What Kind Of Licence Do You Need To Drive A Forklift?

Operating heavy machinery comes with great responsibility and in your workplace, operating a forklift requires specialised skills and extensive training. The greatest concern and requirement of any company is that any forklifts on their property are operated safely. For this reason, a forklift licence is a basic requirement for anyone who’d like to operate a forklift, and you might require a specific license to perform specific functions.

Requirements For A Forklift Driver

To drive a forklift, an individual must be 18 years or older. You need training beyond secondary education, and it’s important to obtain this training from a place that is recognised and experienced in the field. Because safety is a primary concern for most businesses, a forklift driver is only allowed to work within the limitations of their certificate. This means that once you’ve been certified to operate a particular forklift, that is the only one you’re allowed to drive. Each forklift driver is specialised to handle their particular machinery, and it’s for that reason that no single licence can be obtained, but rather a variety of licences specific to the forklift type.

Why Is It So Important?

Training for forklift operation is needed because operating a forklift requires you consider the people and workspace around you, all the while completing your required tasks. Within a warehouse or factory, you’ll also have to consider any other forklifts in operation, activities taking place on the floor as well as your safety as the person operating the machine.

What Does It Involve?

To get a licence, you need hands-on and practical driving lessons so that you understand how a forklift and its equipment operates. Training will ensure that you are safety orientated and aware of all safety concerns regarding your forklift, including any policies specific to your company. Going for training, therefore, results in you getting a certificate to drive a forklift which serves as your forklift licence.

Getting a specific forklift licence is of great importance and is best completed with a company that not only knows about forklifts but is also certified to train you. RT Equipment can cater to all of your forklift needs, from forklift certification to forklift maintenance and spare parts.