So, you’ve booked your forklift training. Maybe you’re feeling a bit nervous, maybe you’re excited, or perhaps you’re just wondering what the day actually involves. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s completely normal. Let me walk you through exactly what happens on your training day, so there are no surprises.
Before You Arrive
First things first, what should you bring?
You’ll need:
- A valid photo ID (driver’s license is perfect)
- Comfortable, practical clothing (no open-toed shoes!)
- Steel-toe cap boots if you have them (though many centers provide these)
- A packed lunch or money for food (check if your training center has facilities)
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Leave the fancy clothes at home. You’ll be working with machinery, so think practical over presentable. Jeans and a t-shirt work perfectly.
Arrival and Registration
You’ll typically arrive about half an hour before the official start time. Don’t panic if you’re the first one there, or if you arrive to find a group already chatting. Everyone’s in the same boat.
The reception or training coordinator will greet you, check your ID, and get you registered. You might fill out a quick form, nothing complicated, just basic details and health and safety information. They’ll ask if you have any medical conditions they should know about. Be honest here. It’s not about stopping you from training; it’s about keeping you safe.
You’ll probably be offered a tea or coffee. Take it. It’s going to be an active day, and the caffeine helps.
Meeting Your Instructor
Your instructor will introduce themselves and give you a rundown of the day. These folks have seen it all, nervous beginners, overconfident newcomers, and everything in between. They’re not here to catch you out or make you feel stupid. They genuinely want you to pass.
The instructor will explain:
- What you’ll cover during the day
- Break times and facilities
- Safety procedures
- What you need to do to pass
Feel free to ask questions. “Where’s the toilet?” is a perfectly acceptable first question. So is “I’ve never been near a forklift before, will I be okay?” (Spoiler: yes, you will.)
The Classroom Session (Theory)
Right, this is the theory part. Before you get anywhere near a forklift, you need to understand how they work, why they’re dangerous, and how to operate them safely.
What You’ll Learn:
The Basics Your instructor will cover different types of forklifts, what they’re used for, and the key parts of the machine. You’ll learn terms like “mast,” “carriage,” and “load backrest.” Don’t worry about memorizing everything immediately, it’ll make more sense when you see the actual forklift.
Safety First (and Second, and Third) This is the big one. You’ll learn about:
- Pre-use checks (the things you need to check before operating a forklift)
- Load handling (weight limits, stability, how to stack properly)
- Operating areas (where you can and can’t drive)
- Common hazards (pedestrians, uneven ground, visibility issues)
- What to do in an emergency
It might feel like a lot, but your instructor will use real-life examples and stories. That time someone tried to lift a load that was too heavy? They’ll tell you what happened. The near-miss involving a pedestrian who wasn’t paying attention? You’ll hear about it. These stories stick with you far better than dry facts.
The Rules You’ll go through the regulations and best practices. Some of this is legally required knowledge, some of it is common sense. Your instructor will make it clear which is which.
Don’t Stress About:
- Taking notes. Most training centers provide handouts with all the key information.
- Asking “stupid” questions. If you’re wondering it, someone else probably is too.
- Getting every detail perfect. The theory test (if there is one) is usually multiple choice and not designed to trick you.
There’ll be a break mid-morning. Use it. Stretch your legs, grab another coffee, chat to the other trainees.
Lunch Break
You’ll have a break for lunch. Some training centers have canteens, others don’t. Either way, eat something proper. The afternoon is when you’ll actually be driving a forklift, and you’ll need the energy.
This is also a good time to ask your instructor any questions you didn’t want to ask in front of the group. They’re usually happy to chat informally.
The Practical Session: Getting Hands-On
This is what you came for. Time to actually operate a forklift.
Your First Look at the Machine
Your instructor will take you out to the training area. You’ll see the forklifts you’ll be using, they’re usually counterbalance or reach trucks, depending on what you’re training for.
Before you get in, your instructor will walk you around the machine, pointing out all the bits you learned about in the morning. The controls, the warning lights, the safety features. It’ll all start clicking into place.
The Pre-Use Check
You’ll learn how to do a proper inspection before using the forklift. This includes:
- Checking for damage or leaks
- Testing the brakes
- Checking tire pressure (or battery level for electric forklifts)
- Making sure lights and horn work
- Checking the mast operates smoothly
The first time you do this, your instructor will guide you through every step. By the end of the day, you’ll be doing it yourself.
Getting in the Seat
Right, this is it. You’re about to drive a forklift.
Your instructor will help you adjust the seat and explain the controls. There’s the steering wheel (obviously), the forward/reverse lever, the accelerator, the brake, and the hydraulic controls for raising and lowering the forks.
It looks like a lot. It is, a bit. But your instructor isn’t going to throw you in the deep end.
Baby Steps
You’ll start with the absolute basics:
- Starting the engine
- Moving forward slowly
- Stopping
- Reversing
That’s it. Just getting comfortable with how the machine moves. Forklifts steer from the back wheels, which feels weird at first. Everyone does the same thing, they turn the wheel too much and zigzag around. It’s fine. That’s what the training area is for.
Once you’re comfortable moving around, you’ll practice:
- Turning corners
- Reversing accurately
- Stopping smoothly
- Using the horn (yes, really)
Adding the Forks
When your instructor is happy with your basic control, you’ll start using the hydraulic controls to raise and lower the forks. used to the controls.
Then comes the fun part: picking something up.
You’ll start with pallets or training weights. Nothing scary. Your instructor will show you how to:
- Position the forks correctly
- Drive into the load slowly
- Lift it safely
- Travel with it at the right height
- Put it down accurately
The first time you lift something, there’s a little buzz of achievement. You’re actually doing it.
More Complex Maneuvers
As you get more confident, you’ll tackle trickier stuff:
- Stacking pallets at height
- Navigating narrow aisles (if you’re training on a reach truck)
- Loading and unloading vehicles
- Dealing with awkward loads
Your instructor will set up various scenarios. They might put cones down to simulate obstacles, or ask you to pick up a load and place it precisely on a marked spot.
Some people find this bit stressful. If you knock over a cone or struggle with a maneuver, don’t worry. Your instructor expects this. They’ll show you what went wrong and how to do it better. Then you’ll try again.
Common First-Time Mistakes (Everyone Makes These)
- Steering too much: The back wheel steering is weird. You’ll get used to it.
- Going too fast: Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Rushing just makes things harder.
- Misjudging distances: You’ll think you’re closer (or further) than you actually are. With practice, you’ll develop the feel for it.
- Forgetting to check around you: It’s easy to focus on what’s in front and forget to look behind. Your instructor will remind you. A lot.
- Lifting loads too high when traveling: The rule is: low and slow. You’ll forget this at least once.
All of this is normal. You’re not expected to be perfect.
The Assessment
Towards the end of the day, you’ll have a practical assessment. This isn’t a “gotcha” situation. Your instructor has been watching you all afternoon. They know what you can do.
The assessment typically involves:
- Performing pre-use checks on the forklift
- Completing a series of maneuvers (picking up loads, stacking, navigating around obstacles)
- Demonstrating safe operating procedures
- Showing you know when to ask for help or stop if something’s unsafe
Your instructor will be watching for:
- Safety awareness (checking around you, using the horn, traveling at safe speeds)
- Control of the forklift (smooth operation, accurate positioning)
- Correct procedures (following the steps you’ve been taught)
- Ability to spot and respond to hazards
Here’s the thing: your instructor won’t ask you to do anything you haven’t practiced during the day. If you’ve been listening, trying your best, and taking feedback on board, you’ll be fine.
What if You Don’t Pass?
First off, most people pass their forklift training first time. The pass rates are high because instructors are good at their jobs and the training is designed to get you competent in a day.
But let’s say something goes wrong. Maybe you’re having an off day, or you’re more nervous than expected, or you just need more practice. It happens.
If you don’t pass:
- Your instructor will explain exactly what you need to work on
- You can usually book additional training or a re-test
- It’s not the end of the world
Honestly, the most common reason people don’t pass isn’t lack of ability. It’s nerves. If you’re worried about this, tell your instructor at the start of the day. They can’t make the assessment easier (that wouldn’t be safe), but they can help you stay calm.
End of Day: Certification and Next Steps
Assuming you’ve passed (which you probably have), you’ll receive your certification. This might be:
- A physical certificate
- A digital certificate sent by email
- A training operator card
Your certification is usually valid for three to five years, depending on your employer’s requirements and the type of forklift you’ve been trained on.
Your instructor will also give you some advice for your first day on the job:
- Take it slow at first
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Stick to what you’ve been trained to do
- Report any faults or concerns immediately
How You’ll Feel at the End of the Day
Tired, probably. It’s a full day of concentration and physical activity. Your brain will be buzzing with information, and you might be surprised at how much effort it takes to operate a forklift, even though it doesn’t look physically demanding.
But you’ll also feel accomplished. You came in not knowing how to drive a forklift, and you’re leaving certified. That’s something to be proud of.
Common Questions People Ask
“What if I fail?” Most people pass. If you don’t, you can re-take the training. It’s not a disaster.
“Will I remember everything?” Not immediately. But the basics will stick, and you’ll get better with practice on the job. That’s normal.
“What if I haven’t driven anything before?” That’s fine. Plenty of people come to forklift training with zero experience. The training is designed for complete beginners.
“Can I take the certificate to any employer?” Yes, as long as it’s from an accredited training provider. Your certificate is recognized across the industry.
“Do I need to bring my own steel-toe boots?” Check with your training center. Many provide them, but it’s worth having your own if you’re planning to work in warehousing or logistics.
“What happens if I hit something during training?” Your instructor will stop you, explain what went wrong, and you’ll try again. The training area is set up for this. You’re not going to damage anything expensive or get in trouble.
Final Thoughts
Forklift training day is designed to be manageable. Yes, you’re learning a new skill. Yes, you’re operating heavy machinery. But you’re also in a controlled environment with an experienced instructor who does this every day.
The key things to remember:
- Ask questions when you don’t understand something
- Take your time (rushing helps no one)
- Listen to feedback
- Don’t compare yourself to others (everyone learns at their own pace)
- It’s okay to be nervous
By the end of the day, you’ll have a new qualification and a skill that’s in demand across multiple industries. Whether you’re looking for a new career, adding to your current skillset, or just wanted to try something different, forklift training is a solid investment in yourself.
So, when that alarm goes off on your training day, don’t stress. Hundreds of thousands of people have done exactly what you’re about to do, and the vast majority come out the other side feeling pretty good about it.
You’ve got this.
Ready to book your forklift training? Check availability and secure your spot today. Our experienced instructors are here to help you succeed.