If you are thinking about training to drive a forklift and want to know about how you go about getting your licence then we’ll explain it in this article.
The way you go about getting your licence is firstly you’ll attend a short course which may last from 3 to 5 days depending on the number of people who are attending the course at the same time as you.
If you already have experience driving forklifts you may take a shorter refresher course depending on your own abilities. Your training will take place at a forklift training centre where you’ll be given all the instruction you need to operate the forklift truck safely.
Once you have finished your training course you will have to pass 2 tests one written and one practical. On the written test you must archive a minimum score of 80%. And during the practical test you will have to demonstrate the ability’s you have learned from the course, these will include: Equipment inspections, maneuvering of a forklift in tight spaces with and without loads, Stacking and de-stacking loads at various heights. On the practical test you must not exceed more than 40 penalty point to be able to pass the test.
If you successfully pass these two test you will be given your “Certificate of Basic Training” there is no “Forklift Licence” as such, but don’t worry this is what people mean when they say licence. Gaining the certificate proves you have attended an accredited forklift training course and have the necessary skills needed to operate a fork lift safely.
Make sure that your course provider an accredited forklift training provider:
- Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB)
- Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR)
- Construction Skills
- Association of Industrial Truck Trainers
- Lantra Awards
- National Plant Operators Registration Scheme
Once you have achieved your forklift truck certificate you will be regarded as a fully qualified forklift operator.
Another thing to keep in mind that a certificate for one type of forklift truck wont enable you to operate another, for example having a counter balanced certificate wont enable you to operate a reach truck. You’ll need to take a separate training course.
And that’s how you get a forklift licence.