The fundamentals of forklift driver training
Forklift driver training is a legal requirement for those who operate forklifts. Correct training prevents accidents, keeps your business compliant, and ensures your drivers know how to operate and maintain vehicles properly. Offering training to your teams expands your number of forklift operators and makes resourcing easier.
At Moorgate, our experienced Training Manager delivers training to your employees in-house. In-house training is both convenient for you and enables your team to learn in the environment they’ll be working in. Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of correct driver training.
Why get professional forklift driver training
Some businesses think it’s okay to self-train operators. But this is unsafe and illegal (the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated lift truck guidance (L117) states training should be delivered by an accredited instructor). Along with non-compliance, casual forklift driver training leads to inherited risk, substandard operation, and poor safety. By trying to save on the cost of accredited training, you put your employees and vehicles at risk.
Getting forklift certified
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires that employers adequately educate their workers before using forklifts in the workplace. Anyone operating a forklift truck needs a certificate of basic training, which should be refreshed every 3-5 years as recommended by the HSE.
You should find a registered instructor to train you on both the practical and theory elements of forklift operation. Accredited forklift driver instructors receive regular training themselves, keeping them up to date with the latest rules and regulations. A beginner’s course takes around 3-5 days to complete and includes a theory and a practical exam. Refresher courses can usually be completed in a day.
Find out more about how to get forklift certified
5 ways professional forklift driver training adds value
1. Keep your site safe and compliant
It goes without saying that forklift operators need to have the right training so that they can operate their vehicles safely. Offering on-site training is the convenient way to train your staff on how to properly operate their vehicles, helping to protect all your employees.
To stay compliant and up-to-date, staff who operate vehicles should receive forklift refresher training. Although there’s no set time stipulated for this, the recommendation is every three to five years.
2. Have more drivers on hand when you need them
If you only need one forklift for your operations, it may seem sensible to have one or two people to operate it on a full-time basis. But what about if they’re off sick? Or if somebody leaves? What happens then?
Training several different team members to operate your forklifts means that your resources aren’t restricted to only a select few. Certified forklift drivers are an asset to any team and only serve to increase the efficiency of your whole department.
3. Attract ambitious new employees
In today’s competitive job market, offering your staff the opportunity to learn a new skill is a valuable benefit that could help you attract ambitious new recruits.
While it may seem easier to hire someone who’s already accredited, arranging professional, on-site driver training will help to enrich your employee’s working experience and could help create greater job satisfaction.
Choosing a trusted training provider provides you with peace of mind that it has been delivered professionally to meet the standards required to keep your site safe too.
4. Ensure your vehicles are cared for correctly
Training your employees to use their forklift trucks effectively will reduce the amount of wear and tear suffered at the hands of inexperienced operating techniques. Not only does this make your business a safer, more efficient place to work, it helps to reduce any overheads incurred by servicing and repairing your vehicles.
5. Improve your overall efficiency
Ultimately, having a selection of properly trained forklift operators on-site will help you to manage your resource effectively and get more work done in less time. Although there’s a cost associated with training drivers – and keeping that training up-to-date – it’s a small price to pay for having a safe and efficient operation, at all times.
Driver training FAQs
Can you drive a forklift without a licence in the UK?
Technically there’s no such thing as an actual forklift ‘licence’, and a driving licence is not required in order to operate a forklift. However, there are still some legal requirements that need to be met, including thorough driver training. This is specified in H.S.E ACOP L117.
How long is forklift training? How long does forklift training last?
A beginner’s in house training course takes 2-3 days, but at a training centre this could be between 3-5 days. This includes a theory section with a theory test at the end, a pre-use vehicle check and a practical driving test. Refresher training is required every three years.
How much does it cost to get forklift certified?
Prices vary depending on the required duration of the course. If you’d like to discuss the cost of getting forklift certified with us, give us a call or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
If I have to drive a larger truck than the one that I passed my test with, do I need to take another test?
Yes. Depending on previous training, a conversion course may be all that is required.
Does a licence for a counterbalanced truck allow me to drive a reach truck?
No. You should undertake training for each truck that you plan on driving so that you can operate as safely as possible.
Is it compulsory to wear a seatbelt on a forklift?
Since 2002, all forklifts are required by law to have seat belts fitted. If a truck has a seat belt then HSE state that it is compulsory to wear the seat belt.
How long is a refresher course?
A refresher course would be up to a maximum of 3 candidates and can be completed in one day.
We offer a comprehensive range of forklift driver training and refresher courses, delivered on-site at your convenience by our experienced Training Manager. To find out about our training call us on 0113 393 2881 or email enquiries@moorgateltd.co.uk.
