Getting a Forklift Licence: Procedure, Providers & Fast-Track Course

Anyone wanting to obtain a forklift licence goes through much the same structured process – regardless of whether the course is completed with TÜV, Dekra, a manufacturer academy or a regional training provider:

Step 1 – Check the prerequisites Minimum age 18, physical fitness (eyesight and hearing), and where applicable the G25 examination at the company doctor. Anyone who already has experience with industrial trucks should clarify in advance whether a one-day course is an option.

Step 2 – Choose the provider and course format Depending on prior knowledge, time frame and budget, decide between the standard course (2 days), the one-day course (for experienced staff) and in-house training (group). Weigh up national providers against regional ones.

Step 3 – Register and submit documents Registration directly with the provider, usually online or by telephone. Documents required: identity card, where applicable the G25 certificate, and where applicable the employer's declaration of cost coverage or an education voucher.

Step 4 – Complete the course Theoretical and practical training to DGUV Principle 308-001. Concludes with a two-part examination (theory + practice).

Step 5 – Authorisation in the company Once the examination is passed: the employer issues the written authorisation. Without this formal authorisation, the employee may not operate the forklift even with a driving authorisation.

There are four main types of training provider offering forklift licence courses:

National certification bodies (Dekra, TÜV Rheinland, DGUV partners) Advantage: high name recognition, widely accepted certificate, nationwide course network. Disadvantage: prices tend to be higher, less flexibility for bespoke solutions.

Manufacturer academies (Jungheinrich Akademie, Still Academy, Linde Training Center) Advantage: machine-specific knowledge, ideal where the company already runs that manufacturer's fleet. Disadvantage: limited locations, courses often geared to the manufacturer's own vehicle types.

Regional training providers (IHK training centres, providers approved by the employers' liability insurance associations, chambers) Advantage: courses close to home, often cheaper, more flexible course times. Disadvantage: quality varies by provider.

In-house training at the employer's site Advantage: the course is tailored to company-specific conditions, no travel required. Disadvantage: a minimum group size is necessary (typically 6–10 persons) and the company needs its own practice area.

One-day course (fast-track, 1 day) Suitable for: people with at least 1–2 years of practical experience with forklifts. Not suitable for: beginners with no previous experience – getting through the theory workload in a single day is barely possible without basic knowledge. Cost: 150–350 euros.

Standard course (2 days) Suitable for: all beginners, career changers and anyone without formal proof. Time split: day 1 theory + first practical exercises, day 2 practical training + final examination. Cost: 250–550 euros.

Multi-day course (3–5 days, incl. Stage 2) Suitable for: people who want to acquire a specialist qualification for reach trucks, side-loaders or telehandlers straight away. Cost: 400–800 euros.

This checklist helps when assessing course providers:

• Accreditation: is the provider DGUV-approved or certified under the AZAV?
• Practical share: how many hours of practical exercises are included? At least a 50 % practical share is advisable.
• Vehicle types: is training carried out on the truck type used in your company?
• Group size: how many participants per course? Smaller groups (4–8 persons) allow more individual practice time.
• Course times: daytime or evening courses? Flexibility for shift workers?
• What the price includes: are the examination fee, materials and the issue of the driving authorisation included?

When registering for a forklift licence course, the following documents are usually required:

• Valid identity card or passport
• G25 certificate (where required by the employer)
• The employer's declaration of cost coverage (where the employer is paying)
• Education voucher from the Federal Employment Agency (for funded measures)
• Where applicable, proof of prior knowledge (when registering for a one-day course)

Registration is usually made via an online form, by telephone or by email. Many providers have short waiting lists – register planned qualifications early.

Where can I get a forklift licence?

Courses are offered nationwide by Dekra, TÜV Rheinland, Jungheinrich Akademie, Still Academy, regional training providers and providers approved by the employers' liability insurance associations. National course-finder portals and the websites of these providers allow a location-based search.

Can the forklift licence be done in one day?

Yes – provided the provider has a one-day course in its programme and your prior knowledge is sufficient. For beginners with no previous experience, the 2-day standard course is recommended.

Can the company run the training in-house?

Yes, provided a DGUV-approved external training provider delivers the training and the company provides a suitable practice area and appropriate vehicles. The in-house course makes economic sense for groups of 6–10 persons or more.

What do I need to bring to register?

Identity card, where applicable the G25 certificate and – depending on how it is financed – the employer's declaration of cost coverage or an education voucher. For one-day courses, prior knowledge sometimes has to be demonstrated.

Once you are qualified, Luibl Rental provides the right machine – schedulable across Europe, available at short notice.

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