Forklift training FAQ
Straight answers to the questions businesses in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ask us most.
Questions and answers
Do you train individuals who want a forklift licence?
No. Forklift Agency trains businesses only, on site at premises where forklift trucks are available. If you are an individual in Nottingham looking for a course, our Forklift Training Centres website lists centres by region, or search for "forklift training centres" on Yell.
Where does the training happen?
At your premises, on your trucks, in the environment your operators actually work in. We do not run a training centre in Nottingham or anywhere else. The instructor brings everything else: the safety videos on a laptop or tablet, theory material, cones, test papers and the certificates.
Which accrediting bodies do you work with?
Our instructors are registered with RTITB, AITT or ITSSAR, the accrediting bodies whose certificates are recognised by the Health and Safety Executive under the Approved Code of Practice L117. Every instructor has been vetted by us, holds their own public liability insurance and has worked with Forklift Agency for years.
How long does a forklift course take?
A novice counterbalance course for three candidates takes three days. Reach trucks, VNA, telehandlers and articulated trucks take longer. Refresher and conversion courses are normally one day, and powered pallet truck courses can be half a day. We confirm the duration in the quote.
How many people can one instructor train?
Three novices on one truck is the accredited-body maximum. Refresher courses can take more candidates in a day. For bigger groups we send more than one instructor or run consecutive courses, whichever costs you less.
Do you charge more for nights or weekends?
No. Our instructors fit into your shift pattern, including early mornings, nights and weekends, at no extra cost, subject to availability.
Is there a travel charge for Nottinghamshire?
No. Training anywhere in Nottinghamshire, from Harworth to East Leake, is quoted at the same rate. Derbyshire is covered by our Derby site and the rest of the UK by Forklift Agency.
When will we get the certificates?
Certificates are usually posted within 14 days of training where you have a credit account with us, or within 28 days of payment being received by other means.
Can we open a credit account?
Yes. Credit accounts are available to businesses subject to a credit assessment and references. The first booking is always paid in advance. Existing account customers can log in to the customer portal.
Does a forklift certificate expire?
A certificate of basic training has no legal expiry date, but the HSE recommends refresher training at intervals, commonly every three to five years, and sooner after an incident, a long break from driving or a change of truck.
What do we need to have ready on the day?
A serviceable truck with a current Thorough Examination (LOLER) report, a safe area to work in, a room or quiet corner for the theory sessions, and the candidates. If you are short of a truck for the course, we can point you to local hire companies.
Will the training be on our actual trucks?
Yes, always. Operators learn on the make and model they will drive every day, in the aisles and yards they will drive them in. That is the whole point of on-site training.
Which parts of Nottinghamshire do you cover?
All of it: Nottingham, Mansfield, Newark, Worksop, Retford, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Kirkby, Hucknall, Arnold, Carlton, West Bridgford, Beeston, Stapleford, Eastwood, Bulwell, Bingham, Southwell, Ollerton, Harworth and every village in between. Each has its own page on this site.
Are your prices quoted with or without VAT?
Forklift Agency Limited is VAT registered. Quotes are given excluding VAT unless stated otherwise.
Can you train on a live site without stopping production?
Yes. We agree a working area and a timetable with you so practical sessions happen around your operation. Many customers run training on a quieter shift or over a weekend for exactly this reason.
Still unsure?
Questions about the law are answered in our guide to forklift training legal requirements. Questions about a particular truck are answered on its page under forklift types. Anything else, call 0115 972 9944.
Need forklift operators trained in Nottinghamshire?