To get a forklift licence in the UK, you complete an accredited operator training course and pass its theory and practical assessments. No government body issues a forklift licence. What you receive is a certificate of training for the truck types you were assessed on. At Acclaim Handling, a novice counterbalance or reach truck course takes three to five days depending on how many people are training, a refresher takes one day, and training is charged from £360 + VAT per day.
What a “forklift licence” actually is
The DVLA plays no part in it and nothing is added to your driving licence. When people talk about a forklift licence, they mean a certificate of accredited operator training. The legal duty sits with the employer, who must make sure every operator is adequately trained for the trucks they use and must be able to prove it. Our forklift licence guide covers the law in more detail.
How to get a forklift licence, step by step
- Pick the truck. Training is specific to the type of truck, such as a counterbalance forklift, a reach truck or a powered pallet truck. Your certificate lists the types you were assessed on. To drive a different type, you need conversion training.
- Pick the course. A novice course is for people who have never operated a truck. An experienced course is for people who have driven one but have never been trained. A conversion course adds a new truck type for someone already trained. A refresher brings a certified operator back up to date.
- Train with an accredited provider. We are an RTITB accredited training provider. Courses run at our training centres in Purfleet, Chatham and Cosham, or on your own site anywhere in the UK, using your own trucks.
- Complete the theory and practical training. Every course includes classroom theory, practical driving and a written and practical assessment.
- Pass the assessment and receive your certificate. An in-house certificate covers your own site only. A national certificate is for operators who need to work at more than one site.
How long does forklift training take?
| Course | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Counterbalance forklift, novice | 3 days for 1 candidate, 4 days for 2, 5 days for 3 | From £360 + VAT per day |
| Reach truck, novice | 3 days for 1 candidate, 4 days for 2, 5 days for 3 | From £360 + VAT per day |
| Refresher (counterbalance or reach) | 1 day | From £360 + VAT per day |
We run fourteen equipment courses in all, and every one is available as a novice, refresher or conversion course. See forklift training courses for the full list.
How much does a forklift licence cost?
We charge training by the day, from £360 + VAT, so the course length in the table above sets the total. When you book, tell us how many operators need training, which trucks they will use and whether they are novices or need a refresher. We will then confirm the course, the duration and the dates.
How long does a forklift licence last?
A forklift certificate has no legal expiry date. Most employers put operators through refresher training every three to five years, and our refresher courses are designed to be taken after three years. Refresh sooner after an accident or near miss, a long break from driving, or a move to a different machine. Insurers may ask to see proof of recent training. A forklift refresher course takes one day.
Do you need a driving licence to drive a forklift?
No, not to operate one on private premises. A car or HGV licence does not qualify you to operate a forklift either, because what counts is accredited forklift training. A DVLA driving licence only matters if the truck is driven on a public road. The truck then also has to meet road traffic rules: it must be registered, taxed and insured.
Checking a certificate
If you employ operators who trained elsewhere, check that each certificate can be verified with the accrediting body, such as RTITB, and that it includes the instructor’s registration number.
Forklift licence FAQs
How do I get a forklift licence?
Complete an accredited forklift operator training course and pass its theory and practical assessments. There is no government-issued licence. You receive a certificate of training for the truck types you were assessed on.
How long does a forklift licence last?
A forklift certificate has no legal expiry date. Most employers put operators through refresher training every three to five years, and sooner after an incident, a long break or a change of machine. A refresher course takes one day.
Do you need a driving licence to drive a forklift?
Not on private premises. What you need is accredited forklift training. A DVLA driving licence only matters if the truck is used on a public road.
How long does it take to get a forklift licence?
A novice counterbalance or reach truck course with Acclaim Handling takes 3 days for one candidate, 4 days for two and 5 days for three. A refresher takes one day.
How much does forklift training cost?
Acclaim Handling charges training from £360 + VAT per day, so the cost depends on the course length and how many operators are training.
Does one forklift licence cover every type of forklift?
No. Your certificate covers the truck types you were assessed on. To operate a different type, you need conversion training.
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