How Do I Get a Fork Lift Drivers License?

Forklift training can increase employability and pay.

Forklift driver certification is often required for employment as a forklift operator at a warehouse or construction site. Even if it's not required, certification can substantially increase job opportunities and pay rate. Getting certified is similar to most other workplace training courses and involves formal education through videos and written materials, hands-on training and testing of both theoretical and practical knowledge. Separate certification is available for sit-down and stand-up forklifts. Certification must be renewed every two years.

Instructions

1. Find and attend an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) forklift certification training course. Forklift training courses are offered online and through community colleges and specialized training schools (see Resources). Avoid training courses offered by employers because they tend to offer only site-specific certification, meaning that they are only valid with that employer. Forklift training takes roughly eight hours and may be broken up over several days or weekends.

2. Take the forklift certification written test, which quizzes the operator on safety protocols, operating procedures and challenges the operator may regularly encounter. Passing the written test is required before moving on to the physical test.

3. Complete the physical forklift operating test. The physical exam gauges how well you operate the forklift in a variety of tasks. It begins with inspection of the forklift, including visual examination of battery cables, forks, hydraulic cables, tires and horn and checking the ground under the forklift for leaks.

4. Show proper safety protocol while performing tasks with the forklift to complete the next phase of the test. This includes honking the horn before backing up, going around corners and passing through intersections.

5. Demonstrate your ability to raise, lower and tilt the forks, move loads up and down ramps, unload a truck and place and remove loads on warehouse racks. Once this portion of the test has been passed, you are certified to operate a forklift.

References

• OSHA: Forklift Training Assistance
• Motor Ward: How to Get a Forklift License

Resources

• KellySearch: Forklift Operator Training Schools
• Training-Classes: Online Forklift eLearning - Training Resources
• National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools: Home Page