How to Get Your Forklift Licence in Melbourne

As a construction tradie, you are responsible for carrying out the duty of ensuring the health and safety of yourself and your coworkers within the reasonable guidelines of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Recently, a junkyard owner became the first person in Victoria to be found guilty and sentenced to jail for her reckless violation of the Worksafe Victoria duty laws where she operated a forklift truck without a proper licence, which resulted in the death of a worker.

This indicates the Victorian government’s strengthening resolve in enforcing the Worksafe Victoria requirements to improve oversight over high-risk work. So if you are looking to become one of the 1.2 million Australians employed by the construction industry, you should make sure you have received proper forklift training.

When looking for a forklift licence course, keep in mind that only the Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are authorised to deliver forklift licence training courses.

‘TLILIC0003 Licence to operate a forklift truck’ unit covers the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a forklift truck. This course is required for anyone who will directly operate or manage workers operating a forklift.

The normal course duration is around 3 days but could be shorter for forklift refresher training or advanced training for experienced operators.

‘TLILIC0003 Licence to operate a forklift truck’ training course includes:

• Hazard identification and control measures
• Checking forklift truck for any damage or defects
• Safe operation of forklift at safe speeds and load weights
• How to ensure the safety of personnel and load while monitoring the movement of a load
• Starting and shutting down a forklift safely including pre-start and post-start operational checks

Entry Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age and have approved/accepted proof of ID
• Must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• Minimum literacy and numeracy requirements to enroll in the program
• Able to understand and apply safe work methods and guidelines
• Able to articulate issues and needs clearly
• Able to complete written and required documentation such as risk assessments

In order to actually operate one, you will also need to hold a separate High-Risk Work (HRW) Licence.

There are many RTO-provided courses in Melbourne or Victoria. Upon successful completion of a statement of attainment and a temporary WorkSafe Forklift Licence. You will have to pass an assessment conducted by

Depending on the career path you have in mind, you may want to consider obtaining other licenses as many RTOs would offer combined packages.

Here are some of the forklift licence training course providers in Melbourne which offer various relevant onsite courses.

These training courses are for forklift licence training only but you can also explore getting a Certificate III in Civil Construction if you want to broaden a range of jobs you could qualify for.