FAQs about working as a Forklift Operative
Looking for a job as a forklift operative? Here's some answers to frequently asked questions about working as a forklift truck driver.
Use the tabs below to see the answers to:
- What skills to forklift operators need?
- What does a forklift operator do?
- What training / qualifications do you need to be a forklift driver?
- Is driving a forklift hard?
- How much does a forklift driver earn?
- How hard is a forklift test?
- What makes a good forklift driver?
- How do I get a job as a forklift operator?
- Do you need a license to drive a forklift truck?
- How do I become a forklift driver in the UK?
Looking for other warehouse positions? Read our blog on 12 types of warehouse jobs to consider.
What skills do forklift operators need?
The role of a forklift operative is varied. Aside from the requirement to have a forklift license, some of the skills which would be useful in the job include:
- Good communication
- Ability to think on your feet
- Great team player
- Flexibility & reliability
- Awareness of health and safety
While warehouse experience isn’t always essential, an understanding of the warehouse environment and best working practices would be an advantage.
What does a forklift operator do?
A forklift operator (or forklift truck driver) is responsible for delivering, moving, loading & unloading a variety of goods in a warehouse.
You’ll be moving the shipments to various locations within the warehouse. Some forklift operatives also help with inspecting machinery, reporting shortages, and maintaining a record of inventory.
What training / qualifications do you need to be a forklift driver?
You don’t need any specific academic qualifications to be a forklift truck driver, but you do need to complete and pass an approved forklift training course.
The courses are available at various centres all over the UK and usually take between 3 and 5 days to complete. You’ll learn how to operate a forklift truck correctly, safely and legally!
On average the course costs between £200 and £300 – but this does vary. The license lasts up to 3 years, after when you’ll need to take a refresher course.
Is driving a forklift hard?
A forklift truck is a heavy piece of machinery, and it is important to remember this. You should not drive one without the correct license and training as this could be very dangerous.
However, driving one is not as complicated as it may seem, and will be easy to get the grasp of when you have completed the correct training.
How much does a forklift driver earn?
The hourly rate for a forklift truck driver does vary depending on where you live, but the average wage in 2022 is around £11 per hour.
Have a look at our forklift truck driver jobs to see what is available near you.
How hard is a forklift test?
If you have never driven a forklift truck before, applying for a license may seem daunting. You’ll need the license to get a job – as it’s proof that you are able to operate the forklift truck safely. But if you follow the training course properly, the assessment shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
The training course and test at the end are designed to make sure you can do this. There is a theory test – you can find some example questions online – you’ll undergo some lessons or a lecture as part of the course to help you learn the answers.
The second part of the license is a practical test where you’ll be expected to demonstrate you have the correct skills and knowledge to operate a forklift safely. Again, this will be taught during the course with an assessment at the end.
What makes a good forklift driver?
A good forklift truck driver will demonstrate most, or all the following skills:
- Great communication
- Be organised
- Work well under pressure
- Able to think on their own feet, but also work well as part of a team
- Be patient
- Be flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances
It will also help if you have great spatial awareness and are confident in operating and controlling equipment.
How do I get a job as a forklift operator?
There are plenty of job opportunities for people looking for work as a forklift truck driver. So, if you’ve got (or are about to get) your forklift license, it’s time to find a job!
Using an agency, like redwigwam is a great place to start. Simply create an account here and you’ll automatically be matched to any suitable jobs in the local area.
If you have any questions, you can ask a member of our team via the live chat function. Or you can see all our latest warehouse jobs here.
Do you need a license to drive a forklift truck?
Yes, you need a license to drive a forklift truck. This can be gained by completing and passing an approved forklift training course.
Training courses are available at various centres all over the UK and usually take between 3 and 5 days to complete. You’ll learn how to operate a forklift truck correctly, safely and legally!
A license lasts up to 3 years, after when you’ll need to take a refresher course.
How do I become a forklift driver in the UK?
To become a forklift truck driver, you first need to complete and pass a training course to gain a forklift truck license.
Once you have done this, you can start applying for jobs.
Agencies like redwigwam are a great place to start as they have forklift truck driver jobs all over the UK.
To get started, simply create an account here and you’ll automatically be matched to any suitable jobs in the local area.
If you have any questions, you can ask a member of our team via the live chat function. Or you can see all our latest warehouse jobs here.