What will I learn during the Forklift Operator course?

Participants will learn how to conduct pre-operational forklift inspections, safely start up and shut down a forklift, drive and manoeuvre a forklift safely, stack and de-stack loads correctly, understand load stability and safe load handling, identify workplace hazards, carry out refuelling procedures, park forklifts safely and follow workplace health and safety requirements. The course includes both classroom learning and practical forklift operation.

What will I learn during the Forklift Operator course?

Participants will learn how to conduct pre-operational forklift inspections, safely start up and shut down a forklift, drive and manoeuvre a forklift safely, stack and de-stack loads correctly, understand load stability and safe load handling, identify workplace hazards, carry out refuelling procedures, park forklifts safely and follow workplace health and safety requirements.

Forklift Operator

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Key Information

Duration:8 Hours

Maximum Attendees: 10

Training available nationwide at one of our centres, or your own workplace.

Price (excl GST)

$290 Per Person

Price (excl GST)

$2610 Company Booking

Request a Company Booking

Safety 'n Action will assist you in developing a clear understanding of the safety aspect relating to driving a forklift, and actively engage you in performing pre-operational inspections, reporting maintenance, and park and shut down procedures.

Do you have any questions about our Forklift training? View our FAQ's here

This course develops the skills, knowledge and confidence required to start up, operate and drive a forklift in a range of environmental conditions. You will understand the importance of load stability and be able to safely manoeuvre loads in/out and around traffic and structures.

Safety n Action will assist you in developing a clear understanding of the safety aspect relating to the driving a forklift, and actively engage you in performing pre-operational inspections, reporting maintenance and park and shut down procedures.

Please bring along your ID - We need to verify the identity of students in attendance, please bring ID with you on the day of training

Key Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate knowledge of the safe operation of a forklift
Conduct pre-operational inspection and start-up procedures for a forklift
Demonstrate safe driving skills on the road and consider various environmental factors
Park and shut down the forklift, ensuring safety and security

Practical Information:

The practical assessment takes approximately 15 minutes per person and includes the following:
- Pre-vehicle safety checks
- Stacking and de-stacking
- Safe operation of the equipment
- Refuelling procedures
- Proper parking and storage

Entry Criteria:

All students are required to have a level of written and oral English equivalent to NCEA level 1 (year 11) or IELTS 5.5 or higher, to be eligible to attend our courses. The person responsible for making bookings or authorising attendance on the course must agree to these Terms and Conditions prior to acceptance of their student(s) onto the course. Where a student does not meet our English language requirement a reader/writer must be supplied by the student or the person responsible for authorising the student’s attendance. The reader/writer cannot be another student attending the same course.

Certification & Qualification:

Forklift Operator’s Certificate (OSH Certificate) will be awarded if a minimum pass rate of 80% is achieved
ONLY If you achieve 100% in the assessment will you be awarded Unit Standard 10851

NZQA Unit Standards Included

Unit Standards - FO (Click to see more detail)

Unit

Level

Credit

Description

10851

3
7
Operate a powered industrial lift truck (forklift)

Forklift Operator Training Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Forklift Operator training in New Zealand.

The Forklift Operator course teaches the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a powered industrial lift truck (forklift) in the workplace. Participants learn safe operating procedures, pre-operational inspections, load handling, forklift manoeuvring, parking procedures and hazard awareness. The course combines theory with practical training to help operators work safely and confidently.

This course is ideal for anyone who needs to operate a forklift as part of their job. It is suitable for warehouse staff, logistics workers, freight handlers, manufacturing employees, distribution centre staff, construction workers, retail stores, transport companies and anyone responsible for moving goods using a forklift. No previous forklift operating experience is required.

Participants will learn how to:

Conduct pre-operational forklift inspections
Safely start up and shut down a forklift
Drive and manoeuvre a forklift safely
Stack and de-stack loads correctly
Understand load stability and safe load handling
Identify workplace hazards
Carry out refuelling procedures
Park forklifts safely
Follow workplace health and safety requirements

The course includes both classroom learning and practical forklift operation.

Successful participants who achieve at least an 80% pass mark receive a Forklift Operator's Certificate (OSH Certificate). Participants who achieve 100% in the assessment are also awarded NZQA Unit Standard 10851 (Level 3, 7 Credits). This course prepares operators to safely use forklifts in the workplace.

No. The Forklift Operator course teaches safe workplace forklift operation. If you need to legally drive a forklift on a public road in New Zealand, you must also obtain a Forklift F Endorsement on your driver licence. Safety 'n Action offers separate F Endorsement training for operators who require road use.

The Forklift Operator course is completed in one day (approximately 8 hours). It includes theory, practical forklift operation and a practical assessment covering pre-start checks, load handling, stacking, de-stacking, refuelling and safe parking procedures.

Participants must have sufficient written and spoken English to successfully complete the course and assessment. Students are also required to bring valid photo identification on the day of training for identity verification. No previous forklift operating experience is necessary.

Yes. Safety 'n Action delivers Forklift Operator training throughout New Zealand at its training centres or onsite at workplaces. Onsite group training allows businesses to train multiple employees using equipment and workplace conditions that reflect their normal operations while reducing travel time and operational disruption.

Forklift operator training helps reduce workplace accidents, improve operator confidence and ensure forklifts are used safely around people, stock and equipment. Proper training teaches safe driving techniques, correct load handling, hazard awareness and pre-operational inspections, helping employers meet their workplace health and safety obligations while protecting workers and property.

Safety 'n Action is one of New Zealand's leading workplace health and safety training providers. The Forklift Operator course is delivered by experienced trainers using practical, hands-on instruction that reflects real workplace conditions. Participants gain the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to operate forklifts safely while helping employers maintain safe, productive and compliant workplaces.

Outstanding lessons and instruction. Instructor was engaging, enthusiastic and patient with the entire class. The practical session was very enjoyable and informative. Instructor took the time to spend individual training and practice time as all students were at different confidence and competence levels. Five stars!
Student Feedback 6 June 2026

Incredibly knowledgeable instructor. Made what could have been a stressful process easy and understandable. Appreciate the help.
Student Feedback 6 June 2026

Good course, well presented and enjoyable. Highly Recommend!
Student Feedback 5 June 2026

Forklift Operator

Key Information

Price (excl GST)