Is a driver's license a pre-requisite to getting a forklift ticket ?

Question

An employee at our company cycles to work and has recently filled a vacancy where forklift driving is needed. They are willing to take the forklift training tomorrow, but the question came up as to whether a driver's licence was needed, which they haven't got yet.

Answer 1

No, but you do have to be over 18 years of age to operate one.

Answer 2

A forklift is a 'special purpose' (material handling) vehicle...As such, it is not allowed to travel under its own power on public roads or on public parking lots...A state driver's license is not required by the state to operate a forklift, however, the owner of the forklift may require any operator to have a driver's license...Any forklift operator should have specialized training, which should be provided by the owner, employer or a dealer.

Answer 3

You are required to have a standard state driver's license as well as on the job operator training to drive a forklift.

In addition, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) also requires that each forklift operator undergo Forklift Safety training.

This training insures that each operator can drive a forklift in a safe manner that will not endanger co-workers or company property.

OSHA will conduct surprise inspections from time to time and fines can range up to $7000.00 for non-compliance