Reading now: Industrial truck license: Step by step - everything you need to know
Zusammenfassung What You Need to Know

Anyone who wants to operate a forklift truck absolutely needs a forklift operator's license.He islegally requiredand confirms that you have the forkliftsafe, responsible and professionalYou can operate it. The way there leads via aaccredited training, theTheory and practicecombined: In theory you learnSafety rules, traffic routes within the company and technical basics, in practice theDriving, lifting and maneuvering with loads.

The training usually lasts1 to 3 daysand ends with awritten and practical examinationAfter passing, you will receive theForklift license – it is valid indefinitely.In order for you to be allowed to drive permanently, theHowever, DGUV requires annual training.This way you stay up-to-date and arelong-term authorization to work safely in the warehouse, on the construction site or in the factory.

Zusammenfassung What You Need to Know

Anyone who wants to operate a forklift truck absolutely needs a forklift operator's license.He islegally requiredand confirms that you have the forkliftsafe, responsible and professionalYou can operate it. The way there leads via aaccredited training, theTheory and practicecombined: In theory you learnSafety rules, traffic routes within the company and technical basics, in practice theDriving, lifting and maneuvering with loads.

The training usually lasts1 to 3 daysand ends with awritten and practical examinationAfter passing, you will receive theForklift license – it is valid indefinitely.In order for you to be allowed to drive permanently, theHowever, DGUV requires annual training.This way you stay up-to-date and arelong-term authorization to work safely in the warehouse, on the construction site or in the factory.

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 information you need here.

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.

Note: A forklift license alone is not sufficient without a written driving authorization from the employer. Both documents are mandatory.

What are the consequences of a violation?

Anyone driving without a valid forklift operator's license or without annual training risks fines, exclusion from insurance and personal liability in case of damage.

Occupational safety notice: According to the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance), fines of up to €10,000 may be imposed for violations of instruction obligations – employers are personally liable.

What 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

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 prevention & vehicle dynamics
  • Stability and driving behavior
  • PPE and emergency measures
  • Load securing & visual inspection
  • Behavior in case of danger & liability
Good to know: For trainees under 18 years of age, instruction must be carried out every six months – § 29 JArbSchG.

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
  • Recognizing dangerous situations

Practical training

In the practical part you will learn how to use the forklift safely:

  • Patrols & daily checks
  • Stacking, starting, maneuvering
  • Working in confined spaces
  • Load handling & transport

How long does the training last?

The training to become a forklift driver usually takes 2 full days (16 teaching hours):

  • Day 1: Theory (4–8 hours) + written exam
  • Day 2: Practical training (4–8 hours) + practical exam

The duration may vary depending on prior knowledge or small group sizes. It is important to note that all content and exams must be completed.

Requirements: Who is eligible to participate?

To participate in the 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

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
Forklift license Documented completed training according to DGUV 308-001 Training providers (e.g. TÜV, DEKRA) Unlimited (with annual training)
Driving assignment Appointment by employer to operate industrial trucks Employer Until further notice / end of deployment
instruction Updating knowledge – mandatory according to DGUV Regulation 1 Expert person or training partner 12 months (for trainees: 6 months)
Important: You are only legally allowed to drive a forklift once all three documents are submitted . If one is missing, you risk being banned from driving and facing liability.

Examination: Theory & Practice

Theory test overview

The exam consists of approximately 30 multiple-choice questions . Topics: accident prevention, load handling, traffic routes, PPE.

Test your knowledge online now

Practical exam

Here's how it's rated:

  • Safe and correct driving
  • Stability during lifting and lowering
  • Storage & retrieval under supervision

Upon passing, you will receive the official forklift operator's license .

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

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 will cover the costs?

In many cases, the employer pays. For self-initiated training or retraining, the employment agency or education vouchers may also be available.

Registration & Providers

Where can you register?

Training courses are offered by organizations such as TÜV, DEKRA, and SYSTEM-CARD partners . 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 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.

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.

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

Benjamin_Biberger_f09df03b-780b-4e03-8991-ca3f20113b29 - BIBERGER
About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.

Our editorial quality standards

The subject content on biberger.de are editorially created, reviewed, and continuously updated. The basis is our daily work with aerial platforms, telehandlers, and industrial trucks – in rental, sales, operational planning, and technical support.

Each article draws on real-world experience and is editorially reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and practical relevance according to expert criteria. Technical statements are regularly compared against current industry standards and best practices.

The aim of our publications is to make reliable specialist knowledge accessible and to offer guidance to users, decision-makers and industry partners. BIBERGER sees itself as an independent information platform for safe, economical and modern height access technology – well-founded, comprehensible and free from advertising influence.

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FAQ

Welche Stapler darf ich ohne Staplerschein fahren?

Ohne Staplerschein dürfen Handgabelhubwagen und Elektro-Deichselstapler (Mitgänger-Flurförderzeuge), bei denen neben dem Flurförderzeug gefahren wird, benutzt werden. Stapler mit Fahrerstand oder Fahrersitz benötigen jedoch immer einen Staplerschein.

Ist es schwer, den Gabelstaplerschein zu machen?

Nein, der Gabelstaplerschein ist nicht schwer zu machen, wenn du aufmerksam an der theoretischen Schulung und der praktischen Übung teilnimmst. Die Ausbildung dauert in der Regel 1 bis 2 Tage und schließt mit einer verständlichen Prüfung ab. Auch ohne Vorkenntnisse ist der Staplerschein gut machbar.

Kann man privat einen Staplerschein machen?

Ja, du kannst den Staplerschein auch privat als Selbstzahler machen. Viele Schulungszentren bieten offene Staplerkurse an, an denen auch Privatpersonen ohne Arbeitgebernachweis teilnehmen können. Nach bestandener Prüfung erhältst du den offiziellen Fahrausweis für Flurförderzeuge.

Kann man ohne Führerschein einen Staplerschein machen?

Ja, du kannst den Staplerschein auch ohne PKW-Führerschein machen. Der Führerschein der Klasse B ist keine Voraussetzung für den Staplerschein. Wichtig ist nur die körperliche und geistige Eignung zum Führen eines Gabelstaplers.

Wie lange ist ein Gabelstaplerschein gültig?

Der Staplerschein ist unbegrenzt gültig und muss nicht erneuert werden. Der Gesetzgeber schreibt jedoch eine jährliche Unterweisung der Staplerfahrer vor, um die Kenntnisse aufzufrischen und die Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz zu gewährleisten.

Was tun wenn man den Staplerschein verloren hat?

Wenn dein Staplerschein verloren gegangen ist, heißt es: Ruhe bewahren und sofort handeln. Ohne gültigen Nachweis darfst du keinen Stapler führen – sonst erlischt dein Versicherungsschutz.

Melde den Verlust sofort deinem Arbeitgeber und fahre nicht weiter, bis du Ersatz hast. In den meisten Fällen kannst du den Ersatzschein direkt bei der Schulungsstelle beantragen – also beim TÜV, der DEKRA oder deinem SYSTEM-LIFT Partner, wo du die Ausbildung gemacht hast.

Ein neuer Schein kostet in der Regel zwischen 0 € und 55 € und wird dir innerhalb von 1 bis 4 Wochen zugeschickt. Wenn der Anbieter keine Daten mehr hat (z. B. nach über zehn Jahren), hilft nur eine neue Schulung oder Prüfung durch den Arbeitgeber.

Wichtig: Fährst du ohne gültigen Schein, riskierst du Versicherungsausfall und im Ernstfall eine fristlose Kündigung. Also lieber kurz pausieren und den Ersatz richtig beantragen – das ist sicherer und schnell erledigt.

Kann man den Staplerschein online machen?

Ein Staplerschein kann teilweise online absolviert werden – die theoretische Schulung ist bei einigen Anbietern digital möglich. Die praktische Ausbildung und Prüfung müssen jedoch immer vor Ort unter Anleitung durchgeführt werden, da sie für die Zulassung gesetzlich vorgeschrieben sind.

Wie lange dauert es den Staplerschein zu machen?

Die Ausbildung zum Staplerschein dauert in der Regel 1 bis 2 Tage. Sie umfasst eine theoretische Schulung, eine praktische Fahrausbildung sowie eine abschließende Prüfung. Bei Vorkenntnissen oder innerbetrieblichen Schulungen kann die Dauer variieren.

Benötigt man für eine Ameise einen Staplerschein?

Für eine Ameise ohne Mitfahrfunktion (Mitgänger-Flurförderzeug) ist kein Staplerschein erforderlich. Du brauchst lediglich eine betriebliche Einweisung. Handelt es sich jedoch um eine fahrbare Ameise mit Fahrerstand oder Sitz, ist ein Staplerschein nach DGUV Vorschrift 68 notwendig.

Was ist ein Staplerschein Stufe 1?

Der Staplerschein Stufe 1 berechtigt zum Führen von starren Teleskopstaplern mit Gabelzinken, bei denen der Oberwagen nicht drehbar ist. Die Schulung umfasst theoretische Grundlagen, praktische Fahrübungen und eine Prüfung gemäß DGUV Grundsatz 308-009. Er ist Voraussetzung für den sicheren Einsatz auf Baustellen und in der Industrie.

Was ist ein Staplerschein Stufe 2?

Der Staplerschein Stufe 2 berechtigt zum Führen von drehbaren Teleskopstaplern mit Oberwagen, der sich um 360 Grad drehen lässt. Diese Maschinen kombinieren Stapler- und Kranfunktionen. Die Schulung nach DGUV Grundsatz 308-009 vermittelt zusätzliches Wissen zur Lastaufnahme, Standsicherheit und Kranbetrieb.

Was ist ein Staplerschein Stufe 3?

Der Staplerschein Stufe 3 berechtigt zum Einsatz von Teleskopstaplern mit Kranfunktion, bei denen Lasten mit Haken, Seilwinde oder Lasthaken bewegt werden. Die Schulung erweitert Stufe 1 oder 2 um den Umgang mit anhängenden Lasten und den sicheren Kranbetrieb gemäß DGUV Grundsatz 308-009.

Welche Stapler darf ich mit Staplerschein fahren?

Mit einem Staplerschein darfst du alle Flurförderzeuge mit Fahrersitz oder Fahrerstand bedienen – zum Beispiel Frontstapler, Schubmaststapler, Geländestapler oder Elektrohubwagen mit Mitfahrfunktion. Für spezielle Geräte wie Teleskopstapler sind zusätzliche Schulungen nach DGUV Grundsatz 308-009 (Stufe 1–3) erforderlich.

Kann man den Staplerschein an einem Tag machen?

Ja, der Staplerschein kann in vielen Fällen an nur einem Tag gemacht werden – vorausgesetzt, es handelt sich um eine Grundausbildung für einfache Flurförderzeuge. Die Schulung umfasst Theorie, Praxis und eine abschließende Prüfung gemäß DGUV Grundsatz 308-001. Voraussetzung ist ein Mindestalter von 18 Jahren und körperliche Eignung.

How long is a forklift license valid?

A forklift license is required in Germanyvalid indefinitely– so it does not need to be renewed regularly. However,annual instructionsMandatory according to DGUV regulations so that drivers can refresh their knowledge and remain legally protected.

How long does forklift training take?

A forklift training course usually lastsone to two days, depending on previous knowledge and the extent of practical exercises. For complete beginners, it can alsoup to three dayslast, as sufficient driving practice is provided in addition to the theory.

What does a forklift license look like?

A forklift license is not an official driving license like for a car, but aCertificate in credit card or DIN A6 format. This usually includesName, date of birth, date of issue, place of trainingand often also aPhoto of the driverSome companies still use paper notebooks, but today the most common isrobust ID cardwhich you must carry with you when driving.

Is it permissible to drive a forklift without annual training?

No -You are not allowed to drive a forklift without annual training.

Even if yourForklift operator's license valid for lifeWithout the prescribed instruction, he loses hispractical validity in the workplace.

Legally, this is consideredDriving without a license, what happens in an accidentInsurance coverage, employer liability and benefits from the statutory accident insurance (BG).endangered.

In short:

Without current instruction =Driving banuntil the retraining course.
Only those who are trained, instructed, and authorized are legally permitted to drive.

What is the name of the driver's license for forklifts?

His official name isforklift operator's license– colloquially it is usuallyForklift licenseorForklift licensenamed.

The term "driver's license" is widely used, but not entirely correct from a legal standpoint, as it is actually a vehicle license.not a government document like a car driving licenceit.

The correct answer is:

It is aCertificate of competence according to DGUV principle 308-001, which confirms that youYou can safely operate industrial trucks.

What criteria must be met to be allowed to operate a forklift?

In order to legally operate a forklift, you mustThree conditions must be met simultaneously:

  1. forklift operator's license
    → You have completed recognized training according toDGUV 308-001Successfully completed (theory + practice + exam).
  2. Written driving order from the employer
    → Only with onecompany assignmentAre you allowed to drive a forklift in the company – even with a valid license?
  3. Annual instruction
    → AccordingDGUV Regulation 1 and Occupational Health and Safety Actyou have toat least once a year instructedbecome.

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