Forklift Training Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about forklift and material handling equipment training, course durations, certificates and on-site training.
If you cannot find the answer you need, call 01925 500796 or request advice about the right course for your operators.
How long does forklift training take?
Course duration depends on the operator’s experience, the type of truck and the number of learners.
As a general guide:
- Novice training: 3–5 days
- Experienced operator training: 2–3 days
- Conversion training: 1–2 days
- Refresher training: usually 1 day
We will confirm the appropriate course and duration after discussing your requirements.
Do you provide on-site forklift training?
Yes. GH Training delivers on-site forklift and MHE training using your equipment and working environment.
You will need to provide suitable equipment, a safe training area and the relevant operating documentation. We can discuss these requirements with you before confirming the booking.
Which areas do you cover?
Based in Newton-le-Willows, we provide training throughout Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire, as well as North Wales and West Yorkshire.
Key service areas include St Helens, Wigan, Warrington, Liverpool, Manchester, Widnes, Runcorn, Preston, Blackburn, Deeside, Wrexham and Leeds.
What types of forklift and equipment training do you offer?
Training is available for:
- Counterbalance forklifts
- Reach trucks
- Pivot steer and articulated forklifts
- Multidirectional forklifts
- Pedestrian pallet trucks
- Vertical stock pickers
- Overhead gantry cranes
- Slinger signaller operations
- Mobile elevating work platforms
We also provide courses for MHE managers and supervisors, working at height awareness, and risk assessment and method statement awareness.
Do I need a forklift licence?
There is no government-issued forklift licence in the same way as a driving licence for public roads.
After successfully completing suitable training and assessment, an operator receives evidence of that training. The employer is responsible for authorising the operator to use the relevant equipment in the workplace.
Does a forklift training certificate expire?
A forklift training certificate does not necessarily have a fixed legal expiry date. However, employers must ensure operators remain competent and may arrange reassessment or refresher training when needed.
Many employers schedule refresher training every three to five years, but it may be required sooner following an accident, near miss, unsafe practice, extended absence or change in equipment or working conditions.
How often should forklift operators receive refresher training?
There is no single legally prescribed interval for every operator.
The appropriate timing should reflect the operator’s performance, frequency of use, workplace risks and any changes in equipment or working practices. Some employers use a three-to-five-year cycle alongside ongoing monitoring.
Refresher training may be needed sooner if an operator:
- Has developed unsafe working practices
- Has been involved in an accident or near miss
- Has not used a forklift for some time
- Uses equipment only occasionally
- Moves to a different working environment
- Needs additional coaching or assessment
Can a trained operator use every type of forklift?
No. Training on one type of lift truck does not automatically qualify an operator to use every other truck category.
Additional conversion training may be needed when moving to equipment with different controls, handling characteristics or operating risks.
What is the difference between novice and experienced operator training?
Novice training is for someone with no previous lift truck operating experience or formal training.
Experienced operator training is intended for someone with relevant practical experience but no recognised evidence of formal training. The operator’s experience should be discussed and assessed before the course is selected.
What does forklift training include?
The exact content depends on the equipment and course type. Training normally includes:
- Operator responsibilities
- Relevant safety principles
- Pre-use inspections
- Truck controls and operation
- Load handling
- Site hazards and pedestrian safety
- Practical operating exercises
- Theory and practical assessment
Operators may also require job-specific and familiarisation training for their workplace, equipment and normal duties.
Do you offer weekend or shift-based training?
Yes. Training can be arranged around business operating requirements, including weekdays, weekends and shift patterns, subject to availability.
Tell us your preferred dates and working hours when requesting a quotation.
How many people can attend a course?
The appropriate number depends on the course type, equipment, operator experience and available training area.
Tell us how many people require training when making your enquiry, and we will recommend a suitable course arrangement and duration.
What do we need to provide for on-site training?
Requirements vary according to the course, but businesses will normally need to provide:
- Safe and suitable equipment
- A suitable training and assessment area
- Equipment manuals and examination records
- Representative loads, where appropriate
- Any required personal protective equipment
- Time for learners to complete the full course
We will confirm the precise requirements before training begins.
Do operators receive evidence of training?
Operators who successfully complete the required training and assessment receive appropriate evidence of completion.
Employers should retain training records and provide written authorisation identifying the equipment each operator is permitted to use.
Not Sure Which Training You Need?
Tell us what equipment you use, how many people need training and their current level of experience. We will help you choose the most suitable course.
Request a Training Quote Free Forklift Training Check
Or call 01925 500796.
