So how long does a forklift licence last? It is one of the questions we hear most often at our training centre in Grimsby. Operators want to know their certificate will still count when they apply for a new job. Employers want to be sure their team is safe and that they are meeting their legal duties.
This article explains whether forklift licences expire, when refresher training is needed and what happens on a refresher course.
Do forklift licences expire?
Strictly speaking, no. There is no fixed legal expiry date for a forklift certificate in the UK.
Part of the reason is that a "forklift licence" is not really a licence at all. As we explain in How can I get a forklift licence? it is a certificate showing that someone has been trained and assessed on a particular type of truck. It is not issued by the government in the way a driving licence is.
That does not mean a certificate lasts for life, though. The HSE's Approved Code of Practice for rider-operated lift trucks (L117) says employers should keep an eye on their operators. It also says they should provide refresher training or reassessment from time to time so that skills stay sharp and bad habits get corrected.
How long does a forklift licence last before I need a refresher?
The Approved Code of Practice does not set a fixed period. At BJB Lift Trucks we recommend refresher training every 3 years. It is a cycle that keeps skills fresh without taking operators away from their work too often.
So if you are asking how long does a forklift licence last in real terms, three years is a sensible answer for most operators. Some employers choose a shorter cycle for higher-risk work such as very narrow aisles, cold stores or busy yards.
When is refresher training needed sooner?
An operator may need refresher training before the usual three years are up if they:
- have been involved in an accident or a near miss
- have been seen operating unsafely or picking up bad habits
- have not driven a forklift for a long time
- are moving to a different type of truck or using a new attachment
- are going to work somewhere new such as a cold store, a yard or a narrow aisle warehouse
- are affected by changes to the law, site rules or working practices
Many employers also use regular refresher assessments simply as a way of checking that operators are still competent, even when nothing has gone wrong.
Why does refresher training matter?
Forklift trucks are involved in a large number of workplace accidents in the UK every year. Most of them come down to operator error instead of a mechanical fault. Over time even good operators can drift into shortcuts. Typical examples are travelling with the forks raised, turning with a raised load or not bothering with the seat belt.
Refresher training helps to:
- correct bad habits before they cause an accident
- bring operators up to date with changes to legislation and best practice
- give employers evidence that their operators are still competent
- cut down on damage to stock, racking and the trucks themselves
- meet the requirements of insurers and auditors
If there is an incident, being able to show that operators have been trained and reassessed regularly is an important part of proving you have met your legal duties.
What happens on a forklift refresher course?
A refresher course is much shorter than a novice or experienced operator course. It lasts one day for up to three operators. It is designed for people who already hold a certificate for the type of truck they use.
A typical refresher course includes:
- a look at the operator's existing knowledge and driving
- updates on safe operating practice and the relevant legislation
- pre-use inspection checks
- practical driving and load handling
- a theory test and a practical test
Operators who pass receive a new certificate showing the date of their refresher training. If an operator struggles, the instructor may recommend some further training before they go back to work on the truck.
What if my certificate is very old or I have lost it?
If your training was a long time ago, or you cannot find your certificate, the right course depends on your experience. You may need a refresher or you may need an experienced operator course.
The best thing to do is call us on 01472 230244. Our team can tell you which course you need after a short chat about the driving you have done.
How can employers keep track of refresher dates?
If you employ several operators, a simple training record makes life much easier. List each operator along with the trucks they are trained on, the date of their last training and the date their refresher is due. That lets you plan training around your quieter periods and avoid certificates lapsing.
Do not forget the trucks themselves. As well as trained operators, every forklift needs routine servicing and a LOLER thorough examination at least every 12 months.
Forklift refresher courses with BJB Lift Trucks
BJB Lift Trucks runs RTITB-accredited refresher courses for counterbalance trucks, reach trucks and other types of forklift. Courses take place at our training centre in Grimsby or on your own site. On-site refresher training is often the easiest option because operators are reassessed on their own trucks with very little disruption to your day.
We also offer novice, experienced and conversion courses along with IPAF and PASMA training for access equipment. If you want to know what training is likely to cost, see our guide How much does a forklift licence cost? And if you hire a truck from us, our forklift hire service can come with training on the machine you hire.
View our forklift training courses or contact us to book a refresher course. Call us on 01472 230244 or email enquiries@bjblifttrucks.co.uk, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.