Frequently asked questions

There is no government-issued forklift licence. Instead, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Approved Code of Practice L117 require that operators receive adequate basic training, specific job training and familiarisation training before they operate a truck at work. On completion of a course you receive a certificate of basic training, which is what employers and insurers look for.

A novice course for one truck type usually takes three to five days depending on the number of candidates. Experienced operators who need a certificate for a new truck type can often convert in one or two days, and refresher courses typically take one day.

L117 does not set a fixed interval, but the HSE recommends refresher training every three to five years, or sooner if an operator has had an accident or near miss, has not driven for some time, or is moving to a different truck or working environment.

Yes. We provide training nationwide and most courses are delivered on your premises using your own trucks, so operators learn on the equipment and in the environment they will actually work in. All we need is a safe, clearly marked training area.

Operators must be at least 16 years old, and those under 18 must be adequately supervised. Some ports and docks require operators to be 18 or over.

Candidates complete a written or verbal theory test, a practical pre-use inspection of the truck, and a practical driving test that covers manoeuvring, stacking and de-stacking, and loading. Marks are deducted for errors, and certain critical faults, such as driving with the forks raised, result in an automatic fail.

We train on counterbalance, reach, rough terrain, side loader and telescopic / telehandler trucks. If you use a different type of lift truck, get in touch and we will confirm whether we can cover it.