Forklift Training Melbourne was able to match me with an RTO who had locations for all our staff across Victoria. A great results and would recommend using the Forklift Training Melbourne website..- Allan Smith

Excellent being able to find a Forklift Training course close to public transport. The website match me with an RTO who were very friendly and was able to train me on a weekend.- Michael Naylor

The Forklift Training website matched me with a professional and courteous RTO who answered all the questions I needed to ask.- Richard Quinn

Forklift Licence Melbourne

For those interested in a career as a forklift operator, a forklift license is required. Whether it warehousing, utilities, agriculture or one of the many other industries that employs forklift operators, the applicant must possess a forklift license. Because a forklift is classified as high risk work, the Australia Government has set guidelines and requirements that must be fulfilled before obtaining your forklift license. One prerequisite is that the operator must have completed a forklift training course conducted by registered training organisation with forklift trainers and assessors.

This ensures that the students have been taught how to safely and competently operate a forklift. Those wishing to obtain their forklift license or enrol in a forklift training program must also be at least 18 years of age. There are rare occasions where someone may be granted an exemption. There is also the necessity to understand English. This is simply because both the theory and practical study involved in forklift training are performed in English. And, a very good command of the English language is necessary to ensure that the student understands and retains the information taught through the forklift training course.

Once the student has enrolled in the class and learned both theory and practical study regarding forklift knowledge, operation and safety, they will then need to complete and pass a forklift license assessment test. Forklift training theory is taught by a registered instructor through a study guide which includes forklift driver safety, pre checks necessary before operating a forklift, work safety checks and also post checks.

Once the student has completed the theory training with both their and their instructor’s satisfaction, then the student will begin the practical forklift training. This is the behind-the-wheel training that includes pre operational checks, operational checks, load shifting and shut down procedures. Once the student is confident with operating a forklift they will be given a practical test by a certified forklift assessor.

The assessor is responsible for testing and ensuring that the student has the competency to operate a forklift safely. Once the student has passed the assessment performed by the assessor the student will receive a Notice of Assessment from the assessor. This can be used as a temporary license for the next 60 days, during which time the student will apply for their forklift license. At the completion of training, a certified forklift assessor will conduct a practical test. It is the assessor’s job to test and assess to determine if the student has the competency to operate a forklift safely.

Forklift Training Melbourne

Forklift License Training
Training at a reputable Registered Training Organisation that is known in the industry is highly recommended, many employers will judge your skill level by the training company you attended, when selecting your forklift training company, ensure:

1. The trainer is licensed to train.
2. The training venue is appropriate and the equipment is in good order – the best venues are those which replicate the workplace environment.
3. The course content is quality – you will be taught theory as well as practical driving skill.
4. Ensure you pay a fair amount for quality training – beware of “training centres” who will provide you poor quality training in substandard conditions. Yes you may pass your license but it will be quickly evident that you lack driving skill and you will be dangerous. Performing badly will not only damage your job security, but risk the lives of other workers.

Why Is There Forklift License Training?
Forklifts are dangerous if they are not driven carefully. They can injure, even kill people. Forklifts can run people down, crush people with the rear tail swing, knock over stock or load tip. These hazards are just a few, a skillful trained forklift driver will be aware of all the hazards and how to avoid them.

Due to the dangers of an improperly trained forklift driver, the Victorian government has made it mandatory to obtain a forklift license before you can operate a forklift.

Forklift License Training Methods
The delivery of material for forklift license training can occur in several different ways, depending on your or your company’s requirements. Some RTO’s deliver courses onsite – that is at your workplace, or offsite – that is where the forklift license course is delivered at the RTO’s training venue.

On-Site Courses
Due to the differences in workplace environments getting forklift training provided to you onsite can be extremely advantageous. On site training allows the instructors to focus training on forklift usage and forklift safety to your particular workplace and the specific hazards that exist in your workplace. However, it may be better to conduct training offsite for your staff.

Off-Site Courses
Attending a forklift license course at an off-site venue (such a venue provided by the forklift training company) is great if you currently don’t have access to forklifts in your workplace or you are looking to start a new career. RTO’s will provide you with everything you need to complete your course, and help make sure you are competent and a careful forklift operator.

Forklift License Course
The training content should cover all the aspects of being a professional, qualified forklift driver. All courses will cover such things as centre of gravity of the load, centre of gravity of the truck when carrying loads, hazards, weight capacities and capacity plates, safety inspections as well as correct driving techniques.

Good forklift license courses offered by RTO’s, will also cover the Workplace Health and Safety requirements of forklift operation. Topics such as legal obligations, fines and penalties, safe usage, and signage will be included in training.

Forklift Courses-Training in Melbourne

Before you search for an Registered Training Organisation who can help you with your forklift training, you need to understand that there are certain requirements. First, you are required to be at least 18 years old. Secondly, it is also advisable that you have a basic understanding of both written and spoken English so that you can understand instructions given to you by your trainer, and also understand the questions in the theory exams and answer them correctly.

Additionally you also be required to provide 100 points of ID before applying for your forklift license.

Forklift licenses are classified in to LF and LO; LO forklift licenses allow you to operate the picker/stock picker type of forklift. LF forklift license allows you to drive any forklift except for an order picker/stock picker forklift. It is the most common type of license obtained.

If you are from overseas and have been operating forklifts before, you cannot drive one in Australia. Foreign licenses are not recognized in Australia and you will have to be re-assessed in order to get an appropriate license.

Employees need to undertake a proper forklift course before being allowed to drive a forklift. Therefore new employees in need of training on forklift driving have to be trained in a proper training facility and through a RTO.

Forklift courses in Melbourne normally run for 2-3 days or for half a day to one day. The duration of the course will depend on the experience of the individual being trained. Some RTO’s in Melbourne offer experienced operators a particular course, while they offer inexperienced operators a 2 to 5 day course.

There are many RTO’s who provide courses across Melbourne and its surrounding areas. However, there are some RTO’s who will provide on site assessments if so desired. All you have to do is contact the particular RTO you have chosen to do book your course with and they will advise you accordingly.

Before any training can take place, RTO’s will expect all students to wear closed shoes. Students with open shoes will not be admitted. In addition you should wear comfortable clothing during the training duration.

To place a booking, call a local RTO in your area. Most of them will respond to your enquiry and come up with the best solution tailored to meet your needs.

Common Questions About Forklift Courses

Q. How old do I need to be to obtain my forklift licence?

A. You have to be 18 years or older to get your Forklift Licence. There is an exemption but they are rare.

Q. What does LF mean?

A. LF means Forklift Licence. This allows you to drive any Forklift except for an Order Picker or Stock Picker Forklift and is the most common Forklift Licence.

Q. What does LO mean?

A. LO stands for the Forklift Licence that allows you to operate the Order Picker and Stock Picker type Forklift.

Q. I am not Australian. I have operated a Forklift oversees and have my forklift licence from another country. Can I operate a forklift in Australia?

A. Overseas forklift licences are not recognized in Australia. If you wish to operate a Forklift in Australia you will need to be reassessed within Australia for the appropriate licence after you have taken the proper Forklift Courses.

Q. How long do your Forklift Courses run?

A. There are a number of different Forklift Courses available from different Registered Training Organisation’s. They range from half-day to one, two or three day programs dependent upon experience.

Q. Where are Forklift Courses located?

A. Because RTO’s offer forklift training, they may have multiple locations for Forklift Courses all across Australia. Most RTO’s will also provide assessments onsite if requested.

Q. Are Forklift Courses trainers experienced?

A. All Forklift Courses trainers are Authorised Certificate Assessors. Please check with your local RTO for further information.

Q. What should I wear for Forklift Courses training?

A. You should wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes. RTO’s will not admit you with open footwear of any kind.

Q. What are the pre-requirements to do the forklift licence?

A. You must be at least 18 years of age. You must have a basic understanding of both written and spoken English to take the Forklift Courses. You will need to have 100 Points of ID for applying for your forklift licence. Please check with your local RTO for further information.

Melbourne Forklift Courses

Forklift Training Melbourne – Beginner Courses Available

Dependent upon your level of Forklift Driving experience, a Registered Training Organisation may direct you to either a one, two or three day Forklift Training program. All courses will comprise both theoretical and practical components and assesment upon completion.

Two & Three Day Forklift Training – Novice Forklift Operators

For those that have little or no experience operating a Forklift, a training centre may recommend completing a one Two or Three day Forklift Training Melbourne programs.

Throughout the Forklift Training course the RTO you choose to train with will cover topics such as:

• Major Forklift Components
• Maintaining Forklift Balance and Stability
• Load Shifting
• Unloading Racks and Stacks
• Forklift Attachments
• How To Refuel Forklifts
• Pre-Operational Checks
• Operational Checks
• Practical Forklift Training
• Theoretical Forklift Training and Instruction
• Practical & Theoretical Forklift Assesment

Forklift Training Melbourne – Experienced Courses Available

One Day Day Forklift Training – Experienced Forklift Operators

For applicants with experience operating a Forklift under the supervision of a licenced Forklift operator and looking to now obtain a Forklift licence, after speaking to a RTO, they may ask that you complete a one or two day program.

International applicants that may have been operating Forklifts for years overseas may also be better suited to a one day Forklift Training and Forklift Assesment Programs.

One Day Forklift Training Melbourne Programs

Some RTO’s may send a training manual for you to study prior to beginning your forklift training course.

The Forklift Licence Assesment will be completed at the end of the Forklift Training session. Provided you are deemed competent on the Forklift upon assessment and have passed the required Forklift theoretical components, you will obtain a Notice of Assesment (NOA) from the assesor. This NOA allows you to then apply for a licence (via an Australia Post outlet) and operate for a period of 60 days. Upon issue of your licence this is valid for a period of 5 years.  

Forklift Training Melbourne – Course Selection

To understand which course may be best suited to your level of experience and locations of RTO training centers nearby, please complete our Find An RTO Request Form. On completion of the Form you will be matched with the best priced and closest Forklift Training Center in your area that can cater for the exact product or training you seek.