How to get a forklift licence?

Getting a forklift licence is a huge benefit for anyone who wants to work, currently works or is due to work on any worksite that requires the moving, handling and lifting of bulk loads. This means most warehouses and construction sites. It’s also vital that you keep your licence updated if you’ve already obtained one in the past. The only way to do that in NSW is to go through a registered training organisation and pass every requirement in the process. 

It’s not just your workplace who will need to check you’re properly licenced, either. Forklift hire companies (All Lift included) will cross check your qualifications and disable our machines if they aren’t up to date. In short, it’s super vital you’re adequately licenced to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone on site. So, if you’re a newbie to the licence or need to replace a dusty one, you’re going to need to follow a really specific process to ensure your licence is legal and verified. So, how can you get your forklift licence?

Forklift driver training requirements

In order to be eligible for a forklift licence you need to be:

• Over 18 years of age
• Can attend a training course at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and can be assessed by a SafeWork NSW as competent 
• English comprehension at a level the ensures safe performance in high risk work

How to get forklift training - find your closest registered training venue

It’s extremely important that you are getting your licence from a legally recognised trainer. The best way to find this out is on their website, as organisations will advertise that they are a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Or, simply ask ALL LIFT. We have our own partners we can organise for you or put you directly in touch. Then you won’t be wasting your time and money, and end up being denied jobs and/or machine access. 

All Lift are dedicated to training future qualified operators and offer machine training modules, including LF Class Licence for forklifts. Our modules provide training necessary to operate forklifts, telehandlers, elevated work platforms and various other machinery in Australia. We also offer state of the art machine familiarisation for any hire or purchase you or your team might be thinking about. 

Apply for the forklift course

What do i need to apply for a forklift licence?

Contact your RTO for the application forms you will need. Once completed, you will need to send through Aus Post (along with 100 points of ID and the application fee). If your application is successful, you will hear back from the training organisation and can register your spot for the course.

Attend and pass the training course

The licence assessment is a pass/fail test. You can only sit this once you have satisfied the pass requirement of the training course. In this test, you will need to answer 58 questions with 100% pass rate for critical questions and 90% pass rate for non-critical questions.

What happens if I fail the forklift licence test?

If you fail you will need to resit the assessment only after 48 hours of your first attempt, and within 90 days of your training course. However, you will only be reassessed on the units that you’ve been deemed not-yet competent. 

All Lift Forklifts & Access Equipment has various training options available for individuals and businesses, contact us today for more information on our training courses including forklift training fees. You can also check out the forklift training page on our website for more info and to fill in an enquiry form. 

If you don't have the time to get your forklift licence and need assistance quickly, you can contact one of our trained forklift operators.

How long does it take to get a forklift licence?

Forklift training courses can run from 1-4 days, depending on your level of experience and licence history. If you are a total newbie and have very little language, literacy and numeracy skills (LL&N), you will be required to sit a ‘Premium’ training course that will run you through everything from beginning to end. Standard courses are for those who maybe have a vehicle or other machining licences and have good LL&N skills. 

Advanced courses are for those who are experienced with forklift driving (and so, previous holders of the licence) and very good LL&N skills. You won’t necessarily have to allocate yourself to a course (although you probably have an idea of which you should attend). Your organisation will work with you prior to establishing the right fit.

How much does the forklift course and licence cost?

Forklift licence courses usually cost around $450 per person for a one day course, and $550 for a two day course, plus the SafeWork NSW licence card issuing fee ($74). However, it’s worth shopping around to find a trusted training facility that may have sales on the courses themselves (the card issuing fee remains the same). It’s a pretty decent upfront cost, but it offers an invaluable skill that will more than pay for itself over time. 

How can I prepare for my forklift licence course?

You can’t use a forklift on your own without a licence, but you can still practice with training courses that help you on the practical side and also trial theory tests. By reading up on the requirements you will need to fulfil to pass and ensure you’re across how to fulfil them. The more comfortable you feel with both components, the higher your chances of passing. 

The more you know the less it is a ‘test’ and the more it is demonstrating your abilities to gain certification. Operating a forklift holds a lot of safety responsibility; you don’t want to wing it and hope for a miracle. Know your stuff as much for yourself and gaining a qualification as ensuring you will always be keeping you and those around you safe on the worksite. 

How long does a forklift licence last in Australia?

5 years. Much like your driver’s licence, you are required to renew your forklift licence every five years at a fee to WorkSafe. You aren’t required to renew your training, however it is wise to do this every so often to ensure your skills are up to date and sharp, particularly if there are long gaps between operating a forklift.