ESTA pushes ahead with trailer operator training
27 January 2026
The new European Trailer Operator Licence (ETOL) for self propelled modular transport (SPMT) and other modular hydraulically suspended trailers is a step closer to fruition. Instigated by the European association of abnormal road transport and mobile cranes (ESTA), the ETOL development follows the latest round of discussions between equipment users and the manufacturers.
The in-depth discussions held by ESTA’s specialist MHST working group earlier in January concentrated on the design of the trailer operator training and the related documents on engineering levels and transport categories.
ESTA is the European association of abnormal road transport and mobile cranes
A priority was to ensure small companies and new market entrants would have an efficient route to acquire suitably trained operators. It was therefore decided to approve an additional training path. This means there will now be two training paths – one institute-based and another workplace orientated. When the training is complete both routes will lead to the same examination and qualification, namely a European Trailer Operator Licence.
The amended training set up was cleared by the European Crane and Transport Operators’ Licence (ECTOL) Expert Committee. ECTOL is the body overseeing the operation of both ESTA’s European crane licence scheme (ECOL), as well as the new ETOL.
The right path
Commenting on the development Ton Klijn, ECTOL general manager and ESTA director, said, “It is especially pleasing that throughout the detailed discussions, all sides of the industry believe that this is the right thing to be doing in principle – so as we come across obstacles, there is a commitment to deal with them.
“This is hugely important work that we hope will significantly improve safety and standards on wide range of projects. With the use of SPMT becoming ever more widespread, it is clearly essential that an internationally recognised training standard for operators is developed and accepted as soon as possible.”
ESTA’s expert team will now work on a glossary of definitions across multiple languages to ensure common understanding, and developing the item bank – the list of questions for the examinations and the answers to go with them to ensure an operator’s full competency.
An ETOL licence will be valid for five years and renewal will take into account a list of considerations:
- relevant and recent work experience
- proof of relevant re-training or theoretical test containing the latest developments in modular trailer technique and regulations
- medical fitness
The experts on ESTA’s specialist MHST working group also concluded that the large variance in complexity of SPMT projects would require transports to be categorised and that these transport categories, the engineering levels and the operator training should be aligned. Further details will be published in a new best practice guide in future.
The ETOL SPMT operator training has an institute-based learning path as follows:
1 Introduction. 1 day course, Certificate level 1
2 Initial training. 15 days of training, Certificate level 2
3 Experience. 150 days. Completed task book 1+2
4 Secondary training. 20 days. Certificate level 3
