How do you learn forklift driving?

If you've already been hired to a position that might include forklift operation and you don't have certification, your company will direct you to do so. They may also provide the training themselves or give you the contact to the closest vocational school where certification can be obtained at.

There are seven different classes of powered industrial trucks defined by OSHA. A forklift may fall into any of these classes, and they are specifically mentioned in Class 7 as rough terrain forklifts with pneumatic tires.

If you are looking to gain certification before seeking employment as a forklift operator, you should look for OSHA-approved training courses in your local area. Again, these are available at vocational schools but may also be given at community colleges and forklift dealers. You will get classroom education and hands-on training and evaluation in these programs.

These courses also go over all of the safety rules and regulations involved in operating a forklift. These rules and regulations are all enforced by OSHA. Classes last anywhere from 5 to 8 hours and will contain lectures, written educational materials, and informative videos.

After your coursework is complete, you must then pass a written exam. Requirements vary from program to program; however, in general, students must score around a 75% grade to continue in their training.

Once you have passed the exam, you then move on to hands-on training and evaluation. Here you get to practice on different kinds of forklifts under the skilled supervision of instructors and professional forklift operators.

Tasks and procedures you need to do during training include forklift inspection for safety protocol, loading materials, lifting loads, general driving, navigating tight spaces, and performing work on inclines.

At the end of your training, you are evaluated on your overall performance and your score from your written exam. If you qualify in both areas, you are awarded forklift certification. Once you get certified, you receive a forklift license that you can then present to employers to exhibit your qualifications for forklift positions.