Experienced Operator Training

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Experienced Forklift Training

For Operators With Previous Experience – But No Formal Training

If your team members have hands-on experience operating forklifts but lack formal instruction or certification, our Experienced Operator Training course is the right fit. It builds on existing practical skills while ensuring operators meet safety standards, legal requirements, and best practice guidelines.

Experienced Forklift Training
The Correct Level of Training

Who Is This Course For?

Bridging the Gap Between Experience and Certification

This course is ideal for staff who have operated lift trucks in the past but have never received formal training or hold no recognised certificate. It’s designed to validate and enhance existing skills, correct unsafe habits, and bring operators up to accredited standards.

Course Duration

Tailored to Skill Level and Truck Type

Training duration ranges from 3 to 22.5 hours, depending on the type of forklift and the number of delegates. Since operators already have hands-on experience, the course focuses on refining technique, filling knowledge gaps, and preparing for assessment, without unnecessary repetition.

Forklift Course Duration

ACCREDITED TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES


Available Machine Types

Looking to train a new operator? Select the lift truck that suits your needs below and explore our experienced operator training options.

Counterbalance Forklift
Most common indoor/outdoor truck.

Powered Pallet Truck (Pedestrian)
Short-distance pallet mover.

Telescopic Handler
Construction site machine.

Powered Pallet Truck (Rider)
Medium-distance pallet mover.

Reach Truck
Height rather than weight.

Very Narrow Aisle (Operator-Up)
High-level pallet rotation.

Reach (Stand-On) Truck
Stand-on warehouse machine.

Low-Level Order Picker
Stock picker at ground level.

Pallet Stacker
Pedestrian-operated lifting machine.

Medium-Level Order Picker
Stock picker at medium levels.

Straddle Truck
Pedestrian-operated pallet lifter.

High-Level Order Picker
Stock picker at high levels.


Available Machine Types

Looking to train a new operator? Select the lift truck that suits your needs below and explore our experienced operator training options.

Counterbalance Forklift
Most common indoor/outdoor truck.

Powered Pallet Truck (Pedestrian)
Short-distance pallet mover.

Telescopic Handler
Construction site machine.

Powered Pallet Truck (Rider)
Medium-distance pallet mover.

Reach Truck
Height rather than weight.

Very Narrow Aisle (Operator-Up)
High-level pallet rotation.

Reach (Stand-On) Truck
Stand-on warehouse machine.

Low-Level Order Picker
Stock picker at ground level.

Pallet Stacker
Pedestrian-operated lifting machine.

Medium-Level Order Picker
Stock picker at medium levels.

Straddle Truck
Pedestrian-operated pallet lifter.

High-Level Order Picker
Stock picker at high levels.

COURSES DESIGNED TO DELIVER RESULTS


Experienced Course Breakdown

Experienced courses include the theoretical and practical instruction, covering:

  • The reasons and the need to train
  • Responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER 98 and LOLER 98
  • Operator’s safety code
  • Battery maintenance, recharging procedures and refuelling
  • Pre-use checks
  • Counterbalance principles and rated capacity
  • Factors affecting machine stability
  • Machine familiarisation and motive controls
  • Hydraulic controls
  • Load types
  • Manoeuvring in open and confined areas
  • Stacking and de-stacking at various levels (bulk stacking and racking systems)
  • Stacking and de-stacking corner locating loads *
  • Vehicle loading and unloading *

* 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

Novice Operator

This course is for operators with little or no previous experience using the relevant machine.

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Experienced Operator

A course for trainees with relevant, recent experience who have not received any approved training.

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Safety Refresher

A periodic forklift refresher course for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.

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Conversion Training

This course is for trainees who hold an accredited certificate on a truck of a similar type or level.

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Delivering the best for your business

Our courses are designed to achieve results

Do you need a Driving Licence?

A car driving licence is not required to operate a forklift truck, unless you need to drive it on public roads. However, some driving experience can help develop spatial awareness and general control. Regardless, our training is designed to be accessible to anyone with the right attitude and focus.

Do you need a Driving Licence?
Why Accredited Training Matters

Why Accredited Training Matters

This course follows the Health & Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Rider-Operated Lift Trucks, meaning it meets a nationally recognised standard. As an employer, this ensures your business stays compliant and your staff are properly trained, reducing risk and demonstrating your commitment to safety.

Assessment and Certification

To pass the course, each delegate must complete both a theory test and a practical assessment. Successful candidates will receive an ITSSAR-accredited certificate. Certification may be issued under your company’s name if training records are kept in-house, but it still reflects full compliance with recognised standards.

Assessment and Certification

Ready to Get Started?

Choose the ITSSAR-accredited training provider that will work with you to deliver high-quality forklift training at your business premises.


Our Most Popular Training Courses

Counterbalance Training

Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of lift truck used today and are recognised for their versatility. They are essential for many industries and operate indoors and outdoors, making them highly practical for numerous material handling tasks.

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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.

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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.

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APPROVED FORKLIFT LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES


FAQ Section

Quick Answers to Common Questions

How can I check that South Coast Forklift Training is an accredited training provider?
You can find us on ITSSAR's directory.
Does your price include certification?
Yes! All prices include certification and registration – no hidden extras.
What is the minimum age to operate a forklift?
Over the minimum school leaving age (MSLA), or 18 in ports.
How long does a forklift licence/certificate last?
Forklift certificates do not technically expire, but the HSE recommends refresher training every 3–5 years.
What determines the duration of a forklift course?
ITSSAR sets course lengths, but factors like trainee experience also play a role.

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

ITSSAR Accredited Courses

Professional Instruction

ITSSAR-accredited courses

Premium Service for Less

Cost Effective

Premium service for less

Public Liability and Indemnity

Fully Insured

Public liability & indemnity

Simple Application Process

Easy Booking

Simple application process


No wonder our clients keep coming back

Feedback from our trainees

Black Quotation Marks

"The instructor split the theory and practical well – this helped with boredom."

LG, Southampton, Hampshire

Black Quotation Marks

"I enjoyed the interaction and attention to detail on the practical test."

CS, Segensworth, Hampshire

Black Quotation Marks

"A good balance of practical and theory throughout to break things up."

AP, Fareham, Hampshire

⭐ Want to see more? Check out our Google reviews.

Health & Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice - Rider-Operated Lift Trucks

“Training should be largely practical in nature and of sufficient length to enable trainees to acquire the basic skills and knowledge required for safe operation, including knowledge of the risks arising from lift-truck operations.”

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