Vehicle Banksman Training
Vehicle Banksman Training
Become Fully Licensed to Operate
At South Coast Forklift Training, our mission is to deliver top-notch vehicle banksman training, producing highly skilled operatives ready to apply their training in the workplace. We believe in challenging our trainees to bring out their best, and we achieve this by delivering our sessions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Course Highlights:
Our courses include classroom-based theory lessons and practical sessions involving the manoeuvring of vehicles. Following ITSSAR guidelines and the Health and Safety Commission’s various Approved Codes of Practice, we ensure employers meet their legal obligations to provide adequate training for all vehicle banksmen.
We use various techniques to cater to all learning preferences, including models, videos, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, and handouts. Theory work builds gradually, allowing time to absorb information before moving to the next stage. Practical lessons are demonstrated, and trainees are given ample time to practice under close supervision.
Why Choose Our Training?
We pride ourselves on our expert instructors and dedicated professionals with extensive experience. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your needs and provide certification recognised by employers upon successful completion.
Testing Stages:
- Theory Test: 25 questions with an 80% pass rate.
- Site Risk Assessment: Ensuring the area is ready for safe operation.
- Practical Skills Test: A timed and scored test involving various manoeuvres that must be completed safely.
While the word “test” can be intimidating, we are here to guide trainees through each section with support and encouragement.
The Vehicle Banksman
The Eyes and Ears for Safe Vehicle Movements
A vehicle banksman plays a vital role in managing the safe movement of vehicles on busy sites, particularly where drivers have restricted visibility. Acting as the “eyes and ears” for the driver, the banksman ensures manoeuvres are carried out without risk to people, property, or equipment.
Banksmen are commonly used in construction sites, warehouses, loading bays, and other high-risk environments. Their main duties include guiding vehicles during reversing, positioning them for loading or unloading, and ensuring that pedestrians are kept clear of danger zones. Clear, precise communication—usually through standardised hand signals or radio contact—is essential for effective coordination.
A trained banksman understands site layouts, blind spots, and the turning circles of vehicles. They remain alert to changing conditions, such as moving pedestrians, shifting loads, or weather-related hazards. Positioning themselves in a safe, visible location, they maintain constant eye contact with the driver while keeping a watch over the surrounding area.
By preventing collisions, protecting pedestrians, and reducing costly vehicle or property damage, the banksman’s role is a key part of site safety management. Proper training ensures they can perform this responsibility confidently and in full compliance with health and safety regulations.
VEHICLE BANKSMAN TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES
Vehicle Banksman Course Specifications
Machine:
N/A
Category:
Vehicle Banksman
Specification:
N/A
Accrediting Body:
Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)
Maximum Ratio:
6:1:1 (6 trainees, 1 instructor, 1 machine)
Duration:
Novice - 6 trainees = 1 day
Experienced - 6 trainees = 1 day
Safety Refresher - 6 trainees = 1 day
Cost:
Contact us
COURSES DESIGNED TO DELIVER RESULTS
Vehicle Banksman Course Breakdown
A novice course for vehicle banksmen contains the following elements.
For experienced and safety refresher trainees, the list would be shorter.
- Course induction
- The need and reasons for training and statutory requirements (HASAWA 1974 etc.)
- Accidents - causes and prevention
- Understand the limitations of differing vehicles available
- Understand correct procedures in manoeuvring vehicles
- Banksman responsibilities
- Course induction
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safe systems of work
- Banksman safety code
- Banksman procedures
- Recognised signals
- Site walk and hazard awareness
- Risk assessing the manoeuvre
- Planning the manoeuvre
- Vehicle manoeuvring and safe positioning
- Emergency response drill
- Relevant safety film
- Multi-choice theory test
- Site risk assessment test
- Practical skills test
WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL, WE HAVE YOU COVERED
From in-depth beginners to safety refresher courses
ITSSAR-Accredited Vehicle Banksman Training
All courses are ITSSAR-accredited and recognised throughout the industry.
Novice Level Training
Trainees with little or no previous experience directing vehicles.
Experienced Level Training
Trainees with relevant, recent experience who have not received any approved training.
Safety Refresher Training
Periodic refresher training for experienced banksmen who hold an accredited certificate.
Delivering the best for your business
Our courses are designed to achieve results
On-Site Vehicle Banksman Courses
Every vehicle banksman course we deliver is carried out on our customers’ premises. This approach gives trainees the advantage of being trained and tested in an area and with vehicles familiar to them, eliminating the need for re-learning at another location after the initial training. Upon completing this vehicle banksman course, operatives will know how to manoeuvre vehicles safely and efficiently using hand signals.
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 a vehicle to conduct your training. Additionally, we require an undisturbed area with ample space for basic manoeuvres and testing. Barriers 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 vehicle banksmen must wear safety boots and other personal protective equipment per the company's internal risk assessments. We apply high-visibility vests.
If you have any questions or concerns about the above requirements, contact us to discuss them.
Vehicle Banksman Licence Certificates
After completing this vehicle banksman training, operatives are fully licensed to operate. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.
Participants will also receive the following:
- An A4 ITSSAR-approved vehicle banksman certificate of basic training*
- A plastic photo identification card*
- A written assessment of strengths and weaknesses*
Additionally, operatives 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
- Site operation manoeuvring risk assessment
- Authorisation to operate on premises form
- Employer's training record form
Ready to Get Started?
Choose the ITSSAR-accredited training provider that will work with you to deliver high-quality vehicle banksman training at your business premises.
Other Accredited Training Courses
Telehandler Training
Rough terrain telescopic trucks are indispensable on construction sites and farms. Equipped with large tyres and high ground clearance, they excel in difficult terrains. Many models also feature stabilising legs for enhanced stability and safe operations.
Pallet Stacker Training
Pedestrian pallet stackers are perfect for handling Euro Pallets. They are highly manoeuvrable, excel in narrow aisles, and can lift pallets into and out of racking systems. Some models can lift more than 1.6 tonnes to heights over 6 metres.
Reach Truck Training
Reach trucks are staples in warehouses, celebrated for their exceptional manoeuvrability and ability to access high racking. They are typically chosen for tasks prioritising height over weight, making them perfect for organised, vertical storage solutions.
APPROVED LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES
Quick Answers to Common Questions
If we haven’t covered all your questions already, please check out more frequently asked questions or contact us.
Professional Courses Our Customers Love
We look forward to working with you
Professional Instruction
ITSSAR-accredited courses
Cost Effective
Premium service for less
Fully Insured
Public liability & indemnity
Easy Booking
Simple application process
No wonder our clients keep coming back
Feedback from our trainees
"I really enjoyed this interesting banksman course. A lot more to it than I realised."
LB, Fareham, Hampshire
"Focused and non-repetitive. Practical lessons were clear and concise."
MM, Horndean, Hampshire
"I totally needed a refresher! A very informative, interesting, and relaxed course."
SW, Portsmouth, Hampshire
⭐ Want to see more? Check out our Google reviews.
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Regulations 1996
“It is important that employers ensure that their employees are aware of and understand the meaning of safety signs and signals either seen or heard during their work, including providing training where necessary.”