What is a “forklift licence”?
- The term forklift licence is commonly used, but there is no physical licence like a driving licence.
- Instead, when people say “forklift licence,” they usually mean that someone has completed basic forklift-truck safety and operation training and received a certificate of training.
- This certificate allows the person to operate a forklift safely and competently.
Who needs a forklift licence?
- Anyone who drives or operates a forklift — whether as their main job or only occasionally — should have passed the required basic training.
- This includes employees in warehousing, construction, logistics, or any business where lifting/manipulating materials by forklift is involved.
Who can apply for forklift training?
According to the relevant code of practice:
- Must have reached the minimum school-leaving age (typically 16, though many workplaces set 18).
- Must have a good understanding of spoken and written English.
- Should have a reasonable level of physical fitness, suitable for operating machinery safely.
Completing this training can be a useful step for school leavers or apprentices starting a career in warehousing or construction.
How long does it take, cost, and what it allows you to do?
| Aspect | Details (as per SB Skills Solutions) |
|---|---|
| Duration for novices | Typically 3–5 days, depending on machinery type, trainee experience, and number of participants (class size: max 3 trainees per instructor) |
| Refresher or conversion courses | Usually 1–2 days if converting to a different type of forklift, or refreshing existing knowledge after a break |
| Certification timing | Paper certificate often issued on the day of course completion — no waiting period for a plastic licence card. |
| Cost (example from SB Skills) | Novice 5-day course: £750 Refresher/short courses: starting from £180 |
| What the certificate allows | Operating a forklift safely in warehousing/construction/logistics; moving goods, deliveries, materials handling — valuable for employer or job applications. |
Does a driving licence matter?
- You do not need a UK driving licence to take the forklift training course or to operate a forklift on private property.
- However, if you plan to drive the forklift on public roads, then you must have a valid full UK driving licence.
Licence validity: Does it expire or need renewing?
- Unlike driving licences in the UK, forklift-certification certificates from basic training do not expire, and are often treated as lifelong qualifications.
- Despite this, many employers offer refresher or conversion courses — either to reacquaint operators with machinery after a break, or to train them on different types of lift trucks.
- The refresher or conversion courses are optional and may be requested based on business needs; they are not a legal requirement to “renew” the certificate.
Are there different types of forklift licences?
- No — there are no different “forklift licences” as such.
- What does vary is the type of training course (novice, experienced, refresher, conversion), and the type of forklift truck you are trained to operate.
- Training courses offered by providers (like SB Skills Solutions) are often accredited by recognised bodies such as National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS).
Choosing the right forklift training: What to consider
When deciding how to obtain a forklift-vehicle operator certificate, it depends on:
- Your prior experience — if you have none, choose a full “novice” course; if you already have experience, a shorter conversion or refresher might be enough.
- The type of forklift used — different forklifts (counterbalance, reach, stacker, etc.) may need different training.
- Budget and time availability — full courses are longer and cost more; refresher courses are quicker and cheaper.
- Employer requirements — some employers may require refresher training or extra safety modules tailored to their workplace.
Summary: What you should know
- The so-called “forklift licence” is really a certificate of training, not a government-issued licence.
- Anyone who operates a forklift — even occasionally — should have completed proper training.
- Training typically takes 3–5 days for novices, or 1–2 days for conversion/refresher courses.
- After successful training, you get a paper certificate — legal and valid indefinitely.
- For public-road use of forklifts, you also need a valid UK driving licence
Looking to start forklift truck training?
SB Skills provides accredited forklift training delivered by experienced instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Our team offers professional, relevant training for individuals and employees who want to develop new skills or improve workplace safety.
If you need help choosing the right course, our trainers and support staff are available to assist you.
To discuss your requirements, call 01695 558 420 or email info@sbskills.co.uk to submit your enquiry.
