Industrial truck license: Step by step - everything you need to know

A forklift license can also open doors for professional advancement. This proof of competency allows operators to qualify for higher positions or specialized tasks that require certification.

Requirements for the "Forklift License"

In order to obtain the industrial truck license, you must meet a few requirements to ensure that you can handle industrial trucks safely and responsibly.

The most important requirements if you want to get a forklift license

1st Minimum age : You must be at least 18 years old. This age limit is set by law because you should have the necessary maturity and responsibility to handle heavy machinery.

2nd Medical suitability : Good physical and mental health is important. In some cases, a medical certificate may be required to ensure you are fit to drive industrial trucks.

3. Language skills : You need a basic knowledge of German, both written and spoken, so that you can follow the training materials and pass the exam.

4th Previous knowledge : Professional experience with industrial trucks is not a must, but can help you learn and make the process easier.

5th Commitment and willingness to learn : The willingness to learn new skills and regularly refresh your knowledge is also important for the safe handling of industrial trucks.

forklift license costs

How much does the industrial truck license cost?

The costs for obtaining the industrial truck license can vary depending on the region, provider and extent of training. On average, the forklift license costs between €250 and €350 per participant and per training day. If several participants register, many providers offer the training day at a lower price. For example, a training day for up to 10 participants costs just over €2,000.

Prices may vary depending on the region and training facility – in large cities, fees are often slightly higher.

Forklift license without exam - is that possible?

“Buying” a forklift license without taking a test is not legal and can have serious consequences. The forklift license is official proof that the holder has acquired theoretical and practical knowledge in the safe use of forklifts.

In order to avoid accidents and safety risks, the professional associations prescribe an examination that consists of a theoretical and a practical part. Suppliers who sell forklift licenses without an examination are acting illegally and are not recognized by employers and authorities. Anyone who wants to drive a forklift should therefore definitely complete official training and pass the prescribed examination.

Who bears the costs for the industrial truck license?

The question of who pays for the industrial truck license can be answered differently depending on the specific circumstances and agreements between the employee and the employer. Here are some common scenarios:

Employer covers the costs:

In many cases, the employer commissions the training and covers the costs, especially if obtaining the certificate is a prerequisite for the respective position in the company. Companies benefit from qualified employees who are able to operate industrial trucks safely and efficiently and therefore often see the investment in training their employees as worthwhile.

Employee bears the costs themselves:

In some cases, the employee may have to cover the costs of the industrial truck license themselves, especially if obtaining the license is not an explicit requirement of the current job, but rather a personal development course or preparation for future career opportunities.

Sharing of costs:

There are also scenarios in which employers and employees share the cost of the industrial truck license. This agreement can be made in different ways, for example by splitting the costs on a percentage basis or by agreeing to reimbursement after a successful test.

The exact arrangement as to who will pay for the material handling equipment license should ideally be set out in a written contract or agreement to avoid any misunderstandings. It is also advisable to check the tax implications of the various scenarios, as in some cases the cost of the training may be tax deductible.

Industrial truck license cost coverage for job seekers

It is also possible for the employment agency to cover the costs of the industrial truck license. This can be primarily relevant for job seekers or those retraining. The assumption of costs by the employment agency can be tied to certain conditions, such as the prospect of a job after obtaining the industrial truck license or a certain qualification requirement from the potential employer.

Application and requirements

In order to receive reimbursement of costs from the employment agency, an application must usually be submitted. It is important to have all the necessary documents ready and to meet the requirements for funding. The employment agency will then review the application and decide whether to reimburse the costs.

educational voucher

In many cases, the funding is provided in the form of a training voucher, which can then be redeemed at the selected training provider. The training voucher covers the costs of the training and the examination and represents valuable support for professional development.

Find out in advance from the employment agency to understand all the necessary steps for a successful application and to increase the chances of having the costs covered. The possibility of having the costs covered by the employment agency can be a great relief for people who want to further their professional training or change careers and offers financial support on the way to acquiring the industrial truck license.

Registration

How do I register for the forklift license exam?

Registering for the industrial truck license is the first concrete step on the way to certification for operating industrial trucks. Registration can be done with various providers, e.g. TÜV, DEKRA or training providers specializing in logistics and material flow. It is interesting to note that many forklift rental companies also offer training and exams for the forklift license.

Registration procedures may vary from provider to provider, but personal identification documents and, if necessary, an occupational health report are usually required. Some providers also allow online registration, which simplifies and speeds up the process.

By registering, you are taking the first step towards safe and competent handling of forklifts and telehandlers and laying the foundation for a successful career in logistics and material flow. At BIBERGER, for example, you can not only register for the industrial truck license, but also rent the right industrial trucks for your needs.

The forklift license test

The training: Basic knowledge for the industrial truck license

The training - divided into theory and practice - is a central part of the process of acquiring the industrial truck license. It provides the necessary basic knowledge and practical skills required to operate industrial trucks safely and efficiently. The training consists of theoretical and practical modules that ensure comprehensive training.

Practical exercises: Gaining experience for the industrial truck license

The practical exercises are an indispensable part of the training. They enable participants to gain hands-on experience and put the knowledge learned in the theoretical training into practice. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants can improve their skills and gain confidence in operating industrial trucks in a safe and controlled environment.

1. The practical exercises are carried out under realistic conditions to prepare the participants for the daily challenges of handling industrial trucks. These include maneuvering through narrow passages, lifting and transporting loads, and reacting to unforeseen situations.

2. The training scenarios are varied to cover a wide range of skills. Participants learn how to handle different types of industrial trucks and gain experience in different work environments such as warehouses, production facilities and outdoors.

3. During the practical exercises, participants receive continuous feedback from their instructors. This allows for immediate correction and helps participants improve their technique and avoid common mistakes.

4. The practical exercises also promote safety awareness. Participants learn to recognize potential hazards and take appropriate safety measures to avoid accidents.

5. The practical exercises also serve to prepare for the practical examination of the industrial truck license. They help the participants to familiarize themselves with the examination procedure and reduce their nervousness.

The practical exercises for the industrial truck license are therefore a valuable opportunity to gain experience under professional guidance and to prepare optimally for the final exam.

Theoretical test for the industrial truck license

The theory test is a crucial step on the way to obtaining a forklift license. It tests your understanding of the basic concepts and safety guidelines that are important when handling industrial trucks. Good preparation is therefore essential to be successful in this part of the certification process.

exam format

The theoretical test for the forklift license usually consists of a written test with multiple-choice questions, true/false questions and possibly open questions. Here you benefit from the previous knowledge you have acquired. The questions cover a wide range of topics, including safety regulations, operating instructions and the technology of industrial trucks.

exam content

The contents of the exam usually include topics such as accident prevention, the basics of driving physics, legal frameworks and specific properties of the various types of industrial trucks.

The exact structure and specific content may vary depending on the exam provider, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the exam guidelines and materials in advance.

1. Use the training materials provided, take part in preparation courses and practice with old exam questions to prepare yourself as best as possible for the exam.

2. The duration of the theoretical exam and the exam location can vary depending on the provider. You will usually receive information about this from your training provider before the exam.

3. After the exam, you will receive an assessment of your performance and feedback on your answers, which will help you to further improve your knowledge and prepare for the practical exam.

The theoretical exam for the industrial truck license is challenging, but with the right preparation and a good understanding of the requirements, you can face the exam with confidence and pass it successfully.

forklift license exam questions

The theory test typically includes multiple-choice questions targeting safety-related aspects. Here are some examples: