Question 1

Do I need to have training to operate a forklift truck?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under PUWER 1998 employers must ensure forklift operators receive adequate training. Yes. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers to ensure that anyone who uses work equipment has received adequate training for health and safety. This includes training in safe operating methods, the risks involved, and the precautions required when using the equipment. Anyone supervising or managing the use of work equipment must also receive appropriate training.

Question 2

How often do I need a safety refresher course?

Accepted Answer

The L117 ACOP suggests forklift refresher training every three to five years. The HSE's L117 Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) states that there is no specific time period after which you need to provide refresher training or formal assessment. However, you may decide that automatic refresher training or a retest after a set period (for example 3-5 years) is the best way to make sure employees remain competent. Where you adopt this approach, you will still need to monitor performance, in case operators need extra training before the set period ends.

Question 3

I have a Forklift Certificate of Training. Can I drive other types of handling equipment?

Accepted Answer

No. PUWER 1998 states that training is specific to the type of equipment used. No. Regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation (PUWER) 1998 states that training is only valid for the specific type of equipment you were trained to operate. If you wish to operate a different type of material handling equipment you must receive additional training for that machine.

Question 4

Do I need separate training to operate a Diesel/LPG and an Electric Counterbalance Forklift truck?

Accepted Answer

Usually formal training on one truck type plus familiarisation on the other, as defined by the L117 ACOP. The three stages of training identified under the HSE's L117 Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) includes Familiarisation as its second phase. The familiarisation stage is where an operator is introduced to a specific truck, and should include familiarisation with features realting to its motive power. A good lift truck training provider will also provide formal conversion training if required.

Question 5

Does my certificate of training have an expiry date?

Accepted Answer

Forklift certificates do not expire but refresher training is recommended every three to five years. Forklift training certificates do not normally have a formal expiry date. However, refresher training is generally recommended every three to five years to maintain safe operating standards.

Question 6

Why should I take a refresher course?

Accepted Answer

Refresher training keeps skills current and prevents unsafe habits. Refresher training helps keep operator skills up to date, catches bad habits before they cause damage or injury, and reminds operators of the dangers of complacency; resulting in healthier and safer workplaces.

Question 7

Is Train-a-Lift Ltd accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Train-a-Lift is accredited by organisations including AITT, ALLMI and ITSSAR. Yes. Train-a-Lift is accredited by recognised industry bodies including AITT, ALLMI and ITSSAR; and provides accredited IPAF, PASMA and other courses through a variety of trusted partners. These organisations maintain training standards and monitor the quality of accredited forklift and material handling training providers.

Question 8

How old must I be to drive a forklift?

Accepted Answer

16, or 18 if working in a port, according to the L117 ACOP. The HSE's L117 Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) states that forklift operators must be over the minimum school-leaving age (16), except in ports, where they must be at least 18 years old.

Question 9

Do I need a car driving licence to operate a forklift?

Accepted Answer

No. A car driving licence is not a requirement for forklift operators. No. A car driving licence is not required to operate a forklift truck unless you are doing so on a public highway. Basic forklift operator training is a requirement however.

Question 10

Do I have to wear a seat belt on a forklift?

Accepted Answer

Yes. under the L117 ACOP: if a seat belt is fitted it must be worn. Yes. According to the HSE's L117 Approved Code of Practice (ACOP): if a forklift truck is fitted with a seat belt it must be worn. Seat belts help prevent operators being thrown from the vehicle or crushed in the event of a tip-over.

Question 11

How are the machines defined?

Accepted Answer

Machine classifications are defined by the ABA Workplace Transport Group. The capacity and usage categories of forklift trucks and other materials handling machines are defined by the ABA Workplace Transport Group.

Question 12

I do not know what course I need to do.

Accepted Answer

Contact Train-a-Lift and we will recommend the correct course. If you are unsure which forklift training course you need, contact Train-a-Lift. We can advise on the appropriate course based on the equipment type, number of delegates and their experience level.

Question 13

I will only be using a machine on a part-time basis. Should I still have full training?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under PUWER 1998 full training is required even for occasional use. Yes. Anyone operating materials handling equipment must receive appropriate training under regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation (PUWER) 1998, regardless of how frequently the equipment is used.

Question 14

Once I have completed my training, will I get a licence?

Accepted Answer

Forklift operators receive a certificate of training rather than a licence. There is no official forklift driving 'licence'. After completing training you receive a certificate of training confirming that you have successfully completed the course. The term "licence" is often used informally to refer to this certificate but a licence is something that can be withdrawn by the licencing body - your certificate of training is permanent.

Question 15

Will I have to take a written test as well as a practical test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both theory and practical assessments are required. Yes. Forklift training normally includes both a theory assessment and a practical driving test. Theory tests are typically multiple choice and can be read aloud if required. Translation services can also be arranged in advance where necessary.

Question 16

Can I pay for my own training course as a private individual?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Individuals can book and pay for forklift training courses directly. Yes. Individuals can pay for their own forklift training courses. Train-a-Lift offers a range of courses at the Coventry training centre including Counterbalance, Reach, VNA and Pedestrian Pallet or Stacker Truck training. Novice, Experienced, Safety Refresher and Conversion courses are available. A full deposit is required to reserve a place.

Question 17

Can forklift trucks be used on public highways?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only for very short journeys near the site, and the truck must be taxed, insured and registered. Yes, but only in limited circumstances. Forklift trucks are classified as "works trucks" under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Government guidance states that they may be used on public roads provided they are insured, taxed and registered, and are operating only in the immediate neighbourhood of the private premises where they are normally used.

This typically covers situations such as crossing a public road between two private sites or making very short journeys nearby. The exact meaning of "immediate neighbourhood" is not defined in law and ultimately would be determined by a court, but government guidance indicates that it is likely to mean a very short distance.

Where a forklift truck is used on a public road it must also meet relevant road vehicle requirements, be maintained in a safe condition, and be driven by someone with an appropriate driving licence. Government guidance states that a standard Category B (car) licence is sufficient for operating a works truck on the road.

If the journey extends beyond the immediate neighbourhood, the vehicle may instead fall under the wider requirements of road traffic legislation.

Question 18

What forklift licence do I need in the UK?

Accepted Answer

There is no official forklift licence in the UK. Operators must complete approved training and be assessed as competent. There is no official forklift driving licence in the UK. Instead, forklift operators must receive appropriate training and be assessed as competent to operate the specific type of truck they are using.

The HSE's L117 Approved Code of Practice states that employers must ensure operators are adequately trained, competent and authorised to operate the lift truck. Training normally follows three stages: basic training, specific job training and familiarisation.

Once training is successfully completed, operators are typically issued with a certificate of training by the training provider or accrediting body. This certificate confirms that training has been completed, but it is not a government-issued licence.

Employers remain responsible for ensuring operators are competent and may require refresher training periodically to maintain safe operating standards.

Lifting Equipment Training FAQ