How to get a forklift drivers license

If you're considering a career in warehousing and logistics, learning how to operate a forklift safely is a valuable skill. Here's a step-by-step guide to quickly getting your forklift driver's license:

1. Be of legal age: You must be at least 18 years old to operate a forklift. If you're younger, you'll need to wait to get certified.
2. Find a school: Look for a program that teaches forklift operation and offers certification. If your employer requires you to operate a forklift for your job or to get a promotion or raise, they may offer certification courses. The governing body for forklift training is OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Make sure the program you choose is OSHA-approved. You can also contact a local forklift dealer for advice on certification programs. Training courses typically last 1-2 days, but some can extend to a few weeks. Costs range from $300 to $1,000, though some programs are government-subsidized. In many cases, employers cover the cost of tuition.
3. OSHA safety training: After obtaining your certification, you must also complete an OSHA-approved safety course. This program ensures you meet OSHA's safety standards for operating forklift equipment. Additionally, you'll need to be signed off on-site at the specific location where you will be working.

Learn how to drive a forklift and obtain your lift truck operator’s license

After being certified to drive a forklift

Once you have your forklift driver's license, you'll be qualified to work in a professional warehouse or distribution facility. Still have questions? If there's anything that hasn't been covered in this post, feel free to contact any forklift dealer for more information.