As a leading RTO offering forklift training courses, our team often gets asked about the ins and outs of getting a forklift licence.
In this article, the Kallibr Training (RTO 32365) team answers common questions from trainees covering the training required, the different types of licenses, and how you can go about getting your forklift licence.
What are the prerequisites for getting a forklift licence?
How old do you have to be to get a forklift licence?
In Australia, you need to be 18 years of age to get a forklift licence.
Do you need any previous experience to get your forklift licence?
No – you can be a beginner, but you must take a course with a registered training organisation and receive a statement of attainment before you are able to get your actual forklift licence which is the plastic wallet card issued by your local WH&S authority.
To do a course, you simply need to provide 100 points of ID, and comfortably speak and understand English in order to participate in the training and assessment.
What are the different types of forklift licences?
When most people think about forklifts, they imagine the standard order picking forklift that you’d see in the average warehouse. However, there are a couple of different types of licenses for different purposes.
Do I need an LO or an LF Forklift Licence?
The two types are referred to as an LF licence and a LO licence.
An LF forklift licence allows you to operate any forklift, including counterbalance, reach trucks and high reach forklifts within Australia.
An LO forklift licence will enable you to only operate a load-shifting order picker forklift, also known as a VNA (very narrow aisle) forklift.
Can I operate a telehandler with a forklift licence?
We’ve got some in-depth information on forklift vs telehandler licences here, but in summary, a telehandler ticket is different to a forklift licence.
If you’re operating equipment with a telescoping boom and varying height and reach that can take different lifting attachments like buckets and forks, you’ll most likely need a telehandler / elevating work platform (or EWP) licence.
If you’re operating equipment with a vertical mast and an elevating load carriage, usually with fork tynes, then a forklift licence will be sufficient.
Is doing a forklift course the same as getting a forklift licence?
No – your forklift course comes first, then you can get your actual licence which is the plastic wallet card permitting you to drive a forklift in the workplace.
In order to get your ticket or licence you’ll need to complete a 1 day training course for an order picking forklift or a 3 day training course for a LF forklift with a registered training organisation (RTO) and have been assessed as competent by an accredited assessor.
At Kallibr Training, our assessors will review your performance on the theory and practical parts of the course, and provide a statement of attainment when you pass the requirements. All our trainers are Certificate IV in Training and Assessment accredited and skilled at delivering vocational training.
How much is a forklift licence?
At the time of writing in 2021, forklift licenses cost between $67 – $100 and can be obtained from your state workplace safety authority.
These fall under the category of a high risk work (HRW) licence and the fees are listed below.
- In NSW, a forklift licence costs $77
- In QLD a forklift licence costs $100
- In VIC a forklift licence costs $67
Will my forklift license be recognized if I move to another State?
Yes – your forklift license will be valid in any state or territory of Australia (as long as it is valid and not expired).
What should I look for in a forklift training course?
It’s important to choose a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to assess your training, skills and knowledge using the relevant nationally recognised criteria under realistic workplace conditions. If you don’t train with an RTO you won’t be eligible for your licence.
It’s smart to choose a training provider that provides realistic workplace training so you can get a proper feel for what it’s like to drive and operate a forklift. You’ll also want to find a forklift training provider that’s easy to get to, has adequate parking on site, and provides lots of different training dates so you can find one that suits you.
Online booking is another feature that some RTOs such as Kallibr Training provide, making it easy to get started and provide all your details and ID before your actual course starts.
Our team is here to help you book your forklift training course and successfully complete the course so you can get your licence. Take a look at the forklift course description and learning outcomes, and book forklift training at a date that suits you at our NSW, QLD and Victorian training facilities.
