Novice Operator Training
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Novice Forklift Training
Your First Step to Safe and Skilled Operation
If you're starting from scratch and need to ensure your team operates safely and legally, our Novice Forklift Training course is the ideal starting point. Designed for companies who want to bring new operators up to standard, this course delivers all the skills, safety knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to create competent and confident forklift operators.
Who Is This Course For?
Choosing the Correct Level of Training
This training is aimed at employers who need to train staff with little or no prior experience operating a forklift. Whether the individual has never touched a lift truck or has used one occasionally without formal instruction, this course provides the structured, accredited training needed to meet legal and operational standards.
Course Duration
Timing is Critical
Depending on the truck type and the number of delegates, novice forklift training typically takes between 6 and 37.5 hours. This allows time for a full grounding in both theory and practical skills, ensuring operators aren’t rushed and receive the right level of support.
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 novice 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 (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 novice 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 (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
Novice Course Breakdown
Novice 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.
Experienced Operator
A course for trainees with relevant, recent experience who have not received any approved training.
Safety Refresher
A periodic forklift refresher course for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.
Conversion Training
This course is for trainees who hold an accredited certificate on a truck of a similar type or level.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 FORKLIFT 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
"Explained nice and clearly – easy to understand everything."
AS, Portsmouth, Hampshire
"Started basic and built on it, just like all good courses."
JT, Chichester, West Sussex
"The encouragement the trainer gave us at each stage."
DJ, 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.”