If you’ve ever googled “forklift licence categories UK,” you’ve probably seen those long, technical charts that look like they came from a secret government manual. A1, A2, B1, D1, F-whatever… it gets confusing fast.
Here’s the truth:
Forklift licences in the UK aren’t actually complicated — they’re just explained in the most complicated way possible.
So let’s break it down the way I wish someone explained it to me when I first started: simple, casual, and straight from real experience on the floor.
Whether you’re trying to get your first forklift licence, switching jobs, or just curious what all these categories mean, this guide will make everything clear without the corporate jargon.
In the UK, There Are 5 Forklift Training Accrediting Bodies
- Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB)
RTITB is one of the most recognized accrediting bodies in the UK. Back in 2006, they created a centralized database for trained forklift operators called the National Operators Registration Scheme (NORS). This system helps employers verify certificates and avoid fraudulent credentials.
Phone: +44 (0)1952 520200
Address: Halesfield 17, Telford, Shropshire
Website: RTITB - Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR)
ITSSAR has been around since the early 1980s. They offer accreditation similar to RTITB, covering everything from basic operator training to instructor-level programs.
Address: 4 Milbanke Ct, Bracknell RG12 1RP, UK
Phone: +44 1344 426230
Website: ITSSAR - Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
CITB provides a wide range of safety courses and training programs, mainly supporting companies in the construction sector. Their forklift training is limited to rough terrain forklifts only.
Phone: 0344 994 4488
Address: Bircham Newton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Website: CITB - Lantra National Training Organisation Ltd. (LANTRA)
LANTRA also offers limited forklift accreditation, focusing specifically on rough terrain forklifts.
Address: Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
Phone: 024 7669 6996
Website: Lantra - National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS)
NPORS started in 1992 and has grown to be one of the major accrediting bodies in the UK, similar in popularity to RTITB. They offer a wide range of training covering different truck types and industries—construction, logistics, warehousing, and agriculture.
Address: Northwich, Cheshire
Phone: 01606 49909
Website: NPORS
Categories to Match The Training You Need
Below is a breakdown of the main forklift categories recognised by UK training bodies.
| Forklift Category | Typical Power Source | Common Lift Height | Steering Type | Average Travel Speed | Key Skills Required | Industries That Commonly Use It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B – Counterbalance (B1–B3) Standard sit-down forklift with rear counterweight. |
Diesel, LPG, or Electric | 3–6 metres (standard), up to 10m (high-mast units) | Front-wheel steering | 12–20 km/h | Load stability, turning clearance, outdoor/indoor transitions | Warehousing, retail, manufacturing, logistics yards, food distribution |
| D – Reach Trucks (D1–D3) High-racking warehouse truck with extending mast. |
Electric (battery-powered) | 8–13 metres (standard), up to 14–15m on advanced models | Rear-wheel steering | 10–12 km/h | Precise mast control, narrow-aisle navigation, high-level visibility | Warehousing, 3PL logistics, frozen storage, high-bay distribution |
| A & E – Pallet Trucks, Stackers, Order Pickers Low-level transport and stock-picking equipment. |
Electric (most common), manual (some pallet trucks) | 1–6 metres depending on model | Pedestrian steering tiller or platform control | 5–9 km/h | Foot-traffic awareness, tight manoeuvring, repetitive picking work | Retail distribution, e-commerce fulfilment, stockrooms, supermarkets |
| J & F – Telehandlers & Rough Terrain Forklifts Outdoor heavy-duty lifting with boom extension capability. |
Diesel (standard) | 6–20 metres (telehandler boom reach) | All-wheel or crab steering | 20–30 km/h (site-limited) | Boom angle judgement, ground stability, reading load charts | Construction, agriculture, timber processing, heavy outdoor industry |
| C & M – Side Loaders & Multi-Directional Trucks Designed for long loads and multi-directional travel. |
Diesel, LPG, or Electric | 4–9 metres depending on load length | Multi-directional steering (lateral, diagonal, rotational) | 8–12 km/h | Side-loading control, long-load stability, directional awareness | Timber yards, steel fabrication, building materials distribution |
| F – Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Trucks Guided-aisle trucks for extremely tight warehouse spaces. |
Electric | 10–18 metres (industry-leading high racking) | Wire-guided or rail-guided precision steering | 6–10 km/h (guidance-controlled) | Fine motor control, high-level picking safety, emergency evacuation procedures | High-density storage warehouses, pharmaceutical distribution, e-commerce fulfilment |
Counterbalance Forklifts (Category B)
Counterbalance trucks are the most common type found across UK industries. They use a rear-mounted counterweight to balance loads carried at the front.
Categories include:
- B1 — Trucks up to 5 tonnes
- B2 — Trucks 5–15 tonnes
- B3 — Trucks over 15 tonnes
Typical environments:
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing plants
- Loading bays
- Retail distribution centres
These are often the starting point for new operators.
Reach Trucks & Narrow-Aisle Trucks (Category D)
Reach trucks are designed for warehouses that require high stacking and tight-aisle manoeuvring. They operate differently from counterbalance trucks due to rear steering, extended lift heights, and “reach” mast capability.
Common subcategories include:
- D1–D3 depending on height and operator position (stand-on or sit-down)
Used in:
- High-bay warehouses
- Logistics hubs
- Cold storage environments
Operators moving from counterbalance to reach need conversion training.
Pedestrian Pallet Trucks, Stackers & Order Pickers
(Categories A & E)**
These lower-level machines appear simple but require proper training due to high foot traffic and close-quarter operation.
Category A (pallet trucks, stackers):
- Pedestrian-operated pallet trucks
- Rider pallet trucks
- Pedestrian-operated stackers
- Low-lift and medium-lift pallet movers
Category E (order pickers):
- Low-level order pickers
- Medium-level order pickers
- High-level order pickers
Common in:
- Retail warehouses
- Distribution centres
- Stockrooms
Rough Terrain, Telehandlers & Agricultural Forklifts
(Categories J & F)**
Rough-terrain forklifts and telehandlers are designed for outdoor work, particularly on uneven ground.
Examples include:
- Telescopic handlers (telehandlers)
- All-terrain forklifts
- Agricultural telescopic machines
These machines operate more like a combination of a crane and a forklift, requiring additional training on load charts, boom extension, and stability.
Used in:
- Construction sites
- Agriculture
- Timber yards
- Industrial outdoor operations
Side Loaders & Multi-Directional Trucks (Categories C & M)
These specialised machines are built for handling long or bulky loads that cannot be easily lifted by standard forklifts.
Typical uses:
- Timber
- Steel profiles
- Pipes and tubing
- Panels and large sheet materials
Operators must understand side-loading dynamics, multi-directional steering, and specific stability considerations.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Trucks (Category F)
VNA trucks operate in extremely tight aisles, typically using guidance systems such as rails or wire guidance.
Two formats exist:
- Man-up VNA — operator ascends with the load
- Man-down VNA — operator stays at the base
These trucks require precision control and training on emergency procedures unique to VNA environments.
How Employers Can Identify the Correct Category
To determine which certification employees need, consider:
Employers must keep detailed training records and verify operator competence before assigning equipment.
Training Requirements by Forklift Category
| Forklift Category | Novice Course Duration | Conversion Course Duration | Refresher Course Duration | Typical Max Class Size* | Typical Pass Requirements | Key Competencies on Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B – Counterbalance (B1–B3) | 3–5 days (no previous experience) | 1–2 days (existing licence on another truck type) | 1 day every 3–5 years | 3 trainees per instructor & truck | Pass theory test and practical skills test with no safety-critical faults | Safe load handling, stacking and de-stacking, vehicle approach, stability awareness, pre-use checks |
| D – Reach Trucks (D1–D3) | 3–4 days (novice, warehouse environment) | 1 day (for trained counterbalance operators) | 1 day refresher, including high-level work | 3 trainees per instructor & truck | Competent theory score and practical assessment in racking, tight aisles, and high lifts | Precision mast control, safe operation in narrow aisles, high-level load placement, safe emergency lowering |
| A & E – Pallet Trucks, Stackers & Order Pickers | 1–2 days (novice, low/medium risk environments) | ½–1 day (if already trained on similar pedestrian equipment) | ½–1 day refresher | 4 trainees per instructor & truck | Satisfactory theory and practical test in pedestrian zones and picking areas | Safe operation around pedestrians, controlled stopping, correct fork positioning, safe picking/placing of loads |
| J & F – Telehandlers & Rough Terrain Forklifts | 3–5 days (novice, construction/agricultural settings) | 1–2 days (experienced operators moving from other categories) | 1 day refresher with practical boom and attachment assessment | 3 trainees per instructor & machine | Demonstrated competence using boom charts, stabilisers (if fitted), and rough-terrain manoeuvres | Reading load charts, boom angle judgement, working on uneven ground, attachment changes, safe road/site travel |
| C & M – Side Loaders & Multi-Directional Trucks | 2–4 days (novice handling long loads) | 1 day conversion for experienced forklift operators | 1 day refresher, including long-load handling | 3 trainees per instructor & truck | Pass on theory and practical tests, including long-load stability checks | Controlling long loads, multi-directional steering, safe stacking in cantilever racking, visibility management |
| F – Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Trucks | 2–3 days (novice, man-up or man-down VNA) | 1 day (conversion from reach/warehouse trucks) | 1 day refresher including emergency procedures | 2–3 trainees per instructor & truck (often smaller groups due to height work) | Successful theory test plus practical assessment in guided aisles and at height | Safe working in guided aisles, high-level picking, emergency lowering/escape, correct entry/exit from VNA aisles |
*Class size limits shown above are typical industry practice and may vary slightly by training provider and accrediting body.
What to Expect During Forklift Training
Regardless of category, UK forklift training includes three core components.
Theory Instruction
Operators learn:
- Controls and functions
- Stability and load principles
- Safe operating practices
- Risk awareness and hazard identification
- Legal responsibilities under UK regulations
- Daily inspections and maintenance checks
Practical Training
Hands-on instruction includes:
- Steering, manoeuvring, and operating with loads
- Stacking and de-stacking
- Operating in confined spaces
- Working on inclines (if applicable)
- Safety procedures and controlled movements
Formal Assessment
Operators must pass:
- A written or verbal knowledge test
- A practical skills assessment
Successful candidates receive certification and, in many cases, a photo ID card.
Operator Skill Requirements by Forklift Category
| Category | Required Skills | Difficulty Level | Suitable for Beginners? |
|---|---|---|---|
| B – Counterbalance (B1–B3) | Basic load handling, spatial awareness, smooth turning, safe stacking & de-stacking, understanding load-centre and stability principles | Easy–Moderate | ✔ Yes |
| D – Reach Trucks (D1–D3) | High-level load placement, rear-wheel steering control, operating in tight aisles, managing mast extension/retraction, precision racking | Moderate–Difficult | ▲ Yes, but better after counterbalance experience |
| A & E – Pallet Trucks, Stackers & Order Pickers | Safe foot placement, pedestrian awareness, smooth tiller control, low-level load management, repetitive picking efficiency | Easy | ✔ Yes (ideal for new entrants) |
| J & F – Telehandlers & Rough Terrain Forklifts | Boom control and angle judgement, reading load charts, operating on slopes/uneven surfaces, attachment changes, long-load manoeuvring | Difficult | ✖ No (experience strongly recommended) |
| C & M – Side Loaders & Multi-Directional Trucks | Long-load balance, lateral travel skills, multi-directional steering orientation, cantilever racking control, load-length awareness | Moderate–Difficult | ▲ Possible, but not ideal for first-time operators |
| F – Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Trucks | High-height control, safe entry/exit to guided aisles, fine motor precision, emergency lowering procedures, man-up platform safety (if applicable) | Difficult | ✖ Not recommended for absolute beginners |
*Difficulty levels reflect typical training organisation standards and may vary slightly by provider.
How Much Does the Training Cost?
| Category | Typical Training Cost Range* | Novice Course Duration | Conversion Course Cost | Renewal / Refresher Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B – Counterbalance (B1–B3) | £350 – £650 | 3–5 days | £200 – £350 | £125 – £200 |
| D – Reach Trucks (D1–D3) | £400 – £700 | 3–4 days | £200 – £350 | £125 – £200 |
| A & E – Pallet Trucks, Stackers & Order Pickers | £150 – £350 | 1–2 days | £100 – £200 | £80 – £150 |
| J & F – Telehandlers & Rough Terrain Forklifts | £500 – £900 | 3–5 days | £250 – £450 | £150 – £250 |
| C & M – Side Loaders & Multi-Directional Trucks | £400 – £750 | 2–4 days | £200 – £350 | £125 – £200 |
| F – Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Trucks | £350 – £700 | 2–3 days | £200 – £350 | £125 – £200 |
*Costs vary depending on region, accrediting body (RTITB, ITSSAR, NPORS, AITT), course size, and whether training is done on-site or at a training centre.
Types of Forklift Training Provided in the UK
| Training Category | Who It's For | What You’ll Learn / Why Choose It | Typical Duration | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novice Training | Total beginners with zero forklift experience. | Lots of classroom time + hands-on practice. Helps you feel confident, comfortable, and safe behind the controls. Perfect if you're starting from scratch. | 4–5 days | £400–£600 |
| Conversion Training | Operators who already know one forklift type but want to learn another. | Helps you adapt to different controls, attachments, and handling quirks. Great for boosting skills and improving job prospects. | 1–2 days | £150–£300 |
| Semi-Experienced Operator Training | People who’ve driven forklifts informally or long ago, but never had proper training or have an expired licence. | Updates your safety knowledge, fills in missing skills, refreshes confidence, and aligns you with current HSE standards. | Varies (short course) | £250–£350 |
| Refresher Training | Operators who were trained before but need to update their skills. | Keeps your abilities sharp and ensures you’re up to date on laws, safety procedures, and best practices. Required every 3 years (or sooner if unsafe operation is spotted). | 1 day | Varies by provider |
Importance of Selecting the Correct Category
Assigning the wrong forklift category can lead to serious operational and legal consequences.
Risks include:
- Increased likelihood of accidents
- Enforcement action for non-compliance
- Invalidated insurance claims
- Equipment damage
- Reduced efficiency and productivity
Each forklift type behaves differently, and proper training ensures operators understand the specific risks and requirements of the machine they use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a DVLA licence to operate a forklift?
Only if you will drive the forklift on a public road. Otherwise, only forklift training certification is required.
Does one forklift licence cover all machine types?
No. Certification is always specific to each forklift category.
How long does training take?
Novice courses last 3–5 days.
Conversion and refresher courses typically take 1 day.
How often should certification be renewed?
Every 3–5 years.
Can a counterbalance operator use a reach truck?
Not without conversion training.
Conclusion
Understanding forklift licence categories is essential for both employers and operators. Because each forklift type handles differently, proper category-specific training is a legal and practical requirement. Selecting the correct category improves safety, supports compliance, and ensures efficient material handling.
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