Forklift Licence NSW
Answering all your questions about how to get a forklift licence in NSW
We've put together some common questions people ask about forklifts and given you all the answers below. If you have any more queries, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What is a forklift?
A forklift is an industrial vehicle used to lift and move goods over short distances. They are often used to move materials around warehouses and distribution centres. There are 2 types of forklift licences; LF and LO
What is an LF forklift?
An LF forklift is a regular forklift. It has a driving compartment from which you control both the vehicle and elevating load carriage with the attached a pair of fork arms. The carriage moves up and down to reach goods upwards of 900 mm above the ground. Most commonly, the "forks" get inserted into pallets that support the goods being moved. In more specialised yards, forklifts can also be fitted with a tow ball to move trailers and boats. You are legally required to hold an LF forklift licence to drive an LF forklift.
What is counterbalance forklift?
A counterbalance forklift is another term for an LF forklift and thus also requires an LF licence. The term comes from the counterweight in the back of the vehicle which allows it to carry heavy loads on its forks.
What is a high reach forklift?
A high reach forklift is like an LF forklift but has an extendable mast on the front that allows you to move goods to and from higher places. Because the driver remains at ground level, you are required to hold an LF licence to operate a high reach forklift.
What is an LO forklift?
An LO forklift is an order picker which is sometimes referred to as a stock picker. An order picker forklift is a forklift truck where the operator controls are incorporated and elevate with the lifting media. In other words, you stand on a platform wearing a harness, and the platform moves up to allow you to hand pick stock that is stored high on pallet racking. This is different from a regular forklift in which you remain at ground level whilst the forks move up and down to retrieve goods. For that reason, you will need an LO licence rather than an LF licence to drive order picker forklift trucks. Refer to the images below to get a visual sense of the difference between an LF, a high reach, and an LO forklift.
How to get a forklift licence?
To get a forklift licence you must be at least 18 years old and successfully complete the training and assessments. Give us a call to book into the next date that suits you!
Here at 123 Training, we offer courses for both LF and LO forklifts at our Newcastle premises. Both training courses have 3 components.
- practical training
- written response
- mathematical calculations
The practical training is completed in a forklift on-site and teaches you to safely operate the vehicle. The training requires students to be able to plan the work, conduct routine checks on the forklift, shift loads in a safe manner, and shut down and secure the equipment after the completion of operations.
The written response ensures you understand WHS practises and emergency protocols. The mathematical component tests your ability to calculate maximum safe loads. We will teach everything you need to know to pass all 3 components of the training. We can also accommodate extra time if you need it and will send you some useful links for the knowledge and mathematical components when you book in. We even have an extensive flashcard set made by our staff that helps with the knowledge and maths sections.
The training and assessment are conducted at our Newcastle premises. We are also more than happy to conduct onsite training for larger groups. Please give us a call to chat about onsite bookings.
How do I apply for a High-Risk work licence?
Once you've successfully completed the SafeWork NSW assessment, you will receive a SafeWork NSW notice of Satisfactory Assessment (NSA) which is valid for 60 days. You will then need to apply for a high-risk work licence by taking the following docuemnts to an Australia Post outlet within 60 days of your assessment:
- the blue Application for a national icence to perform high-risk work (HRW licence)
- New application (N4) form provided by the RTO
- evidence of safework approved identity documents (originals only) showing your name, photo, date of birth, signature and current address to the value of 100 points
- a passport size and a quality photograph of yourself with your name and date of birth printed on the back
- means to pay the application fee which is listed as $78.50. Refer to the Safework NSW fees schedule which can be found on the SafeWork web site for more details.
How much is a forklift licence?
Here at 123 Training Solutions, we charge $450 for both the LF and LO forklift course. There is a separate licence application fee which you will have to pay separately toAustralia Post.
The regular forklift course (Class LF)is done over 3 consecutive days of training and we also offer an accelerated 2-day course for advanced experienced operators. The Order Picker Forklift course (Class LO)is conducted over 2 days.
How long does a forklift licence last?
Once you've completed the training course, the forklift licence will last for 5 years. After 5 years, you will need to pay the renewal fee to SafeWork NSW which tends to be about $70 - although they do update these prices slightly once a year. You will receive a licence renewal reminder close to your expiry date.
How long does a forklift licence last?
A forklift licence lasts for 5 years. This is the same for all SafeWork NSW High-Risk Work Licences.
What happens if my forklift licence expires?
After your forklift licence expires, you cannot drive forklifts and you have a 1-year grace period to pay the renewal fee. If you have still not renewed your licence after 12 months, you will need to do the entire course again (both training and assessment).
It is super important to note that all your high risk work qualifications are listed on the one SafeWork NSW card. All the licences on the card will expire on the same date. Therefore, if you let the 12 month grace period lapse and you are someone with a number of high risk work licences, you will need to redo ALL the training to regain those qualifications. In that scenario, missing a small renewal fee could put you back thousands of dollars training cost. If your licence has expired less than a year we recommend you can call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 to get the renewal paperwork.
How to renew forklift licence?
After 5 years, SafeWork NSW will send you renewal paperwork, which you simply fill in and return to them with the renewal fee. Note that if you let your licence expire by more than 1 year, then in that scenario you would need to re-do the forklift licence course. If you do not receive renewal paperwork or if your licence has expired less than a year we recommend you can call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 to get the renewal paperwork.
Forklift Licence Newcastle
We can certainly help with that. For the regular forklift licence (Class LF) check out the forklift course page if you are looking for dates to book in for a forklift licence in Newcaslte.
If you are looking for the Order Picker Forklift Licence (Class LO) then have a look at our Order Picker Forklift Course.
We hope that helped answer any question you may have but if you want more details, please don't hesitate to contact us!