Counterbalance Forklift Training
On-Site Counterbalance Forklift Courses
Training that works in the real world—not just the test
We deliver counterbalance forklift training directly at your premises, helping employers ensure their operators are trained safely, competently, and in line with recognised industry standards.
All courses follow ITSSAR guidance and the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice, supporting your legal responsibilities while developing operators who can work safely in real workplace conditions.
Training combines essential knowledge with practical, hands-on instruction using your equipment and environment. The focus is not just on passing a test, but on producing operators who can use counterbalance forklifts safely and efficiently in day-to-day operations.
WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL, WE HAVE YOU COVERED
From in-depth beginners to safety refresher courses
ITSSAR-Accredited Counterbalance Forklift Training
All courses are ITSSAR-accredited and recognised throughout the industry.
Novice Level Training
Trainees with little or no previous experience operating the relevant truck.
Experienced Level Training
Trainees with relevant, recent experience who have not received any approved training.
Safety Refresher Training
Periodic forklift refresher training for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.
Conversion Training
Training on a truck of a similar level to the one that the operator has already been trained, tested, and certified on.
Delivering the best for your business
Our courses are designed to achieve results
Training on Your Premises
Every counterbalance forklift course we deliver is carried out on our customer’s premises. This approach gives trainees the advantage of being trained and tested on a machine familiar to them, eliminating the need for re-learning on a different truck after the initial training. Upon completing this counterbalance course, operators will know how to use these machines safely and efficiently.
We are pleased to offer bespoke training programmes tailored to your business requirements. We will always work around your needs and environment to minimise disruption.
Facilities Required
Firstly, and most importantly, we will need access to your counterbalance forklift truck to conduct your training. Additionally, we require an undisturbed area with ample space for basic manoeuvres and testing. Pallets and realistic loads appropriate to your business are useful; the instructor will provide traffic cones. For the theory lessons, sufficient space is needed for the instructor and trainees to work. A small office with a table, chairs, and power will suffice.
All forklift operators must wear safety boots and other personal protective equipment per the company's internal risk assessments. We supply high-visibility vests.
If you have any questions or concerns about the above requirements, contact us to discuss them.
Counterbalance Forklift Certificates
After completing this counterbalance forklift training, drivers are qualified to operate this category of machine. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.
Participants will also receive the following:
- An A4 ITSSAR-approved counterbalance forklift certificate of basic training*
- A plastic photo identification card*
- A written assessment of strengths and weaknesses*
Additionally, operators are entered or edited onto ITSSAR’s TOPS (Trained Operator Passport Scheme) database for future reference.
\*There is no additional charge for these.
Five-Star Aftercare
Our service doesn't end with your training. At South Coast Forklift Training, we pride ourselves on our exceptional aftercare. This sets us apart from the competition and is one of the many reasons our clients return to us. We're always here to answer any questions and offer advice.
Additionally, after completing our training courses, clients receive:
- Warning when refresher training is due
- All relevant Health and Safety documentation
- Refuelling/recharging poster
- Seven-day pre-use inspection checklist
- Authorisation to operate lift trucks form
- Employer's training record form
GET TRAINING WRONG, AND THE CONSEQUENCES FOLLOW
Forklift Training That Stands Up to Scrutiny
Training delivered on-site using your equipment, in a controlled and safe environment.
We look forward to working with you
On-Site, Relevant Training
Delivered at your premises using your equipment, so operators are trained in conditions that reflect your actual workplace.
ITSSAR-Accredited Standards
Training that meets recognised UK guidance, giving you confidence that your operation stands up to scrutiny.
Clear, Practical Instruction
No jargon or shortcuts—operators gain a genuine understanding of safe working practices, not just how to pass a test.
Straightforward and Reliable Service
Easy booking process, comprehensive insurance cover, and professionally delivered training from start to finish.
Trusted by Businesses Across the South
"The instructor was very thorough and extremely patient and persistent and encouraging."
DB, Emsworth, West Sussex
"Adaptable to the individual. Being able to gauge how well I understood and arrange the course to suit."
OD, Portsmouth, Hampshire
"Very thorough explanations of all aspects of the course. Explained all information very well."
MS, Southampton, Hampshire
Want to see more? Check out our Google reviews.
Counterbalance Forklift Course Breakdown
A novice course for counterbalance forklifts contains the following elements.
For experienced, safety refresher and conversion trainees, the list would be shorter.
- Course induction
- The need and reasons for training and statutory requirements (HASAWA 1974 etc.)
- Introduction to equipment/control familiarisation/principles of operation
- Identification/use/adjustment of attachments in pre-determined positions including forks
- Recommended mount and dismount
- Introduction to motive, steering controls and practice
- Basic steering exercises – simple courses
- Advanced steering exercises – figure of 8/chicane/90° approaches
- Battery charging procedures/maintenance
- Operator safety code and relevant handout
- Daily pre-use inspections/refuelling procedures
- Engineering principles/rated capacity/stability
- Simple hydraulics (theory)
- Introduction to hydraulic controls, handling empty pallets low-level
- Load types/handling and weight assessment
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels on industrial racking*
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels bulk stacks*
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels cup post pallets*
- Manoeuvring with loads/ramps and inclines/handling awkward loads*
- Relevant safety film
- Vehicle loading and unloading (theory)*
- Vehicle loading and unloading (practical)*
- Multi-choice theory test
- Pre-use inspection test
- Practical skills test
* To be covered where relevant to operation or facilities permit
COMPETENT OPERATORS, START WITH PROPER TRAINING
Counterbalance Forklift Course Specifications
Machine:
Counterbalance (Rider)
Category:
B1
Specification:
Maximum 5 tonne lifting capacity
Accrediting Body:
Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)
Maximum Ratio:
3:1:1 (3 trainees, 1 instructor, 1 machine)
Duration:
Novice - 1 trainee = 3 days, 2 trainees = 4 days, 3 trainees = 5 days
Experienced - 1 trainee = 2 days, 2 trainees = 2 days, 3 trainees = 3 days
Safety Refresher - 1 trainee = 1 day, 2 trainees = 1 day, 3 trainees = 1 day
Conversion - contact us
Cost:
Contact us
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Quick Answers to Common Questions
If we haven’t covered all your questions already, please check out more frequently asked questions or contact us.
Ready to get Started?
Counterbalance forklift trucks are powerful machines, and safe operation depends on proper training, supervision and workplace systems. As an ITSSAR-accredited training provider, South Coast Forklift Training delivers high-quality material handling equipment training designed to meet current UK guidance and workplace safety regulations.
Training is delivered at your own premises, using your equipment and working environment, helping your operators build the skills and confidence needed to work safely.