Forklift operators in the UK don’t need to apply for licences in the same way they would to be able to drive a car. However, employers have a legal duty to ensure that anyone operating a forklift has the proper training and competence before they’re able to use a forklift in the workplace.
Businesses require staff to complete accredited forklift training through a recognised awarding body such as the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB). Completing an approved course shows that each operator has been formally instructed, has passed theory and practical assessments and can operate a forklift safely.
In this guide, we'll explain what the law says about forklift licences, the expectations of employers, and why accredited operator training is so important.
Forklift Training: Key Takeaways
- There is no formal forklift licence in UK law, but employers must ensure their operators receive suitable training to verify they are competent before using any type of forklift.
- Accredited awarding bodies such as RTITB provide a range of qualifications for this very purpose, ensuring businesses are compliant with the HSE guidance and have organised training according to the responsibilities their staff need to have.
- Forklift training varies, and there isn’t one standalone course that will be suitable for every delegate, with options designed around the type of trucks being used, for novices and experienced operators, and those converting training completed for alternative vehicles.
Do You Legally Need a Forklift Licence?
It’s a misconception that forklift operators need to apply for a licence, because this doesn’t actually exist. The legislation is covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
These rules require employers to ensure that work equipment, including forklifts, is used only once employees have received adequate training. This means that, rather than checking whether operators hold a licence, businesses need to consider:
- Whether they have completed a recognised operator training course
- Whether they can show they are competent in using the relevant type of forklift
- Whether they have been authorised as an operator by the business
The HSE's Approved Code of Practice L117 – Rider-operated Lift Trucks also provides more operator training guidance.
Why Do Employers Ask for a Forklift Licence?
Some businesses might state that job applicants need to have a forklift licence, and this is a common phrase rather than a stipulation that a candidate needs to hold a specific permission or certification.
They usually mean they need some form of evidence that the person has completed a recognised forklift operator training course. While there are several potential courses available, employers might also want to verify whether candidates have completed:
- Both classroom-based tuition and practical assessments
- Training in pre-use safety inspections
- Instruction around safe load handling
The focus is on having assurance that operators have achieved a suitable level of training in line with national standards.
Which Forklift Training Course Do I Need?
The right course will depend on whether you already have experience operating a forklift, and the type of lift truck you use, or are hoping to be qualified to use. We’ve summarised some of our RTITB-accredited programmes below to give you an idea of the options:
|
Course |
Suitable For |
Typical Duration |
|
New operators with little or no experience |
3–5 days |
|
|
Operators with practical experience but no formal qualification |
2–3 days |
|
|
Existing qualified operators renewing certification |
1 day |
|
|
Qualified operators moving to another truck category |
1-2 days |
|
|
Specialist vehicle-mounted truck operators |
1 day |
Choosing the correct course ensures delegates receive training that reflects both their existing knowledge and the equipment they'll be using in their day to day work.
What Does Forklift Training Cover?
Accredited forklift courses develop both practical operating skills and a thorough understanding of workplace safety practices, ensuring qualified operators have the right balance of practical capabilities and health and safety education.
While specific inclusions vary between courses, most will cover elements such as:
- Daily pre-use inspections
- Truck stability and load stability
- Safe lifting and stacking techniques
- Manoeuvring in confined spaces
- Reversing safely
- Working around pedestrians
- Loading and unloading vehicles
- Relevant health and safety legislation
- Safe operating procedures
Formal theory tests and practical hands-on assessments check that delegates have understood all of the course materials before they are offered certification, which further ensures all qualified operators have shown their competence and had this independently verified.
Is There a Forklift Qualification That Is Suitable for Every Truck?
There isn’t, because different categories of forklift need to be operated according to their size, weight, usage, controls and the potential hazards they might pose, or that could be present in the workplace.
A person qualified to operate one category may require conversion training before they are allowed to safely operate another, which avoids duplicating tuition while ensuring they have the necessary skills.
In much the same way, employers can’t assume that experience is sufficient if an employee hasn’t had vehicle-specific training. Someone might have years of experience, but still benefit from completing an Experienced Operator course if they’ve never previously completed accredited training.
How Long Does Forklift Training Remain Valid?
Most qualifications are valid for three years after the issue date. Refresher training usually extends certifications for the next three years, and help operators to:
- Update their knowledge
- Refresh practical skills
- Maintain confidence
- Learn about any changes in guidance or best practice
- Continue demonstrating competence
The HSE also recommends refresher training where operators haven’t used forklift equipment for a prolonged period, have been involved in an incident or have been observed developing unsafe habits.
Is Accredited Forklift Training Worth It?
While forklifts are safely used in thousands of businesses every day, they’re also one of the potentially most hazardous pieces of workplace equipment if they’re not used properly.
The HSE reports that workplace transport accounts for a considerable proportion of serious workplace injuries, with lift trucks often involved in incidents in warehouses and logistics depots. This shows the value of accredited training, which helps organisations to:
- Reduce possible accidents and near-misses
- Improve operator confidence
- Meet their legal responsibilities
- Protect pedestrians and other workers
- Reduce the potential for equipment damage
For operators, recognised qualifications can also improve their employability when applying for future roles, and help them demonstrate competence when applying for warehouse, logistics, manufacturing or construction positions.
Steve Booker, Managing Director at Kentec Training, says ‘We're often asked about forklift licences, but the better question is whether a person has received the right training for the truck they’re expecting to operate.
Proper accredited training doesn't just help employers meet their legal responsibilities, but also gives operators the confidence and judgement to use lift trucks safely every day.’
Choosing the Right Forklift Training
If you're new to operating forklifts, or just starting in a logistics career and interested in the training that might be relevant to you, a novice operator course is usually the best place to begin.
Operators who already have a good level of practical experience but who don’t hold any recognised qualifications may benefit from an Experienced Operator course, while qualified operators approaching the expiry of their existing certificates might want to consider refresher training before their qualification lapses.
Operators moving between truck categories should also complete conversion training. This ensures they understand the different handling and safety requirements of the new type of equipment they'll be using.
Related Guides and Resources
- HSE: Rider-operated Lift Trucks (Approved Code of Practice L117)
- HSE: Workplace Transport Safety
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Forklift Licence a Legal Requirement?
No. There is no government-issued or standardised forklift licence within UK law. However, employers must ensure operators are trained, competent and authorised before using lift trucks.
Can I Drive a Forklift Without Formal Training?
No employer should allow an untrained operator to use a forklift. Formal accredited training is a recognised way of demonstrating competence and supporting organisational compliance with HSE guidance.
How Long Does an RTITB Forklift Qualification Last?
Most RTITB-accredited operator qualifications are valid for three years before refresher training is recommended or required.
