Do I Need a Forklift Licence? A WA Guide by Compass Forklifts

What Does Require a Forklift Licence in WA?

Under WA’s National Licensing Standard, you must hold a High Risk Work Licence – Class LF (Forklift Truck) to operate:

• Standard counterbalance forklifts

• Side‑loaders, reach trucks, articulated forklifts, truck‑mounted forklifts

• High‑reach counterbalance forklifts

• Order‑picking forklifts (Class LO) 

These machines typically have a mast and lifting carriage, requiring HRWL training by a registered training organisation (RTO) and formal assessment.

Licences are valid for 5 years and recognised across Australia.

What Does Not Require a Forklift Licence

You do NOT need an HRWL for:

• Low‑lift pallet jacks (manual)

• Walk‑behind electric pallet trucks

• Pedestrian‑operated pallet movers under 900 mm lift height

These are classified as non-high-risk so long as they don’t lift above specified limits.

Other Machines & Licensing Requirements

• Telehandlers (telescopic handlers): Not covered by LF licences. Requirements vary based on capacity and attachments:

  • Often need Duty‑of‑Care training (e.g., TSHA Gold Card)

  • Or a High‑Risk Crane licence (CN/C2) if capacity exceeds 3 t or using slewing attachments.

• Elevated Work Platforms with basket attachments > 11 m typically require an EWP (WP) HRWL.

In summary: LF/LO licences cover standard forklift operations. Telescopic arms, cranes, and EWPs fall under different licensing categories.

Licence Classes at a Glance

Licence Class	Covers	Requires Licence?
LF	Standard forklifts — counterbalance, side, reach	✅ Yes
LO	Order‑picking stock picker forklifts	✅ Yes
CN/C2	Slewing telehandlers, larger telehandler operations	✅ Yes, if applicable
WP	Elevated Work Platforms >11 m	✅ Yes, if applicable
—	Pallet jacks & walk‑behind pallet trucks (<900 mm)	❌ No

How to Get Licensed

1. Choose the right class (LF or LO) based on the machine you operate.

2. Enrol through an RTO delivering unit TLILIC0003 (LF) or TLILIC0004 (LO).

3. Complete training: ~2 days including theory and practical.

4. Get assessed and submit your Notice of Assessment within 60 days to WorkSafe WA.

5. Licence is issued – valid for 5 years; renew via WorkSafe about 2 months before expiry.

Compass Forklifts: Your Regulatory Partners

At Compass Forklifts, we go beyond supplying machines, we ensure you're operating legally and safely.

We can:

• Advise on which licence you need based on your machinery

• Connect you with accredited RTOs in WA

Final Takeaway

• If you're using counterbalance, reach, or order-picking forklifts, you must hold a Class LF or LO HRWL.

• Non-high-lift pallet movers don’t need licences.

• Telescopic and elevated equipment require separate licences (e.g., crane or EWP).

• Licenses are nationally valid, last 5 years, and issued by WorkSafe WA.