Do I Need a Forklift License?

Q: Where Can I Get a Forklift License?

The exam can be taken at TÜV, DEKRA, professional associations, and driving schools. The courses have different lengths, and so-called "one-day courses" should be avoided. To ensure safe operation, theoretical and practical training should take more than one day. Rather, forklift operator training is divided into different levels, each requiring several days. These are shown in the following diagram from TÜV: As shown, the basic training course is followed by additional training steps that specifically train operators on machinery used in the workplace. Additionally, knowledge and skills must be refreshed annually through annual refresher training. This refresher course lasts half a day and is required by the German Legal Accident Insurance (DGVU) in §4 of the Accident Prevention Regulation: "Principles of Prevention." Therefore, the industrial truck license must not only be passed once, but you must demonstrate your fitness to operate forklifts in the workplace every year. Discover our rental range

Forklift License Costs

The cost of a forklift license depends on the course duration. Typically, a course lasts two days, with costs ranging from 150 to 300 euros. Multi-day courses cost accordingly more.

Private Use of Forklifts

More precisely, one should ask: Do I need an internal operating license for industrial trucks? As with the question about the excavator license, the answer must distinguish between private and commercial use. If you use a forklift privately on your own property, you can operate a forklift without a special forklift license. However, it is recommended, just as with commercial use of forklifts, to attend training for operating forklifts.

Commercial Use of Industrial Trucks

For commercial use of forklifts, a license is required. This applies to electric forklifts, gas forklifts, and diesel forklifts. This is not a driver's license for operating vehicles in public traffic, but rather an operating license required by the professional association for accident prevention. Regulation 68 of the professional associations applies. The requirements for this training are found in BG Guideline 308-001 (formerly BGG 925) of the German Legal Accident Insurance. Accordingly, anyone who operates a forklift in their professional activities must complete comprehensive theoretical and practical training with a concluding practical exam.

Where Can I Get a Forklift License?

The exam can be taken at TÜV, DEKRA, professional associations, and driving schools. The courses have different lengths, and so-called "one-day courses" should be avoided. To ensure safe operation, theoretical and practical training should take more than one day. Rather, forklift operator training is divided into different levels, each requiring several days. These are shown in the following diagram from TÜV:

Overview of Forklift Operator Training (Source: TÜV SÜD Academy)

As shown, the basic training course is followed by additional training steps that specifically train operators on machinery used in the workplace. Additionally, knowledge and skills must be refreshed annually through annual refresher training. This refresher course lasts half a day and is required by the German Legal Accident Insurance (DGVU) in §4 of the Accident Prevention Regulation: "Principles of Prevention." Therefore, the industrial truck license must not only be passed once, but you must demonstrate your fitness to operate forklifts in the workplace every year.

Discover our rental range

The Requirements for a "Forklift License":

Minimum age of 18 years
Physical and mental fitness for operating industrial trucks with driver's seat and driver's platform

If you meet these requirements, you can obtain an operating license for working with a forklift. We also recommend that all private users of forklifts attend basic training before use. This ensures safe working practices and clears the way for renting a forklift from klarx.