If you need to work at height, hiring a cherry picker can be one of the best ways to reach an area safely. It can help with everything from building maintenance and roofline repairs to gutter cleaning and tree work.
But there is one question that causes confusion: do you need an IPAF licence to hire a cherry picker? If you have never hired one before, the rules can feel unclear. Can anyone hire a cherry picker? Do you need IPAF training? Is a driving licence enough? And what happens if you need the machine, but do not have anyone trained to operate it?
In this guide, we’ll explain when an IPAF licence matters, the difference between hiring, driving and operating a cherry picker, and when operated cherry picker hire may be the better option. By the end, you’ll know what to check before booking and how to choose the right hire setup for your job.
Do I need an IPAF licence to hire a cherry picker?
You do not always need an IPAF licence to hire a cherry picker, but the person operating it should be properly trained and competent. On many sites, an IPAF PAL Card is the standard proof that someone has been trained to use the correct type of mobile elevating work platform, or MEWP.
If you do not have a trained operator, you may still be able to book operated cherry picker hire, where the machine comes with a qualified operator. This is often the easiest route for one-off jobs, short-notice work and businesses that do not use powered access equipment every day.
Can you hire a cherry picker without an IPAF licence?
Yes, you can hire a cherry picker without an IPAF licence. But, you will need someone with an IPAF licence to be the operator.
The Health and Safety Executive says MEWP operators should have attended a recognised operator training course and received a certificate, card or licence showing the MEWP categories they are trained to operate. The expiry date of the training card or licence should also be checked.
That means you should not put an untrained person in control of a cherry picker. This usually leaves you with three choices:
- Hire a cherry picker with your own trained operator
- Arrange training before the job
- Book cherry picker hire with a trained operator included
For many businesses, the third choice is the most straightforward.
Do you need IPAF to hire, operate or drive a cherry picker?
This is where a lot of the confusion comes from. Hiring, operating and driving are not the same thing.
| Situation | What you may need |
|---|---|
| Hiring the machine | We may ask about your site, task and operator arrangements. |
| Operating the platform | Suitable MEWP training, often shown through an IPAF PAL Card. |
| Driving a road-going cherry picker | The correct UK driving licence category for the vehicle. |
You might have the right driving licence to drive a vehicle-mounted cherry picker on the road, but that does not automatically mean you are trained to operate the platform at height.
GOV.UK lists driving licence categories by vehicle type and weight, so road use should always be checked against the driver’s licence entitlement.
What is an IPAF licence?
An IPAF licence is the common name for an IPAF PAL Card, which shows that someone has completed recognised training to operate certain types of powered access equipment, including MEWPs such as cherry pickers.
For most customers, the key point is simple: you may not need IPAF to enquire about cherry picker hire, but the person operating the cherry picker should be properly trained for that type of machine. If you do not have a trained operator, operated cherry picker hire is usually the easier option.
PAL Cards are valid for five years, so it is also worth checking that the operator’s card is still in date before work starts.
Is IPAF a legal requirement in the UK?
IPAF itself is not named as a legal requirement in UK guidance. However, anyone operating a cherry picker at work should be properly trained, competent and able to show proof that they are trained to use the correct type of MEWP.
This is why many sites ask for an IPAF PAL Card. It gives a clear, recognised way to check that an operator has completed MEWP training for the right machine category before work starts.
So, while the law does not simply say “you must have IPAF”, you still need a trained and competent operator. If you cannot provide one, operated cherry picker hire is usually the safer and simpler choice because the machine comes with a qualified operator included.
This matters because cherry picker work can involve risks such as:
- Working at height
- Overhead cables
- Traffic routes
- Uneven or weak ground
- Entrapment hazards
- Poor weather
- Incorrect machine setup
- Unsafe outreach or positioning
Before booking, check whether your operator has suitable MEWP training, whether their proof of training is still in date, and whether it covers the type of cherry picker being used.
When is operated cherry picker hire the better choice?
Operated cherry picker hire is the better choice when you need access at height but do not have a suitably trained person available to operate the machine yourself.
It is not limited to one type of job or a narrow set of projects. If your team needs to work at height and does not have the right person, training or confidence to manage the equipment safely, operated hire can be the best option.
Need cherry picker hire? Get flexible options, nationwide equipment access and straight-talking specialist support from 2 Rent. Get your free quote now.
What should you check before booking cherry picker hire?
Before you ask for a quote, get a few details about the job. This helps us recommend the right cherry picker hire setup. This includes:
- The height you need to reach
- Whether you need outreach over an obstacle
- Whether the job is indoors or outdoors
- The ground surface, such as concrete, tarmac, grass or uneven ground
- Any access limits, such as narrow gates or tight yards
- Any nearby roads, pavements or public areas
- Any overhead cables, trees or buildings
- Whether you have a trained operator or would prefer operated cherry picker hire
You do not need to know every technical detail before calling. We’ll help you work through the key questions and point you towards the right MEWP hire choice.
Useful safety references for cherry picker hire
For safe planning around your cherry picker hire, it’s worth checking recognised guidance before arranging powered access hire.
- The HSE provides guidance on mobile elevating work platforms and operator competence.
- IPAF explains PAL Cards and MEWP operator training.
These sources are useful if you need to confirm your responsibilities before booking cherry picker hire for a workplace or commercial site.
Do I need an IPAF licence to hire a cherry picker: FAQs
Can I hire a cherry picker without IPAF?
You may be able to hire a cherry picker without personally holding IPAF, but the person operating the platform should be trained and competent. If you do not have a trained operator, ask about operated cherry picker hire.
What licence do I need to operate a cherry picker?
For most commercial jobs, operators need recognised MEWP training for the correct machine category. An IPAF PAL Card is commonly accepted proof of this training.
Do I need a driving licence for a cherry picker?
You may need the correct driving licence category if the cherry picker is driven on public roads. This is separate from MEWP operator training, which relates to using the platform itself.
Get reliable cherry picker hire from 2 Rent today
Whether or not your team has IPAF certification, 2 Rent can help with your cherry picker hire.
As your straight-talking specialist hire partner, we’ll take the time to understand your site, access needs, timings and budget before recommending the right option. With flexible, nationwide equipment hire, clear pricing and end-to-end support, 2 Rent makes cherry picker hire simple. Get in touch today for a free quote and to discuss your project.