Are you wondering how to obtain a forklift licence in Australia? Getting your licence is a crucial step for operating material handling equipment in warehouses, construction sites, or industrial facilities.

Understanding the licensing process is also essential for business owners, whether you’re buying a forklift in Perth or hiring a forklift in Karratha. It helps you hire people with the right qualifications to keep your business safe, compliant and efficient.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a forklift licence in Australia, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have adequate English language skills for reading, writing, and communication
Provide 100 points of identification

No prior driving licence is required, so don’t worry if you’re new behind the wheel.

Choosing the Right Forklift Licence for Your Business

Selecting the appropriate forklift licence is crucial for ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency in your workplace.

LF Licence (TLILIC2001A)

The LF Licence is ideal for businesses that primarily use standard counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, and high-reach forklifts. This licence covers the most common forklift operations, making it suitable for general warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution environments.

If your workforce frequently handles a variety of standard forklift types, the LF Licence ensures your operators are well-equipped to manage everyday tasks safely and effectively.

LO Licence (TLILIC2002A)

On the other hand, the LO Licence (TLILIC2002A) is essential for businesses that utilise specialised equipment such as order-picking forklift trucks and Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) equipment.

These licences suit high-density storage and specialised production environments that require precise forklift handling. If you use advanced forklift technology, the LO Licence lets operators manage tasks efficiently.

Assess Your Business Needs

Work equipment: Identify the types of forklifts your business uses. If you operate both standard and specialised forklifts, you may need operators with both LF and LO licences.
Work environment: Consider the layout and demands of your workspace. High-density or narrow aisles require the precision and expertise covered by the LO Licence.
Operational efficiency: Proper licensing ensures that your operators can handle forklifts efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Safety and compliance: Ensuring operators have the correct licence reduces accident risks and ensures compliance with Australian workplace safety laws.

Did you know? Improper handling causes 42% of vehicle incidents in Australia, leading to over 80 workplace deaths each year.

Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining a Forklift Licence in Australia

Getting a forklift licence in Australia involves both training and assessment to ensure operators meet safety and competency standards.

Day 1 – Theory and Practical Training

Forklift training provides essential skills through a combination of theory and practical exercises:

Safety protocols: Learn regulations to prevent accidents and maintain compliance.
Equipment techniques: Master smooth and efficient forklift operation.
Load management: Understand principles for lifting, moving, and placing loads safely.
Hazard identification: Minimise risks by identifying workplace dangers.
Emergency procedures: Respond effectively to unexpected situations.

Day 2 – Assessment

Complete three assessments: a knowledge test, a calculations test, and a practical skills evaluation. Successfully passing all assessments will earn you the following:

A Notice of Assessment (NOA)
A WorkSafe Victoria L2 Application Form
A Statement of Attainment for TLILIC0003 – Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck

Final Steps

Submit the NOA, L2 Application Form, and valid photo ID to a participating Australia Post Office within 60 days.
Meet the deadline to avoid having your application expire.
Apply for a photo ID at an Australia Post Office if you don’t already have one.
Receive your High-Risk Work Licence, valid for five years, after processing.

Tips for Employers: Ensuring Safe and Skilled Forklift Operations

Forklift safety and compliance are essential for workplace efficiency and reducing accidents. Follow these steps to prepare your operators.

Provide Ongoing Training

Conduct site-specific and refresher training regularly to keep employees’ forklift skills sharp and up to date.

Train for New Equipment

Introduce familiarisation training whenever your workplace adds forklifts with different controls or attachments.

Induction Training

Run induction sessions for new or updated work environments, covering traffic management plans, policies, and safe work procedures.

Maintain a Register

Keep an accurate register of licensed operators and verify that contractors or other users hold valid licences.

Implement Safety Measures

Make training materials and manufacturer instructions accessible. Enforce safety protocols and schedule regular maintenance checks for all equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Obtaining a Forklift Licences in Australia

Q: Are there language requirements for a forklift licence?
A: Yes, you must understand English well enough to follow safety instructions and communicate effectively in the workplace.

Q: Is my forklift licence valid across Australia?
A: Yes, a forklift licence is valid in all Australian states and territories.

Q: How long does it take to get a forklift licence?
A: Training usually takes 2-3 days, covering both theory and practical components.

Q: How soon must I apply for my licence after training?
A: You must apply within 60 days of completing your assessment to avoid application expiration.

Q: How often do I need to renew my forklift licence?
A: Forklift licence requires renewal, typically every five years. Check your licence expiration date and renew it on time.

Q: Can I operate any forklift with a standard licence?
A: No. Forklift licences vary (LF, LO) by type. Make sure you have the correct licence for the equipment.

Q: What if I don’t use my licence for a long time?
A: After two years without use, you may need refresher training to resume operating forklifts.

Learn more about forklifts: Are Forklifts Manual or Automatic? What Are The Differences?

Prepare, Certify, Equip, Succeed

Operating a forklift without proper licensing is illegal in Australia and can result in serious penalties. It’s essential to know how to obtain a forklift license to guarantee safety and proper equipment handling. To ensure this, complete all required training and licensing through authorised providers only.

Get the Best Equipment to Move Your Business Forward

At Lift Equipt, we know the importance of having the right forklift for your business. Whether you’re looking to purchase Bobcat forklifts or hire forklifts in Perth or Karratha, we provide the safest and most reliable equipment on the market. Contact us today at 1300 44 44 22 or online to explore industry-leading material handling solutions.

How To Obtain a Forklift Licence in Australia