disassembling. This also would have higher chance of being a dangerous activity if not done properly with the help of a low loader.

At NMT Crane Hire we have spent decades helping people and businesses with countless projects. Whether it is a simple transport need or a complex film and tv service, we give peace of mind to all our customers. Our expert team are highly trained sticking to legal procedures and standards, all while maintaining great customer service for all!

If you are interested in low loader vehicles or any other heavy-haulage vehicles, then be sure to contact us today for professional guidance on where to get started with us. You can phone us or use our online contact form.