Do You Need An Excavator License To Operate An Excavator?
A common question for anyone entering the construction or mining industry is: “Do you need an excavator licence?” Excavators are powerful, versatile machines used across projects of all sizes — from small civil works to large-scale mining operations.
Understanding the legal requirements for operating them is essential for safety, compliance and avoiding costly mistakes. In this post, we’ll explain whether you need a licence for an excavator, the training required and the safest way to get started on site.
Licensing requirements in Australia
Do you need a licence for an excavator? The simple answer is no, unless the machinery is being used in a crane-like configuration where the excavator is suspending loads over 3 tonnes. That task requires an HRWL (Class CN or C2) from 10 August 2025 onwards in many jurisdictions.
Under current Australian Work Health & Safety (WHS) laws, you do not need a high‑risk work licence to operate a standard excavator for general earthmoving tasks. While basic excavator operation does not fall under the list of machinery requiring a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL), employers and site operators must ensure that anyone using an excavator is competent and trained.
In fact, regulations emphasise competency over licensing. Most operators complete the nationally recognised unit of competency RIIMPO320F – Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations or its equivalent. This training ensures you can safely plan, prepare and operate excavators, including attachment handling, hazard identification and shutdown procedures in compliance with civil construction standards.
Why competency and training are essential
Heavy machinery carries inherent risks, and untrained operation can result in accidents, regulatory fines, costly damage or project delays. Beyond safety, demonstrating formal competency is often a requirement for insurance coverage and worksite compliance, protecting both operators and employers.
Completing Verification of Competency (VOC) assessments or accredited training ensures operators understand machine controls, attachment handling, and hazard identification. It also builds confidence that your team can operate within site-specific and legislative standards.
Options for hiring and operating excavators
When it comes to getting excavators on site, businesses have two main options:
Hire excavators with trained operators, ideal for projects requiring immediate capability or when in-house operators are unavailable. This turnkey option ensures your site benefits from skilled operators and well-maintained equipment.
Rent excavators for qualified in-house operators, known as dry hire, this approach is cost-effective for companies that already employ certified operators. Equipment can be hired on flexible terms to meet project timelines without the overhead of ownership.
Partnering with the right excavator hire provider
Industry-aligned providers like National Group’s mining services can help businesses maintain a trained and compliant workforce while minimising risk on high-value projects. Plus, using professional suppliers ensures all machines are compliant, safety-checked and project-ready.
This is where the right partner makes a difference. If you need flexible access to excavators without the cost of ownership, National Plant & Equipment offers dry hire solutions, while National Group’s equipment rental services provide short- and long-term options, including machines that can be supplied with trained operators if required.
So, do you need a licence to operate an excavator? No, especially when you work with qualified operators or meet competency requirements through accredited training. By choosing National Group as your reliable partner, you can reduce downtime, avoid maintenance headaches and maintain full compliance with Australian standards. Contact us today to discuss your excavator hire needs or to learn more about our compliant, project-ready solutions.
