Using a cherry picker in Queensland isn’t just about being comfortable behind the controls. There’s a high chance you need a license to operate it, too. Whether you need one depends on a few things: the height of the machine, the training you’ve had, and the kind of hire setup you’re working with.
Not sure if you need a licence for the job? Here’s the deal, straight up no fluff, no confusing terms, just what you need to know.
EWP Licence Basics in Queensland: What You Need to Know
Under 11 Metres: Yellow Card Training
If the cherry picker or boom lift you’re using goes up to 11 metres or less, here’s some good news, you don’t need a High Risk Work licence. That said, it’s not a free pass to just jump in and start operating. You still need to know what you’re doing and take the right safety steps.
You still need to be adequately trained. That’s where the EWPA Yellow Card comes in.
The Yellow Card is recognised across Australia as a form of verification that you’ve been trained in using different types of elevated work platforms (EWP).
The Yellow Card serves as proof that you’ve received proper training and know how to handle the machine safely. Even if the law doesn’t always ask for it, almost all employers will, especially when safety or insurance is on the line. It’s one of those things that helps keep everyone covered.
Over 11 Metres: HRW Licence WP Class Required
If the cherry picker has a platform height over 11 metres, you’ve crossed into high-risk work territory.
To operate that kind of gear, you’ll need a High Risk Work licence with the WP class. No shortcuts here, it’s a legal requirement under Queensland law.
To get your HRW licence, you’ll need to:
- Do training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
- Demonstrate competence in a theoretical and practical assessment that proves you understand and can operate the machine and work safely
- Lodge a licence application through Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
These rules aren’t there just to make life harder. When you’re that high up, the risks are real. Working near power lines, on the side of a busy road, or in bad weather – the risks add up.
If you’re unsure how high your job might take you, check out our guide on how high a cherry picker can reach, it’s a good starting point before choosing your gear or training path.
What Happens If You Don’t Have the Right Licence?
If you get caught operating a boom over 11 m without the proper licence, the fines can sting, both for you and your employer. And what if an accident is involved? Expect serious legal and financial trouble. It’s not worth the risk.
Why Does Height Matter?
More height = more danger. The higher you’re working, the tougher it is to react if something goes wrong. A sudden fault at 12 metres is a much bigger deal than the same problem at six metres.
That’s why Queensland draws a clear line at 11 m. Below that, training is strongly recommended. Above that, the law requires you to be fully licensed.
Are There Age Restrictions on Obtaining Your Yellow Card?
Yes there are. You can start Yellow Card EWP training at 16. That means younger workers can get trained and ready early, but there’s a catch. If you’re under 18, chances are you’ll need someone keeping an eye on you while you’re on site. That’s mostly because companies and insurers usually want operators to be 18 or older before they’re trusted to run the equipment solo.
If you haven’t used a cherry picker before, it’s worth getting familiar with the safety stuff early on. That matters even more if you’re learning while on the job or there’s someone guiding you through it.
Why are there restrictions for under-18s?
It’s all about making sure things stay safe. Using an EWP takes sharp judgment and quick thinking, and that kind of instinct usually comes with a bit of time on the tools. The rules are really just there to help younger operators ease into it without being thrown in the deep end.
Why Must Training Be Done Through an RTO?
RTOs are nationally accredited to provide training that meets industry standards. They don’t just hand out certificates, they assess you against the current standards and make sure you’re ready for the job.
Do SafeWork or WorkCover Require Licenced Operators?
Yes, if you’re operating over 11 m or on high-risk job sites, you must be licensed, and able to show proof of that training.
Do You Need a Licence to Operate Equipment Hired from Performance Tower Hire?
Not if you go with wet hire.
Performance Tower Hire gives you two straightforward options:
- Dry hire – You rent the equipment and bring your licensed operator. This option is ideal if you already have trained personnel on-site.
- Wet hire – You get both the machine and one of Performance Tower Hire’s experienced, fully licenced operators.
So, What’s the Best Option?
If you’re not licenced, or don’t want the stress of sorting tickets and compliance, wet hire is hands-down the more straightforward path. The operators are knowledgeable about the gear, understand job site hazards, and are trained to handle high-risk work safely and efficiently.
It’s beneficial for short-term projects or teams that don’t regularly operate elevated work platforms. Rather than spend time organising training or risk falling short of compliance, you get a qualified expert who shows up, gets the job done, and keeps your team safe.
Performance Tower Hire’s wet hire services are also handy if you’re working at height over 11 m and can’t spare someone with a WP class licence. We tick the compliance box for you.
Looking to keep your crew focused on the actual work, not bogged down by red tape? Wet hire delivers peace of mind, speed, and safety without the licensing headache.
Contact Performance Tower Hire
Performance Tower Hire is a Brisbane local, looking after working-at-height jobs all across South East Queensland. Our gear is reliable and impeccably maintained, and our team are friendly, professional and easy to deal with.
Whether you need a 16m cherry picker for tight access work, or a 54 m truck-mounted EWP for serious height, our fleet covers the lot. Our gear is fully insured, safety-checked and ready for action 24/7.
Check out our cherry picker hire options here.
Conclusion
So, do you need a licence to operate a cherry picker? If it’s over 11 m, yes. Under 11 m? Maybe not legally, but you still need to know what you’re doing.
What do you need? The team at Performance Tower Hire is always ready to talk through your options and help you get set up, licence or a licence.
Need help right now? Get in touch. You’ll speak to someone who knows their stuff and gets straight to the point.
FAQs: Cherry Picker Licensing Questions You Might Still Have
Why is a licence needed to operate a cherry picker?
It demonstrates your competence, training, and compliance, essential on regulated job sites.
Why is maintaining competency part of licence renewal?
Licences are only valuable if you stay up to date. Refresher training keeps your knowledge sharp.
Why is proof of licence or a Yellow Card necessary on-site?
It’s how employers and inspectors know you’re approved to operate the equipment safely.
Why does Yellow Card training suffice under 11 m?
Because it’s nationally recognised and matches the risk level of shorter lifts.
Why does SafeWork demand licensed operators for HRW?
To reduce risks and ensure operators understand their responsibilities in high-risk environments.
