Over the past few years, Australia has seen a massive boom within the logistics industry due to the number of online shoppers. Warehouse work availability continues to grow with companies like Amazon relying on licensed individuals to pick and pack consumer orders. This fast-paced environment incorporates many different machines and processes to keep the supply chain flowing. One of the most common pieces of equipment utilised in such warehouses are forklifts.

Holding a forklift high risk work licence has become quite valuable within the current work landscape in Australia. Having a current forklift licence may make a prospective employee more desirable to be hired.

But which forklift licence is the right one for you? What are the requirements to hold one of these licences?

LO vs. LF

In Australia, we have two forklift categories based on the machine’s class:

LF – Licence to operate a forklift truck

With this licence, you will be permitted to operate any forklift truck excluding those designated as order picking forklifts. The size of the forklift truck does not limit you operating the machine.

LF machines include side-loading forklift trucks, truck-mounted forklift trucks, all-terrain forklift trucks, reach forklift trucks, articulated forklift trucks and counterbalance forklift trucks.


LO – Licence to operate an order picking forklift truck

Order picking forklift trucks are extremely narrow and often referred to in the industry as “stock pickers”. Due to the design, these forklifts are effective in narrow warehouse aisles and allow the operator to raise their platform to a height of up to 10m.

An LO forklift truck requires the driver to wear a harness and has different safety requirements to the standard LF licence.

What are the requirements for me to earn a forklift licence?

To be eligible for forklift licensing:

  • You must be 18 years of age.
  • You must hold valid and current Government issued photo identification (ID).
  • You must reside in Victoria to undertake High Risk Work Licensing in Victoria.
  • To enable lodgment of your application for a High Risk Work Licence with WorkSafe, you will also need 100 points of identification or be able to complete an online identity check through Service Victoria Online identity check – WorkSafe

Where can I gain my forklift licence?

As an accredited provider, Foresite Training offers daily forklift training courses at our two facilities in Melbourne (Laverton North or Hallam). Our 2-day training course is designed for people who have had minimal or no forklift operating experience. These programs are delivered with 4 components to ensure competency, confidence and safety, including pre-study reading, theory training, practical training, and assessment of knowledge and skills.

A forklift licence could be the next step in your career journey!

Learn more about LF Forklift Training at Foresite Training.

Learn more about LO Order Picker Training at Foresite Training.

Book your forklift licence training today on 1300 366 015 or email [email protected]