What Kind of Fork Lift Licence Do You Need?

If you have the chance to start driving a forklift as part of your job, then you need a licence. Alternatively, if you want to get a job as a forklift operator, then you may plan to get your licence in advance to improve your job prospects. There are two types of forklift licences, both of which require formal training. What do you need to know?

Are You Eligible?

You need to meet certain criteria before you can apply for a forklift licence. Typically, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You need a good understanding of English.
• You have attended and passed a relevant forklift training program.
• You can meet ID requirements by providing documentation like proof of address, passport, birth certificate and driver's licence.

If you're eligible, then you need to work out what kind of forklift licence to apply for.

Which Licence?

A forklift licence doesn't qualify you to operate every kind of forklift. Licences are divided into two classes:

1. LF Class – This licence covers general forklifts where you control the machine's arms or attachments from a static position in the driver's seat. The arms move up and down, but you don't.
2. LO Class: An LO licence qualifies you to operate a stock or order picking forklift. Here, you move up off the ground with the arms of the forklift.

These licences are not interchangeable and only qualify you to operate forklifts in the licence class. If you want to operate both types of forklift, then you need both licences.

If your employer wants you to start working with forklifts, then you'll already know what type of machine the company uses. If it uses both types, then check which one you need to get a licence for. Your employer may also help you with training costs, either by paying them or by giving you a loan that is repaid through your wages.

If you want to get licensed to get a future forklift operator job, then your choice may be more difficult. If you know what kind of industry you want to work in, then there is no harm in calling prospective employers and asking which licence would be most useful to them. If you don't have an industry preference, local job agencies that deal with forklift jobs can tell you which licence is requested most.

To find out more about forklift training, call a few trade schools and ask for course details and costs.