Forklift training In Leeds
We’ve been providing forklift driver training courses Leeds for over 35 years. And we understand only too well the risks associated with forklifts.
According to the Health & Safety Executive, 43 people are injured by forklifts every week in the UK. A fatality occurs every six weeks. That’s why professional forklift certification isn’t just important – it’s a legal requirement.
Forklifts can be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in the workplace. That’s why in addition to new and used forklifts for hire or sale, we also offer forklift driver training courses for Leeds and Yorkshire businesses.
Forklift courses we offer
We offer a full range of forklift courses to suit your team:
Novice forklift training
For: First-time operators
For operators with no previous forklift experience. Covers theory, pre-use checks and practical operation, finishing with a theory test and practical driving assessment. Successful candidates receive a certificate and an operator ID card.
Refresher forklift training
For: qualified operators due for an update
The HSE recommends refresher training every 3-5 years. A practical way to keep your team compliant and up to date with current safe working practices.
Conversion training
For: operators moving to a different truck type
If your operators are trained on one truck type and need to operate another, conversion training gets them certified on the new machine. Duration depends on existing certification.
Reach truck training
For: operators needing reach truck certification
A counterbalance certificate doesn’t cover reach trucks. If your team uses both types, they’ll need separate certification for each. We’ll assess existing experience and tailor the course. It will be treated as a conversion to reach.
Heavy forklift training
For: operators working with trucks over 5 tonnes
Operating heavier equipment requires additional training. Depending on existing certification, a conversion course may be suitable. Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Counterbalance forklift training
For: all skill levels
The most common forklift type in UK warehouses. We offer training for complete beginners and experienced operators alike, at our Leeds centre or on your site.
Our forklift training courses are:
- Suitable for beginners through to experienced forklift drivers.
- Tailored to your specific learning requirements and budget.
- Delivered by our in-house forklift training instructor, who is RTITB-registered
- Carried out at our Leeds forklift driver training centre.
- OR carried out at your site if more convenient.
On-site or at our place – your choice
At our Leeds training centre
Brook House, John O Gaunts Trading Estate, Leeds Road, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0JB
A well-equipped space, suitable for individuals and small groups.
On-site training
On-site training means your operators learn in the environment they’ll actually work in. That makes it easier to identify site-specific hazards and build good habits from day one.
Meet Trevor, your training instructor
Trevor Mortimer is our Training Manager. He’s spent 35 years in the industry, completing 27 driving tests across different machine types before qualifying as an RTITB-registered instructor.
He knows what it takes to operate a forklift properly, and he runs every course at a pace that works for the people in the room.
As well as delivering training, Trevor manages all certification and operator ID cards and oversees Moorgate’s health and safety policy.
“I’ve been around forklifts my whole working life, so I know what it takes to operate one safely. My job isn’t just getting people through a test. People leave my courses and get back on site knowing they can do the job properly.”
Get a forklift training quote
Ready to book, or just want to talk through your options? Call us on 0113 393 2881 or fill in the form and we’ll get back to you straight away.
Our training centre is at Brook House, John O Gaunts Trading Estate, Leeds Road, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0JB. We also cover sites across Leeds and Yorkshire.
Why forklift certification matters
According to the British Safety Council, there are approximately 1,300 forklift-related workplace accidents per year in the UK. That’s around five a day.
Under PUWER, employers are legally required to make sure forklift operators are properly trained before they get behind the wheel. Beyond the legal requirement, trained operators are safer, more confident and less likely to damage equipment or cause an incident on site.
Getting your team trained also means:
- Documented proof of competency if you’re ever inspected or audited
- Operators who can switch between machine types without stopping work
- Refresher training that keeps skills sharp and certification current
Forklift training FAQs
Do I need a licence to drive a forklift in the UK?
There’s no official forklift licence in the UK, but under PUWER, employers are legally required to make sure operators are properly trained before they get on a truck. Our training results in a certificate and operator ID card, issued by Trevor as our qualified instructor, in line with the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice for rider-operated lift trucks (L117).
What certification do operators receive?
Candidates who pass their theory and practical assessments receive a certificate and operator ID card, issued by our qualified instructor and in line with the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (L117).
How long does forklift certification last?
There’s no official expiry on a forklift operator’s certificate in the UK. However, the HSE recommends refresher training every 3 to 5 years to keep skills current. A refresher is also worth booking if an operator switches machine type, returns after a long break or if working conditions on site have changed significantly.
How much does forklift training cost in the UK?
We charge a flat day rate which covers up to three people. Costs vary depending on the type of course, duration and whether training takes place at our centre or on your site.
For an accurate quote based on your team’s needs, call us on 0113 393 2881 or fill in our enquiry form.
Do I need separate training for a reach truck?
Yes. A counterbalance certificate doesn’t cover reach trucks. They’re a different machine and require their own certification. If your operators use both types, they’ll need to be trained on each.
Can you train us on-site?
Yes. We offer on-site training across Leeds and Yorkshire. Just let us know your location and we’ll sort the rest.
How many people can be trained at once?
Refresher forklift courses are limited to three candidates per day, but group size for other forklift courses may vary depending on whether it’s held at our site or yours.
How soon can we book?
Availability varies depending on the course and location. Call us on 0113 393 2881 and we’ll find the earliest slot that works for you.
What if my forklift certification has expired?
There’s no official expiry, but the HSE recommends refresher forklift training every 3–5 years to keep skills sharp and compliant.
How to drive a forklift correctly
Our Training Manager Trevor explains the essential knowledge and skills every operator needs, from pre-operational checks and safe starting procedures to maintaining load stability. Our guides cover the fundamentals that prevent accidents and keep sites running safely.
Operating stand-up forklifts: the essential guide
Stand-up forklifts can offer improved visibility, faster mounting and easier navigation in narrow spaces, but they require specific operating skills. Our guide explains how to operate a stand-up forklift safely and effectively, from a trusted team with over 35 years in the materials handling industry.
We Buy Forklifts
We can arrange to visit your site where we’ll assess your equipment, give you a competitive quote and even take it away at no extra cost.
Find A Truck
Do you need to find a forklift truck to buy or lease? We have an extensive range of new and used vehicles.
Why Choose Us
Decades of experience and a detailed understanding of our vehicles means that we’re more than just forklift and pallet truck providers.