Manawatū Driving Qualifications
Forklift
Endorsement (F)
While the Forklift Operator Training (OSH) course teaches you how to operate a forklift safely in a workplace, the Forklift Endorsement (F) qualification focuses on the legal requirements for driving a forklift on a public road. If you’re planning to drive a forklift in areas the public can access (such as car parks, yards, or road shoulders) you’ll need this endorsement on your driver's licence.
Course Details
Price: $150 + GST Per Person
Add-on with OSH Certificate: $100 + GST Per Person
Duration: 2 hours (approx)
Location: Palmerston North (or off-site by arrangement)
Unit Standard: (US)18496 (V2) (2 Credits)
Note: credits are only registered upon request. Additional NZQA fees apply.
Tutor Credentials:
AllTrain courses are assessed by experienced instructors, with NZQA credit assessments carried out by registered contract assessors. OSH Forklift training assessments follow Competenz standards, and credits are reported to NZQA on behalf of Competenz.
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Unsure if this is the right course for you or have a question?
About This Course
This course gives you the know-how to safely and legally drive a forklift on a public road, covering everything from road rules and vehicle checks to safe operation and parking.
Theory
Legal requirements for driving a forklift on a road
Procedures and considerations for driving a forklift safely with or without a load
Environmental factors that affect safe driving (weather, light, surface conditions)
Vehicle documentation requirements — WOF, registration, licensing
Forklift dimensions, weight limits, and road permits
Practical
Pre-vehicle safety checks
Safe operation and parking of the forklift
Driving with and without a load on a simulated road
Correct positioning of forks for travel
Managing rear end and fork swing.
Refuelling (LPG, electric or diesel)
By the end of the course, you’ll understand your legal responsibilities, be confident in on-road forklift handling, and know exactly how to apply for your F endorsement.
What You Get
Gain the skills and confidence to safely and legally drive a forklift on a public road
Understand the key environmental and traffic factors that affect safe operation
Know how to complete pre-start safety checks and handle the required documentation
Learn safe loading, unloading, and parking procedures for real-world worksites.
Important to Know
You can’t drive a forklift on a public road without an F endorsement on your driver licence. A “road” includes any place the public has access to (such as a yard, car park, or shoulder without locked gates)
You must already hold a current full driver's licence (other than Class 6) to apply for this endorsement
If you drive a forklift in any area considered a road, the vehicle must be registered and have a current WOF
After the Course
It’s the student’s responsibility to have their F Endorsement added to their driver's licence after completing the course.
To do this, take your issued certificate to a Driver Licensing Agency such as VTNZ or AA and:
Complete an application for the F Endorsement
Provide your current driver's licence
Provide your original F Endorsement certificate (fully intact)
Complete an eye test
Pay the application fee (approximately $50, in addition to the course cost)
Once approved, your licence will show the F Endorsement, allowing you to legally drive a forklift on public roads.
Forklift Training FAQs
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Yes – we can come to you. We offer New Zealand-wide forklift training by request. Check out our booking page for more information.
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OSH Certificate (Forklift Operator’s Certificate): Covers safe forklift use off-road and in workplaces.
F Endorsement: Needed if you’re driving a forklift on a public road. You’ll also need a full driver’s licence.
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Easy. Head to our booking page here to lock in your spot.
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Every 3 years – and make sure it’s no more than 3 years and 3 months since your last one. After that, it’s back to the full course.
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Your assessment will be carried out by a registered contract assessor who works with organisations like Competenz. They’re approved to assess against the required NZQA unit standards, and your credits will be officially reported once you’ve passed.
