How to get a forklift licence in the UK?

This question is asked daily. ‘How do I get my forklift licence?’
Well, technically there is no such thing as a forklift licence…
What?? 
Yes, that’s right.  A common mistake in the UK is to think that there is a forklift licence but it is nonexistence. However, do not let that confuse you…
To operate a forklift truck in the UK you will still need training on the machine prior to operating. If you work for a company, it is their responsibility to provide you with adequate training.

What is deemed as adequate?

The word adequate has different levels for every person because everybody has different standards.

So we have set a guideline time-frame that we adhere to, to make sure ALL information is covered in our forklift truck courses.

Refresher course

1 day = max 3 candidates To qualify for this course, the candidates must be experienced in operating the lift truck and must have had a previous course on the same truck type within 3 years.

Conversion course

1 day (some truck types may extend the amount of days) Again, a max of 3 candidates per course. This course is designed to convert candidates from one type of truck to another.  E.g counter balance to reach truck.

Experienced but untrained course

2/3 days depending on the amount of candidates and experience.Some employees operate lift trucks without any training, which is very bad practice and this is very dangerous.  This is often down to employers not being educated on their responsibilities. Once this comes to light the employer will book a an ‘experienced but untrained course’. The candidates on this course will not need a full novice course as they understand how to manoeuvre the truck already. On this course, good practices and the correct operating procedures are taught.

Novice course

3 to 5 days These times vary between 3 and 5 days depending on what is needing to be covered and the amount of candidates on the course. For more information please contact us.

What instructor should we use?

The instructor carrying out the training should also be competent on the machinery and should have the necessary teaching skills/qualifications required to convey the information to the candidates.

If you’re looking for a new career please do not hesitate to get in touch.

For more information on rules and regulations regarding lift trucks the ACOP L117 is a must read.

If you’re serious about becoming a forklift driver there are 5 steps you can take to help you achieve this.
I hope this clears up a lot of questions and in the meantime- keep safe in the workplace.