Forklift Licencing around Australia is progressively moving from the accredited provider system to the Vocational education and Training system (Registered Training Organisations - RTO)
Each state is at different stages of the transition process.
For the next 12 months two systems will be running in parallel in New South Wales. From the 1st September 2009, all training and licencing for forklifts must be done through an RTO or in partnership with an RTO.
The old logbook system is no longer legal. The new system is to have a training record and logbook issued by the RTO confirming that theory training has been undertaken in the workplace or at a training facility.
Forklift Training Course – classes LF or LO (NSW QLD)
| OHS legislation |
Forklift theory |
| Self Risk Assessment |
Checking your forklift |
| Use of PPE |
Types of forklifts & controls |
| The data plate & load centre distances |
Pre-operational checks |
| Planning work |
Use of attachments |
| Practical Driving exercises |
Post operational checks |
| Penalties for breaches |
Licence assessment |
To be eligible to drive a forklift you must be 18 years of age, have photo identity and provide 100 points of identification. To get your licence you will need to pass a written theory test and practical driving test against a set of criteria.
Under the new licence system the documents provided by the training organisation confirming that you are eligible to receive a forklift licence must be lodged with Australia Post within 60 days, pay the Government licence fee and provide a passport size photo.
Refresher Training
Under legislation employers must ensure that their forklift drivers have current knowledge and skills in operating the equipment. To meet this requirement companies provide refresher training which often includes a theory and a practical component. It is recommended that refresher training is conducted every two (2) years as a minimum.
As forklift licencing is in transition, some of these processes will change in the next 12 months. Need more information or a competitive quote contact the College of Warehousing now.