How to become a forklift driver

You can learn how to be a forklift driver by taking an approved course. Forklift drivers drive forklift trucks which come in a range of sizes from electric pallet stackers that you walk with to enormous straight mast forklifts that move containers around at ports. See a list of types of forklift trucks.

What does a forklift driver do?

Forklift drivers use their vehicle to pick up and move items that are too bulky for humans to lift. The most common type of goods are ‘palletised’, i.e. they sit on standard wooden pallets, but some companies also use crates and other means of storage.

Forklift drivers may use other attachments on the forks to allow them to lift people (e.g. in a safety cage) and different types of goods, e.g. attachments for lifting drums.

Where do forklift drivers work?

The bulk of forklift driver jobs are in warehouses and yards. There are some jobs at ports, on farms, in the military and in specialist locations such as boat storage.

Drivers may have to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and in areas with loud noises.

Jobs will be predominantly be located in commercial areas where there are lots of warehouses. Many forklift jobs are shift work which can include nights and weekends.

What are the ideal skills and attributes of a forklift driver?

• Forklift drivers need good spatial awareness because they will need to accurately judge distances and weights. The driver will need to assess a load plus the path required to deliver the load, avoiding hazards and obstacles.
• Attention to detail – being accurate when moving goods from one place to another.
• Reasonably fit – there can be some manual handling
• Being safety conscious is important as each year forklift drivers die through miscalculations in lifting loads.
• Good eyesight and hearing is required as drivers are usually working in a dynamic environment with other vehicles and people moving. For this reason, they also need to be able to remain alert and aware of their surroundings.
• Drivers often sit for long periods of time so need to be physically fit enough to handle this.
• If the workplace is busy, a forklift driver must be able to work under pressure without making mistakes, and must be able to follow clear instructions.
• Some forklift drivers may need to perform rudimentary maintenance on their vehicle such as refuelling or recharging and checking fluids.
• Drivers will need to complete a daily log of activities.

How much do forklift drivers make?

From $20/hr for a warehouse job up to $40/hr for specialist forklift drivers, and more if the driver has another component to their job, such as driving a large truck, or the working environment is particularly harsh.

What kind of training does a forklift driver need?

Forklift drivers require a High Risk Work licence which is issued by the WorkSafe Division of the Department of Commerce. The unit of competence is known as the National High Risk Licence Unit of Competence TLILIC2001 – Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck or, for an LO licence Unit of Competence TLILIC2002 – Licence to Operate an Order Picking Forklift Truck. Drivers must be at least 18 years old. Training courses are offered at registered training organisations throughout Australia.

Drivers can sometimes access a government-subsidised course for $10-20 (although this is only subsidised for the first time; if a driver fails, they have to pay full price the next time).

Drivers must be at least 18 years old. Training courses are offered at registered training organisations throughout Australia.

Other training that improves job prospects

• Any licence that enables you to drive heavy vehicles, particularly B doubles and road trains
• Qualifications in warehousing operations
• Qualifications in logistics.