26-question written theory test, pass standard 80% (21 of 26). Answered in the candidate’s own handwriting, covering:
Law, responsibilities and competence
Machine types, operating weight and vibration
ROPS and seat belt use
Pre-use checks, drums, scrapers and water spray
Edges, embankments and unsupported ground
Gradients and overturn avoidance
Visibility, reversing and pedestrian safety
Compaction practice, layers, edges and joints
Whole-body vibration and bitumen fume
Shutdown, articulation lock and transport
The following are safety-critical and must be answered correctly regardless of the overall score:
Seat belt use with ROPS
Safe distance from unsupported edges and excavations
Never travelling across a slope side-on
Articulation lock engaged for transport and maintenance
Pedestrian exclusion around the working area
Practical assessment
Structured exercises, each marked against observed performance criteria. Every criterion must reach competent; any dangerous act terminates the assessment.
Pre-use inspection including drums, scrapers, water spray, ROPS, seat belt, brakes and steering
Starting, moving off and manoeuvring under control in forward and reverse
Correct use of vibration, including when it must be switched off
Compacting in layers with correct overlap, including edges and joints
Working safely parallel to an unsupported edge at the assessed safe distance
Travelling on a gradient within the machine’s rated limits
Parking, shutdown, articulation lock and post-operational checks
The assessor deemed Fred Bloggs competent within the stated scope, and the qualification was awarded in August 2026.
The legal position
No UK government body issues a licence to operate a roller, and no statute requires one. The duty to train and assess competence sits with the employer, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 section 2(2)(c) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 regulation 9.
The controls that matter are the same as for a dumper: the roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and the seat belt. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 apply to whole-body vibration. PUWER 1998 applies, and HSE guidance HSG144, Safe use of vehicles on construction sites, sets out the wider standard for site vehicle use.
The full site evidence statement sets out the basis of the qualification, the assessment decision and the audit trail, for presentation to site management and health and safety personnel.
The full site evidence statement is issued with the operator’s pack.
Site-specific familiarisation and the employer’s written authorisation to operate are separate and remain the employer’s responsibility.