The Question Of License Class “I” For Mobile Crane Drivers

According to a close friend, who works as a crane operator for a construction company, some cranes are incorporated into the lorry assembly itself.

To drive these latest Japanese crane-cum lorry assembly, obviously you’ll need an:

i) “E” full license.

ii) “H” license (heavy tractor with chains weighing excess 5000 kg).

A few blog readers have written in to ask regarding the type of license required to drive “mobile” crane. They even wish to know what class of license the above belong to.

I have been fortunate to have been able to seek the advice of an ex-official of the Transport Department regarding the above subject.

First and foremost, to operate a mobile crane, one requires a Class “I” license.

The normal requirement such as:

i) Necessity to pass the Highway Code or “undang-undang” supposedly remains.

ii) The necessity to attend the 6 Hours Theory course like the “H” (tractor) license is supposedly waived also.

The Pra Ujian or Qualifying Test conducted at the driving institutes (Q.T.I) should also be waived, by virtue of the fact, no driving institute possesses this machinery (mobile crane).

Next, we arrive at the question regarding, does J.P.J. conduct the Class “I” test?

According to sources, previously, the J.P.J. with the co-operation of the J.K.R. (Jabatan Kerja Raya) or the Public Works Department used to conduct the “I” test.

But according to a friend who works as a crane operator for a construction company, the “I” license is currently conducted by the Builder’s Association in collaboration with the J.P.J. authorities.

Such being the case, anyone who intends to secure a “I” license should ideally get in touch with the above association to secure further information.

Companies like Ho Hup and Y.T.L. both giants in the construction industry, should be of assistance.

I believe smaller construction companies around should also be able to provide the information you need.

With this information provided by this short article, the question of how one gets to secure a Class “I” license will now be put to rest.

1) What is the Class “F” license?
“F” license is to drive “forklift”.

2) Do driving institutes in Malaysia cater for such as license?
Unfortunately, as far as I know, No.

3) Then, how am I to secure this license?
You have to take the “H” (tractor) license.

4) Can “H” license drive a forklift?
Certainly, you can.

5) What’s the cost of taking a “H” license? Is it costly?
The difference between a “F” license and a “H” license is minimal.

6) What are the things one will be taught then?
Basically, you are taught how to handle the tractor, parking and controlling the tractor’s shoveling, digging and pushing gravel maneuvers.

7) What requirements are needed for one to take up such a course?
First, you have to pass the Highway Code. If you already possesses a B2, D or E license, then you’ll be exempted from taking the Highway Code test.

8) Has one to attend the 6 Hour Theory course?
The answer is No! Take out a new “L” immediately.

9) When one has passed the class “F” license, can it be joined with my present license?
Yes. Payment remains the same. RM30 per year.

10) When taking out a new “L”, what are the things one needs?
You’ll need:

a) MyKad photostat.

b) 2 pieces coloured photos.

c) Your photostat license.

Above are some questions and answers which should provide you the information that you’ll need in order to secure the “F” (forklift) license.

“H” Category – Heavy Tractor 5000 kg And Above

Possessing a motor cycle license (B2) or a Class D license (Cars) is a qualification for you to secure the “H” license. The above two licenses exempts one from taking the “Highway Code”.

Unlike attempting to obtain the Lorry License (Class E), where you have to attend the 6 Hours Theory course to first obtain the JPJ L2B certificate, in this case you need not attend any such classes at all.

The reason given is quite simple. Tractors, being huge as they are, are beyond your ability to do anything in case of mechanical failure. Attempts to perform tyre changes in cases of punctures are simply impossible for you to do.

But you have to take out an “L” License (P.D.L.) to enable you to learn on a tractor. Learning how to control a tractor basically takes place in the vicinity of the Institute itself. Nevertheless, during the test itself, the P.D.L. is a required item of test.

Some may ask, what does one learn when one takes up a “H” course? How many lessons does one have to undergo before one is considered competent enough to control the vehicle.

Actually, it all depends upon the individual himself. If you are able to comprehend what is taught to you fast, then the necessity to do many lessons is thus eliminated.

Anyway, below are item you will be taught at the institute when you do the course:

i) Gear control: Like cars, the tractor has 3 gears (if I remember well) to be dealt with. We have to keep in mind that a tractor, on the highway can speed up to over 50 km/h.

ii) There are also gear shifts to control the buckets for shoveling, dumping, pushing and digging purposes.

The test itself requires one to:
a) do the side parking;

b) parallel parking;

c) bucket control, shoveling etc.

A candidate has also to drive the tractor a short distance around the Institute. The use of hand signals is therefore a necessary requirement also.

On passing the “H” test, one can add this class of driving license to existing driving license, which one already possesses. Payment per year remains at RM30 per annum.

The “H” license also enables a person to drive a “Forklift“, which belongs to the F Category. Light tractor (forklifts) are less than 5000 kg in weight, compared to the H tractor which is over 8 – 10 feet and weights more than 7500 kg.

Normally, students are advised to do the H License course. In doing so, you are in fact getting 2 licenses at one go (H and F licenses).

Now that you already know what the H Category of license entails, you might be interested to apply for one. Which ever your decision maybe, all the best to you in your quest.

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