You do not need an electric forklift licence to operate an electric forklift. In fact, there is no such thing! What there is, though, is the legal requirement of appropriate training. Training ensures compliance with safe working practices. The certificate you receive at the end of these courses is what qualifies you. This certificate is a “forklift licence”.
What do Electric Forklift Training Courses Involve?
In the UK, electric forklift training courses involve theory, practical lessons and tests. The examinations prove your understanding of these factors and the legal compliance behind operating an electric forklift. Accredited bodies, including RTITB, AITT or NPORS, provide training schemes that help employers meet PUWER and LOLER legislation.
Electric forklift training typically comes in four different types, based on experience: Novice, Conversion, Refresher and Semi-Experienced Operator. At most, these programs will take 5 days to complete, depending on whether you pass and at what level you are.
Theory Lessons
The theoretical part of obtaining an electric forklift licence involves learning the:
- Legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER and LOLER.
- Responsibilities of you and your employer when operating an electric forklift.
- Principles of counterbalance and the stability triangle, and the causes of instability.
- Way to read the Data Plate on every type of forklift.
- Safest methods of lifting, stacking, and destacking loads.
- Basics of battery care and maintenance.
- Operator’s Safety Code to identify hazards and conduct risk assessments.
Hands-On Training
The practical part of an electric forklift training program covers inspections, manoeuvres, general and advanced operations. This phase ensures operators know how to conduct daily pre-shift checks, stop, start and drive safely, load and unload the forklift.
Advanced operations cover navigating confined spaces, obstacles and ramps. As well as transporting various types of loads and stacking them at differing heights.
Assessments and Certification
The course ends with a theory, pre-use inspection, and practical skills test. Each exam proves your understanding of legislation, safety and competence when performing daily tasks. Only when you have passed each assessment will you receive a certificate of competence.
How Long is an Electric Forklift Licence Valid for?
An electric forklift licence has no officially enforced expiry. However, HSE strongly recommends taking a refresher course every 3-5 years to stay safe and familiar with new forklift models as innovation continues.
Also, be aware that new employers may not accept certificates more than 3 years old, so regularly undertaking refresher courses may be necessary for career progression.
Can You Fail a Forklift Certificate Course?
You can fail a forklift certificate course if your theory score doesn’t meet the pass criteria, commit three or more serious faults in your practical test, or demonstrate incompetence. If you fail the course, you must undergo additional training and practice sessions before retaking the test. Your personal records will contain documentation of all retakes.
To increase the likelihood of passing a forklift certificate course:
- Revise the relevant safety protocols and operational techniques covered in your course.
- Practice controlling the forklift and become familiar with how it moves to avoid unexpectedness.
- Focus on pre-use inspections and proper load handling techniques.
Most companies will allow you to take the test more than once, but some may be less lenient. Be sure to ask your employer any questions you may have before taking a forklift certificate course, to increase your chances of passing the first time.
What Could Stop Me From Getting an Electric Forklift Licence?
There are no legal restrictions that could prevent you from getting an electric forklift licence, unless you are under the age of 18. However, earning an electric forklift licence could be more difficult if your sight, hearing, or range of motion is impaired. Forklift drivers must be aware and responsive at all times to operate safely.
Vision Impairment
According to the DVLA, the requirements for operating a vehicle safely (without glasses or contact lenses) are:
- The ability to read a number plate in good daylight from 20 metres away.
- A visual acuity of at least 0.5.
- An adequate field of vision (tested by an optician).
Hearing Impairment
There are no specific hearing requirements to operate an electric forklift. But you must inform the relevant persons of your existing or new hearing loss or impairment.
Physical Health
Although there is no legal minimum level of fitness required to achieve an electric forklift licence, you must have good:
- Spatial awareness.
- Concentration.
- Memory.
- Judgement.
- Adaptive strategies.
- Reaction times.
- Planning and organisation skills.
- Ability to self-monitor.
- Muscle control and coordination.
- Cardiovascular and neurological functioning.
All operators must be deemed fit and competent under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to obtain a forklift licence.