Many of us want to obtain a forklift license in the knowledge that it will enhance current and future job opportunities. Technically you do not need a forklift licence to drive a forklift in a depot or warehouse, but every forklift driver must have proper training and although you do not need a forklift licence to drive off-road, employers have a legal obligation to provide adequate and appropriate training to all employees using mechanical equipment, including forklift trucks.
To operate a forklift truck, you need to be over the age of 16 and if you intend to use it on a public highway you must have a full driving licence and be over 17. In addition to this the truck must comply with all relevant regulations pertaining to driving on the public highway.
You will also need to be comfortable with the challenges of a forklift truck driver:
• Being physically robust with a certain level of fitness, as operating forklifts demands strength and effort
• Being able to follow a supervisor’s verbal and written instructions
• Being aware that safety always comes first: your own safety and the people around you are your responsibility
• Possessing a mature mind, driving a forklift is serious work and should be completed professionally
• Possessing very basic math abilities to make load calculations and estimate lifting height and covered distances
• Being comfortable working efficiently and safely in a busy production environment
It is imperative that forklift operators receive adequate training and support which should be carried out by an accredited trainer and Ideally, broken down into manageable stages initially in a safe ‘non-work’ environment. Effective training will contain the following:
• Fundamental knowledge and skills that allow the safe operation of a forklift
• Specific work environment knowledge and training
• Extended ‘on the job’ training under close and qualified supervision
• Once assessed as completely competent, the employer should provide ongoing training and comprehensive assessment
• Comprehensive records must be kept and updated regularly for each forklift operator
Many employers complete their own training, so talk to your employer about the necessary qualifications to operate a forklift or enrol in the necessary course, either at your work or at a secondary institution. It is imperative, however, that you work with RTITB, ITSSAR accredited instructors, like those who work with Budget FT.
Although previous experience of working in a yard or warehouse may be beneficial when applying for forklift jobs, this is not a requirement to be able to undertake forklift truck training.
Preparing for the forklift driving test
Once you have decided on your approach to gaining the certification, you need to prepare yourself for the written test, maybe asking for practice samples or copies of previous tests and note how the questions are structured and the types of things asked. It will help if you develop a schedule and timeline for your studying. Reading little and often and repeating this many times works much better than trying to do too much in one go. Whatever you do, do not fall into the trap of leaving everything until the last minute and being forced to cram.
You could create flashcards, mind maps, outlines or any other materials that will help you hold the information relevant to the written test, including emergency protocols and safety procedures.
When considering the practical side of the procedure, enquire about the set-up of the driving course and note specific operations you will have to demonstrate. If possible, ask to use or set up a practice course. Some employers will already have these available and others may take your lead to help future testers. It would be useful to time these practice tests and gauge your progress, and make a note of what sections you are spending the most time on or struggling with and devote more time and effort to these sections.
Pull together everything you need the night before the test, including ID, cash or card, pen and paper. Keep them together and put them in a place where you will not forget to take them on the day of the test, such as next to your wallet or car keys.
Review the materials and complete any rituals that may help you retain information such as getting a good night’s sleep, meditating, eating a big breakfast and reviewing flashcards.
Trying to cram for the test the day before could result in poor performance. Make your study schedule and stick to it to avoid feeling fatigued or frantic the day of the test.
All tests, theoretical and practical, are stressful, so recognise this and try to stay calm. The more work you can do beforehand and the quality of the organisations and instructors used can help enormously.
Remember all of the above is much easier and will result in a better forklift driving test result if you use RTITB, ITSSAR accredited instructors, such as those in the programmes offered by Budget FT.
