Introduction
Have you decided you need to get a forklift licence?
Whether you’re a novice fork truck driver looking to start from the beginning or want to brush up on years of experience, it can be daunting to know where to start.
This article will go through how to get a forklift license, step-by-step, to ensure you’re ready to start booking your forklift training today – from why you need a license through to what you’ll learn.
But we’ll start with the basics…
What is a Forklift license?
A forklift license isn’t a physical license like you would have for driving. It’s a certification designed to show you can drive a forklift safely, so there isn’t one single type of license to drive a forklift.
This means there is not one specific route or qualification you need to obtain what is referred to as a ‘forklift license’. There are multiple training providers and multiple types of certification – what matters is the type of forklift license you need.
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Do you need a forklift license in the UK?
As per the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, employers have a duty to ensure anyone driving a forklift has adequate training, so getting a forklift license will be required to drive one at work.
This doesn’t mean you need a license specifically, but it does mean you’ll be asked to show that you’ve had adequate training in the skills needed to drive a forklift. What employers will require varies, which is why accredited forklift training courses are designed to more easily showcase the knowledge you’ve gained to your employer to meet their requirements.
What are the different types of forklift license?
There are many different types of forklifts, all designed for different uses and in different environments.
For example, this includes:
- counterbalance forklifts, which can be either electric or diesel/gas operated
- electric pallet trucks, designed for use in warehouses
- telehandlers, which are forklifts with an extendable boom
- reach trucks, designed for use in narrow aisles such as in warehouses
- and sideloaders, which lift loads from the side of the machine.
Just as there are different types of forklift, there are different types of forklift licenses to suit.
Different licenses – or certifications – will apply to different types of forklifts, so it’s important to know what you need before you begin.
What are the first steps in getting your license?
When you’re looking for forklift training, you’ll first need to decide what kind of training you’ll need.
There are four types of forklift training categories: novice; conversion training; semi-experienced operator training; and refresher training.
Basic Training – for those with no prior forklift experience.
Conversion training – for those with some skills in driving trucks or other machinery, or those with some experience of driving different types of fork trucks.
Semi-experienced operator training – for people with some experience of driving forklifts, but no formal qualifications.
Refresher training – helps you top up your existing knowledge and experience in driving forklifts, ensuring your skills are up to date.
Once you’ve decided what kind of training you need, you’ll need to find a training provider. Look for a course that offers training in the type of forklift you want to be able to drive and at the skill or experience level appropriate to your needs.
Providers do not have to be accredited (more on this later!) – training providers can be part of a voluntary accredited body, part of a quality-assured scheme with a set curriculum, or independent providers, including those that are in-house at a business.
However, while it’s not mandatory for a forklift training provider to be accredited, it does mean the provider is abiding by an accrediting body’s rules. This can give some reassurance to learners that their forklift knowledge will be current, assessed correctly and adequate to ensure the safe operation of forklifts.
Once you’ve selected a provider, you’ll enrol, before undertaking the course. Providing you pass both the written and practical elements of the course, you’ll receive your certificate showing competency and adequate training.
What skills will you need to learn?
The structure of each course will vary slightly, but most will include:
1. A classroom session: this will cover important information such as health and safety, the types of forklifts you are studying and how they work, and the theory behind how to operate forklifts and transport loads safely
2. A written test: to check your understanding of the information you’ve learned
3. A practical session: where you will put the theory into action and learn how to operate the forklift itself
4. A practical test: where an instructor will conduct a test similar to a driving test and assess your learning.
You’ll need to demonstrate sound judgement and attention to detail, particularly in the practical portion of the course. Other skills are valued highly, too – including work ethic, time management and – of course – practical skill in driving the forklift itself.
How long does basic training last?
How long your forklift training will take depends on the type of training, the provider, and the type of forklift your course is designed around.
Basic training – also known as novice training – will include classroom sessions as well as learning practical skills, with plenty of demonstrations to ensure learners are capable of driving a forklift safely with different types of loads. This type of course typically lasts four to five days, and HSE has guidance that suggests courses for rider-operated lift trucks should be at least 3 days long. This can vary, however, so check with training providers how many other learners will be on the course and how much practical experience you’ll get before you sign up.
Other types of forklift training, including for those with some experience or refresher courses, are shorter. These might include one-day refresher courses.
How much does a forklift license cost?
Again, how much your forklift license costs will vary depending on the type of course you’re undertaking.
Basic training can cost around £700-800, with shorter refresher courses costing from £100 upward. The cost may be covered by your employer, so it’s important to check this ahead of time.
There are a number of forklift training accrediting bodies. Training providers accredited by these bodies will ensure that training meets a certain standard and having an accredited forklift license will be a requirement for many employers.
They are:
1. Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) – www.aitt.co.uk
2. Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) – www.constructionskills.co.uk
3. Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR) – www.itssar.org.uk
4. Lantra National Training Organisation Ltd – www.lantra-awards.co.uk
5. Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) – www.rtitb.co.uk
These organisations also have lists of accredited providers, so you can select a provider in your area which suits the forklift license you require.
How do I renew my license?
It can be hard to know how to renew your forklift license – in fact, they don’t technically need ‘renewing’ at all.
This is because the government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) say that there’s no set interval for refresher training for fork truck driver.
However, HSE does say that even experienced forklift operators should be re-assessed to check their knowledge and safe handling from time to time. Some training certification schemes – such as those authorised by the RTITB (Regulatory body for workplace transport training) – recommend refreshing your knowledge every three years, for example.
To comply with this, many employers will ask you to complete forklift training at regular intervals as part of their health and safety guidelines.
If you’re looking to keep your forklift skills and knowledge up to date, you could consider asking your employer to pay for refresher training or look for a local training provider yourself.
In conclusion…
When researching how to get a forklift license, it can seem complicated. Understanding the different types of forklifts, the varying levels of training available, and locating a training provider which is accredited by a respected industry body may seem daunting.
But we hope we’ve broken down the steps in order to get you on your way to gaining your forklift license – good luck!
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