Fork Lift Truck Training

Fork lift truck operator training is essential for anyone who needs to operate lift trucks in warehouses, logistics, industrial sites, or commercial environments. At Wayside Transport, we provide specialist training delivered by qualified instructors that equips delegates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to operate forklifts safely and efficiently.

Why Fork Lift Truck Training Matters

Operating a forklift without adequate training can expose operators, colleagues and employers to unnecessary risk. In the UK, employers are responsible under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) to ensure operators are properly trained and competent before using powered industrial trucks.

Our fork lift training helps learners:

• understand safe operating practices
• identify workplace hazards
• comply with legal health & safety requirements
• improve confidence and efficiency at work

What to Expect from Your Course

Fork lift training typically includes both theory and practical components, covering the key areas required for safe operation.

Key Learning Areas

• Understanding risk, responsibilities, and relevant legislation
• Familiarisation with machine controls and safety features
• Pre-use checks and defect reporting
• Safe manoeuvring, load handling, stacking/unstacking
• Practical operating skills under instructor supervision
• Theory and practical assessments including pre-shift checks

Successful candidates receive a certificate on completion.

Course Categories & Options

We offer a range of forklift training options designed to suit different experience levels and equipment types, such as pedestrian trucks, rider trucks, counterbalance, reach, bendi, Moffett, rough terrain masted and lorry mounted loaders — ensuring relevant and targeted instruction.

Typical Course Types

• Novice Training – For individuals with little or no prior forklift experience

• Refresher Training – For operators who already have basic training and seek to renew their skills

• Experienced Operator Training – For operators with previous certification or experience (details on eligibility available on enquiry)

Note: There is no single “forklift licence” in the UK; operators are usually certified through accredited training and issued a certificate of competence on successful completion.

Health & Safety Context (UK)

Fork lift training should align with recognised industry standards and the expectations of the L117 Approved Code of Practice, which defines training in three stages: basic training, specific job training and familiarisation training. This ensures operators are competent not only in theory but also in the practical application of skills in the workplace.

Best practice suggests that operators undergo refresher training at periodic intervals (e.g., every 2–3 years) or sooner if there has been a long break in operation, unsafe practices, or a workplace incident.

Fork Lift Truck Training Across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Devon

Wayside Transport provides fork lift truck training for warehouses, factories and logistics operations throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Devon. We help employers meet their legal obligations while giving operators the skills to work safely and efficiently.

We train fork lift truck operators from Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Salisbury, Dorchester, Weymouth and Yeovil, as well as from industrial and commercial sites across the wider Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Devon areas.

Wherever your site is based in the region, you can rely on our trainers for clear, practical and safety-focused fork lift truck training, from booking through to successful operator sign-off.

Frequently Asked Questions