How much is a forklift licence in NSW?

Providers listed here advertise about $150 for assessment only up to $880 for a full multi-day course, with a median near $499. The SafeWork NSW licence fee is charged separately at Service NSW.

How long does the course take?

Two to three days for a beginner. Experienced operators can often do a one-day assessment-only course, subject to the provider’s entry requirements.

Do I need a car licence to get a forklift licence?

No. You need to be 18 or over and able to provide 100 points of identification with an Australian address. A driver licence is not a prerequisite.

How long does a forklift licence last?

Five years. Renew through Service NSW before it expires; a straightforward renewal does not require reassessment.

How to get a forklift licence in NSW

Steps, cost, time and what to bring to get your LF high risk work licence in New South Wales.

Updated 2026-09-19

What the licence is

A forklift licence is a high risk work licence (HRWL), class LF, issued by SafeWork NSW. It covers counterbalance forklifts. Order-picking forklifts need the separate LO class.

Steps

Be 18 or over and able to show 100 points of ID with an Australian address.
Train with an RTO that has unit TLILIC0003 on its scope of registration. Courses run 2–3 days, or 1 day for experienced operators (check the provider's entry requirements).
Pass the assessment with a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor. The RTO arranges this as part of the course.
Apply to SafeWork NSW within 60 days, at a Service NSW centre, with your Notice of Assessment and ID. The licence fee is set by SafeWork NSW.
Your interim licence lets you work while the photo card arrives.

Cost and time

Advertised NSW prices on this site range from about $150 (assessment only) to $940 for multi-day courses; the median is around $500. Add the SafeWork NSW licence fee.

Renewal

The licence is valid for 5 years. Renew through Service NSW before it expires; no retest is needed for a straightforward renewal.

Find forklift courses near you

Frequently asked questions

How much is a forklift licence in NSW?: Providers listed here advertise about $150 for assessment only up to $880 for a full multi-day course, with a median near $499. The SafeWork NSW licence fee is charged separately at Service NSW.
How long does the course take?: Two to three days for a beginner. Experienced operators can often do a one-day assessment-only course, subject to the provider’s entry requirements.
Do I need a car licence to get a forklift licence?: No. You need to be 18 or over and able to provide 100 points of identification with an Australian address. A driver licence is not a prerequisite.
How long does a forklift licence last?: Five years. Renew through Service NSW before it expires; a straightforward renewal does not require reassessment.