Straddle Truck Training
Home / Forklift Courses / Straddle Truck Training
Straddle Truck Training
Become Fully Licensed to Operate
At South Coast Forklift Training, our mission is to deliver top-notch straddle truck training, producing highly skilled operators 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 using the pedestrian straddle truck. Following ITSSAR guidelines and the Health and Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice, we ensure employers meet their legal obligations to provide adequate training for all straddle truck operators.
We use various techniques to cater to all learning preferences, including forklift 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.
- Pre-use Inspection Test: Ensuring the truck is safe to use.
- 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 Straddle Truck
Warehouse Versatility
A straddle truck is very similar to the pallet stacker, with one key difference: the legs straddle pallets with the forks in the centre.
This design enables them to handle both Standard British Pallets and Euro Pallets.
These pedestrian trucks are commonly found in warehouses and considered for occasional use. Their low ground clearance and small wheels make them more suited for indoor work.
Although smaller than forklift trucks, they offer great manoeuvrability and precise handling. They are ideal for narrow aisles and tight storage areas.
The largest straddle trucks can lift over 6 metres, and the most powerful can lift over 2 tonnes.
They are powered by lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged from a separate charging cabinet or plugged into a standard 13-amp socket.
STRADDLE TRUCK TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES
Straddle Truck Course Specifications
Machine:
Straddle Truck
Category:
A6
Specification:
N/A
Accrediting Body:
Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)
Maximum Ratio:
3 : 1 : 1 (3 operators, 1 instructor, 1 machine)
Duration:
Novice - 1 operator = 2 days, 2 operators = 2 days, 3 operators = 2 days
Experienced - 1 operator = 1 day, 2 operators = 1 day, 3 operators = 1 day
Safety Refresher - 1 operator = 1 day, 2 operators = 1 day, 3 operators = 1 day
Conversion - contact us
Cost:
Contact us
COURSES DESIGNED TO DELIVER RESULTS
Straddle Truck Course Breakdown
The following list is the elements that make up a novice straddle truck course. For experienced operators, safety refresher and conversion courses 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
- 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
WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL, WE HAVE YOU COVERED
From in-depth beginners to safety refresher courses
ITSSAR-Accredited Straddle Truck Training
All courses are ITSSAR-accredited and recognised throughout the industry.
Novice Level Training
Trainees with little or no previous experience operating the relevant machine.
Experienced Level Training
Trainees with relevant, recent experience who have not received any approved training.
Safety Refresher Training
Periodic refresher training for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.
Conversion Training
Training on a machine of a similar level to the one that the operator has already been trained, tested, and certified on.
Delivering the best for your buisiness
Our courses are designed to achieve results
On-Site Straddle Truck Courses
Every straddle truck 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 straddle truck 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 pedestrian straddle 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 truck 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.
Straddle Truck Licence Certificates
After completing this straddle truck training, drivers are fully licensed to operate in this category. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.
Participants will also receive the following:
- An A4 ITSSAR-approved straddle truck 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
APPROVED FORKLIFT LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES
Other Accredited Training Courses
PPT (Pedestrian) Training
Pedestrian-powered pallet trucks are often used to move pallets around supermarkets. They may also be used alongside other trucks in areas with limited access, such as mezzanine floors or basements, making them essential for efficient pallet handling.
HLOP Training
The high-level order picker is an electric-powered lifting and moving truck. The operator stands on a platform positioned in the centre or back. These machines are designed for efficient order picking at height, often at 15 metres.
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.
No wonder our clients keep coming back
Feedback from our trainees
"Very good manner, helped to put an exceptionally nervous person like me a bit at ease."
TJ, Havant, Hampshire
"Everything was explained well. Relaxed atmosphere, not too much pressure."
JT, Chessington, Surrey
"Very informative and gave good examples for theory parts for better understanding."
DB, Exton, Hampshire
Health & Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice - Rider-Operated Lift Trucks
Obligation to provide basic training - employers should not allow anyone to operate, even on a very occasional basis a lift truck until they have completed basic training and testing.