Can an M License Drive a Forklift?
3 Answers
Holders of an M license cannot operate forklifts. Forklift operation is classified as specialized work, requiring a 'Special Equipment Operation Certificate' issued by the State Administration of Work Safety. Forklifts are generally categorized as industrial vehicles and are used exclusively within the confines of a workplace. The M license authorizes the operation of wheeled self-propelled machinery, which falls under motor vehicles. The M license is a type of motor vehicle driver's license and differs from the certification required for specialized vehicles like forklifts. To operate a forklift, a forklift operator's certificate is required. Before obtaining this certificate, individuals must first learn to operate a forklift through training at a certified institution. The training institution then submits the necessary materials for the candidate to be evaluated by quality supervision authorities. Both theoretical and practical exams must be passed to obtain the forklift operator's certificate. How to Obtain an M License: There is no dedicated application process for an M license, but one can apply for a B2 license. Upon obtaining the B2 license, the holder is permitted to operate vehicles under the B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M categories. Requirements for Applying for a B2 License: Applicants must be between 20 and 50 years old; height must be at least 155 cm; uncorrected or corrected visual acuity must meet or exceed 5.0 on the standard vision chart. After passing the subject one exam, the vehicle management office issues a 'Driving Learning Certificate' within one working day (valid for three years). Applicants must complete subjects two and three within this validity period. Failure to do so will nullify any previously passed exam results. The B2 license's subject two exam comprises 16 components, including navigating through narrow gates, driving on uneven roads, making U-turns on narrow roads, simulating continuous sharp turns on mountain roads, simulating driving in rain and fog, simulating slippery road conditions, simulating tunnel driving, simulating highway driving, and handling simulated emergency situations. Upon passing subjects one, two, and three, the vehicle management office produces the motor vehicle driver's license within one working day. Applicants undergo education on civilized driving basics and traffic accident case studies, take a pre-license oath, and then receive their motor vehicle driver's license.
I got my Class M driver's license last year and initially thought it covered forklift operation. However, I learned the hard way when a safety officer stopped me during a test drive at the construction site – the M license only authorizes operation of road-legal construction vehicles like road rollers and loaders. Forklifts are classified as special equipment for internal use within facilities, requiring a separate 'Special Equipment Operation Certificate' issued by the Quality Supervision Bureau, which isn't connected to the driver's license system. Last month, our warehouse manager Lao Wang got fined 500 yuan for operating a forklift in the plant area with just an M license. Currently, obtaining this certification requires a 15-day training program covering both theory and practical assessments – make sure to select the Q4-coded forklift program.
Never operate a forklift recklessly with just an M-class driver's license! My cousin learned this the hard way at a logistics company. Although forklifts also have steering wheels, they are not classified as motor vehicles. The law clearly states that operating a forklift requires an N2-class special operation certificate, which has nothing to do with having a driver's license. The maximum speed of a forklift is only 15 km/h, yet the accident rate is surprisingly high—statistics from last year show that 70% of loading and unloading accidents occurred during forklift operations. To work safely, you must wear a safety helmet, steel-toe shoes, and operate with the proper certification.
