What You Need to Know
Anyone who wants to operate a forklift or other industrial truck within a company needs a valid forklift operator's license . This qualification is legally required and demonstrates your expertise in the safe operation of forklifts.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about forklift operator training, the different levels of forklift license, costs, legal requirements, and annual refresher courses. Whether you're a beginner or a pro – you'll find all the essential information about your license here.
Why this training protects lives
Forklift accidents may seem trivial at first glance, but in reality, they are often serious , happen quickly , and affect more than just the driver. According to DGUV statistics, there were a total of 18,491 reportable workplace accidents involving industrial trucks in 2023. Particularly concerning: In 46.6% of forklift accidents, a person is hit, crushed, or run over . Additionally, seven fatal accidents were reported in this category.
This shows why the qualification is more than just "paperwork": it trains precisely for the situations that escalate in practice – narrow passages , poor visibility , stress , speed , load handling , and strangers in the driving area. Many serious accidents are not caused by a lack of skill when "stacking," but by excessive speed , obstructed view (e.g., a load in front of the driver), missing markings , or incorrect behavior at intersections . This is precisely why instruction, training, and documentation are not optional, but a core component of legal compliance.
Why is a forklift operator's license mandatory?
Overview of the legal framework
A forklift operator's license is legally required. The basis for this is:
- DGUV Regulation 68
- DGUV Principle 308-001
- Section 12 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG)
- Section 12 of the Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV)
Only those who are trained, possess the necessary qualifications, receive regular instruction, and are authorized in writing by their employer are permitted to operate a forklift truck.
What are the consequences of a violation?
Anyone who drives a forklift or telescopic handler without a valid forklift license or without annual training risks fines, exclusion from insurance and personal liability in case of damage.
Which forklifts can you drive with a forklift operator's license?
Step model according to DGUV 308-001
The training is divided into three levels. Depending on the level, you are allowed to operate different types of forklifts .
| Level | Designation | Allowed devices | Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic training | Front forklift / counterbalance forklift | Basis for all further stages |
| Level 2 | Additional training | Reach mast, telescopic and container forklifts | Obligation under special load conditions |
| Level 3 | Company training | Specific device in operation | Required before each use |
Important: Pedestrian-operated pallet trucks ("ant trucks") are a special case.
Not every industrial truck automatically requires full forklift operator training (levels 1-3). For pedestrian-operated industrial trucks (e.g., electric pallet trucks , electric high-lift pallet trucks , side pallet trucks ), it is often sufficient to provide handling instruction by a qualified person, because no driver's seat is used and the machine is typically controlled while walking.
However, as soon as a device has a foldable driver's platform or travels faster than 6 km/h , mandatory training may apply again. Accidents still happen here – just differently: crushing injuries, running over feet, getting trapped against shelves or loading ramps are typical scenarios.
Which forklifts am I allowed to drive?
Validity and annual training
How long is a forklift license valid for?
The forklift operator's license is valid indefinitely . However, you are only allowed to operate the vehicle if you complete a safety training course annually.
Obligation to undergo annual instruction
According to DGUV Regulation 1 and Section 12 of the German Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) , annual safety instruction is mandatory.
It includes, among other things, the following content:
- Current legal regulations
- Vehicle operating instructions
- Accident avoidance Driving physics
- Stability and driving behavior
- PPE and emergency measures
- Load securing visual inspection
- Behavior in case of danger Liability
Contents of forklift driver training
Theoretical training
The theory covers all legal and technical fundamentals:
- DGUV rules and regulations
- Driving physics, stability
- Load capacities, visual inspections
- Traffic rules in the workplace
- Working with attachments
- Recognizing dangerous situations
Practical training
In the practical part you will learn how to use the forklift safely:
- Daily inspections
- Stacking, starting, maneuvering
- Working in confined spaces
- Load handling transport
How long does the training last?
The duration of the training depends on group size, prior experience, and the type of equipment. As a guideline, basic qualification (Level 1) typically comprises at least 20 to 32 learning units (one learning unit = 45 minutes) and is often completed in 1 to 3 days in practice.
- Common practice: 2 days as a compact standard (theory + practice + exams)
- For small groups/with prior knowledge: sometimes faster, but content and exams must be fully covered.
- For complex operations: Additional training and briefings extend the overall qualification.
It is important that all content and exams are completed in full.
Requirements: Who is eligible to participate?
To participate in the forklift license training, you must meet the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Official ID or registration certificate
- Basic knowledge of German or the language of instruction
- Physically suitable for the practical operation of industrial trucks
Physical fitness: What does that mean in concrete terms?
Physical fitness is not a "nice-to-have," but a crucial component of safe operation. Employers may only employ suitable individuals – in practical terms, this means that eyesight, hearing, reaction time, and mobility must be sufficient to safely operate a forklift in the workplace.
In practice, suitability is often assessed through an occupational health examination. Typical components include:
- Visual acuity (e.g., sufficient recognition of people, markings, fork tips)
- Color vision (important for signals/markings, depending on the operation)
- Hearing ability (warning signals, reversing alarm, surroundings)
- Response and resilience (stressful situations, braking distance, evasive maneuvers)
- Mobility (shoulder check, safe mounting and dismounting)
Who pays? Usually the employer , because it's part of the job requirements. Important: Diagnoses such as diabetes are not automatically a disqualifying factor – the decisive factor is whether operating the device safely is possible in the specific job.
Difference: forklift license, driving order, instruction
You can only drive legally with all three elements. This overview shows what each one is:
| document | function | Exhibitor | validity | Consequence when it is lacking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forklift license | Documented completed training according to DGUV 308-001 | Training providers (e.g. TÜV, DEKRA) | Unlimited (with annual training) | No qualifications demonstrated → deployment inadmissible |
| Driving assignment | Appointment by employer to operate industrial trucks | Employer | Until further notice / end of deployment | Driving ban despite license |
| instruction | Updating knowledge – mandatory according to DGUV Regulation 1 | Expert person or training partner | 12 months (for trainees: 6 months) | Driving privileges effectively revoked immediately (until the required instruction is documented) |
| On-the-job training (level 3) | Equipment and application-related instruction at the company (e.g. routes, loads, attachments) | Employer / expert | Device/application related | Not authorized for this specific device/use |
Forklift operator's license exam: Theory and practice
Theory test overview
The exam for future forklift operators consists of approximately 30 multiple-choice questions . Topics include: accident prevention, load handling, traffic routes, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Test your knowledge online now
Practical exam
The instructor will assess the following:
- Safe and correct driving
- Safe handling of loads
- Stability during lifting and lowering
- Storage and retrieval under supervision
- Sense of responsibility
Upon passing, you will receive the official forklift operator's license as proof of your competence .
5 common exam mistakes – and how to avoid them
- Missing visual inspection → Use checklist beforehand
- Driving too fast on the course
- Load incorrectly picked up or lost
- No shoulder check when reversing
- Traffic signs ignored in operation
Forklift driving training course
How much does a forklift operator's license cost?
Average costs
- Standard note: €250–350
- Level 2 additional training: +€100–200
- Online training: €25–45 annually
Who covers the costs for the qualification?
In many cases – especially in the transport and logistics sector – the employer pays. In cases of self-initiative or retraining, the employment agency or educational vouchers may also provide support.
Insurance liability: The point that is often underestimated
3.1 Insurance coverage
In the event of an accident, the insurance company (and, in the case of occupational safety, the employers' liability insurance association) examines very closely whether the company's qualifications and organizational structure were adequate. If mandatory components such as instruction , training , or documentation are missing, this can have serious consequences – even leading to disputes over benefits and recourse. Crucially, it is not only important that training took place, but also that this training can be documented .
In practical terms, this means that training without a participant list, date, content, and signatures is often "non-existent" in an emergency. That's precisely why thorough documentation is a real safety and liability safeguard – not bureaucracy.
3.2 Employer liability
Employers bear the primary responsibility: they must ensure that only suitable, qualified, and authorized individuals drive – including organizing training, briefings, traffic routes, and operating instructions. Violations can result in fines ; in cases of personal injury, additional criminal charges (e.g., for negligence) may apply.
3.3 Forklift driver liability
Forklift operators also bear responsibility: Anyone who acts with gross negligence, ignores safety rules, takes shortcuts under time pressure, or drives despite lacking the necessary qualifications risks personal consequences. In the event of an accident, questions quickly arise such as: Was the training up-to-date? Was the order issued? Was the instruction given? Was the visual inspection carried out?
3.4 Third-party visitors
Many serious accidents don't involve the driver, but rather third parties : colleagues, contractors, visitors, customers, or pedestrians in warehouse areas. Markings, clear rules, good visibility, speed limits, and reversing safety concepts are crucial in these situations. Even the best driving skills are of little use if the company doesn't provide a safe environment.
Registration provider
Where can you register?
Training courses are offered by TÜV, DEKRA and SYSTEM-CARD partners , among others. BIBERGER also offers training directly at its location or in-house.
In-house training
For multiple employees, in-house training is recommended – it saves time, is efficient, and cost-effective. BIBERGER offers quantity discounts for groups of 5 or more participants .
After the forklift license exam
What to do if you lose your forklift license?
You can apply for a new forklift operator's license at your training center. Cost: €20–55. You are not allowed to drive without a replacement license.
When driving assignments or instruction "expire": typical scenarios
Many problems don't arise when passing the exam, but later in everyday life. These are typical cases – and should be resolved properly:
- Job change within the company: New level 3 training (routes, rules, loads, hazard points) is required.
- Change of employer: The old driving assignment is automatically invalid. A new employer must issue a new assignment.
- Instruction older than 12 months: Until the instruction is completed, the driving authorization is no longer legally valid in practice.
- Changing equipment (different forklift type/attachment): Additional training or instruction may be required – depending on the risk and equipment.
- Accident or near miss: Additional training/instruction may be ordered.
- Extended absence: After 6+ months, a refresher course is at least strongly recommended, even if a new exam is not formally required.
International validity
A forklift operator's license is not a "globally valid driver's license." While qualifications can be partially recognized within the EU, a company may still require additional documentation, instruction, or training in the company's language. Crucially, occupational safety laws always apply nationally , and the employer must ensure safe operation.
Conversely, foreign qualifications are often not automatically sufficient in Germany because content, testing standards, and documentation vary considerably. For complete legal certainty, in practice, a new training course/examination or at least a recognized qualification according to German standards is often the safest option – especially regarding foreign language risks and liability issues.
Special features: High-lift pallet truck, narrow aisle, telescopic
The more specialized the device, the more likely that level 1 alone will not be sufficient. Typical examples:
- Reach trucks / warehouse equipment: often level 2 required
- Narrow aisle forklifts: special training due to guidance system, height and rescue concept
- Telescopic handlers: often require additional qualifications; special principles apply to rough terrain telescopic handlers.
- Working at greater heights: higher requirements for stability, access routes, rescue and fall protection concepts
PPE vehicle equipment (brief, practical overview)
In the workplace, personal protective equipment (PPE) and vehicle condition are key safety factors. Depending on the application , safety shoes and high-visibility clothing are practically always required, and a helmet may be mandatory in certain environments. On the forklift itself, safety devices such as seat belts , load guards , and functioning warning systems are crucial – and must be considered during visual inspections and maintenance.
System card concept for companies
With the SYSTEM-CARD from BIBERGER, you can plan, manage and document training courses nationwide – legally compliant and DGUV-compliant.
Checklist for employers (quick checklist)
- Valid driver's license checked and documented for each driver
- Annual training planned, conducted, signed (participant list!)
- Written driving orders are available and up-to-date
- Equipment/operational training (level 3) documented for each area
- Physical fitness/fitness for duty checked (occupational health, if required)
- Traffic routes, markings, intersections, sight lines in the warehouse were checked.
- Operating instructions understandable and accessible
- Current maintenance/inspection of forklifts (including safety-related equipment)
- Near misses evaluated and measures implemented
Conclusion
A forklift operator's license is mandatory – but also a career boost. With thorough training, annual refresher courses, and a valid driving permit, you're on the safe side. Get informed, register, and get started now!
To the SYSTEM-CARD training center
to view dates for a theoretical and a practical exam.
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