No. You don’t require a UK driving license to be able to operate forklift truck as there is no legal requirement.

However, if you intend to drive the forklift on the public highway then a valid UK driving license will be required and the vehicle would need to comply with the appropriate road traffic legislation.

The HSC Approved Code of Practice and Guidance states “Children under
minimum school leaving age should never operate forklift trucks”.

This suggest that people over the age of 16 can undertake FLT training. If
the employer requires them to operate it on a public road then the road
traffic legislation will apply (17).

The type of training and category determines what forklift trucks you can operate. Your training only covers you that that type of machine. For example Counterbalance training wouldn’t allow you to operate a Reach lift truck until you have had training on that machine. The ABA categorises work equipment and machines and therefore training is required for every different type of machine, even if they may appear to be very similar. For example:

B1 Counterbalance training covers you up to 5T CB FLTS whether it be a 3 or 4 wheel FLT, electric / Diesel or Gas. For CB lift trucks >5T you would require additional training under B2 category.

You can see a full breakdown of the ABA’s category groupings using this pdf file, or of course contact us for further advice

The L117 Approved Code of Practice for Lift Trucks states that training should be updated every 3-5 years. This is often referred to a “Refresher” training

Accredited training can be used at other workplaces although a degree of specific and familiarisation training will have to be undertaken as no 2 workplaces and processes are the same.

In-house training means you have only required training in that environment for that company and therefore is not transferable.

YES! Broadly, training can be broken down into 3 categories:

1. Work Equipment
2. Work Plant
3. H&S

Some of the training available includes: PPT’s, LLOP’s, Pallet Stackers, Pallet Trucks, Overhead Cranes Manual Handling, MEWP (Cherry Picker), Scissor Lifts, Abrasive Wheels, Fire Risk Assessment Training, Asbestos Awareness, Mobile Scaffold Towers to name a few.

Vision. The ability to effectively manoeuvre the forklift through a variety of spaces and a good judgement of distance is required. Distance vision should be the same as driving a car and glasses or lenses should be worn for a FLT if required when driving a car.

Hearing. You may be required to hear instructions and warning but those who do not have perfect hearing should undergo further assessments specific to the task required of them.

General Health. Should have a full movement of limbs, neck and spine and of a sound mindset. Those who have a dependency on alcohol or drugs should not be employed to drive a fork lift truck.

Epilepsy. If the person holds a UK drivers license and has been free from an epileptic attack for one year then they are eligible to drive a FLT. However, their medical condition should be monitored closely and a reoccurrence of a seizure needs to be reassessed.