You do not need a licence to operate a sideloader, but you do need quality training and certification.

One of the most widespread myths we hear is that you need a licence to operate a sideloader. It’s not strictly true. 

You do, however, need to be ‘qualified’, but this qualification does not come in the form of a licence card but as a certificate.

What Is A Forklift Truck Licence?

If you have come across job adverts for sideloader operators, which includes “Forklift Licence Required” or “Need FLT Licence”, they are likely requesting a certificate of training.

In the UK, any operator who undergoes proper forklift training will receive a certificate demonstrating that they have completed basic training on the specified type of forklift truck, including sideloaders.

In other countries, for example Australia, you are required a national high-risk work license (HRWL) to operate a sideloader or forklift. In order to obtain this, you will need to be trained and assessed by an assessor at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The LF license permits you to operate any forklift vehicle except an order picker/ stock picker forklift). You can operate the following forklift trucks with this license:
– Counter balanced forklift truck
– Reach forklift truck (High reach)
– Side loading forklift truck
– All-terrain forklift truck
– Truck mounted forklift truck

According to Forkpro Australia, although the national licences allow operation of the specified equipment throughout Australia each state has different methods of licencing. It is a good idea to refer to your states WHS/OHS bodies website.

Unlike licences, a certificate will not have an expiry date. For this reason, it is recommended that a refresher course should be provided to operators every 3-5 years, depending on company policy. This will ensure your skills are kept ‘fresh’ and limit the development of complacency and dangerous habits.

driving licence

Do I Need A Driving Licence To Acquire An Operator Licence?

You do not need a (UK) driving licence to operate a sideloader and there is no legal requirement to do so unless you wish to use the sideloader on public roads.

If you are driving on a public highway, the truck would also have to fully comply with the appropriate road traffic legislation.

It’s also important to remember that if you have a valid UK driver’s licence, you are not automatically sideloader certified.

Are There Any Restrictions To Getting A Sideloader ‘Licence’?

There aren’t many restrictions and requirements for getting a sideloader licence, but current restrictions include:

Age

Commonly, to qualify for forklift training, you should be over 17, yet most employers won’t employ people under 18 due to other limitations in place due to the weight of the sideloader and the environment in which they are operating.

Road traffic legislation will also apply when sideloader / forklift trucks are operated on public roads and this would be age 17 for trucks up to 3.5 tonnes, 18 up to 7.5 tonnes and 21 for heavier equipment.

Medical Fitness

Sideloader operators are in charge of some extremely heavy and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment, so operators must be medically fit enough to finish the work they need to undertake.

HSE states “It is good practice for all operators and potential operators to be screened for fitness before employment and then at regular intervals throughout employment.”

The standard of fitness required to be able to operate a sideloader is virtually the same as that required to hold a Group 1 Driving Licence.

Truck operators should usually be able to fully move their trunk, neck and limbs, and have average agility. They should also be able to use both eyes, to judge space and distance. Distance vision should be of the same standard as for driving a car on public roads. If distance glasses are required, they should be worn when operating materials handling equipment. The ability to hear instruction and warning signals are also important.

If an operator suffers from epilepsy, this should not stop them from operating a forklift if they have/are eligible for an ordinary drivers licence. Though, if they experience any recurrence of seizures, they must be reassessed medically.

Disabilities

Due to the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995, many disabilities aren’t considered a barrier to the job if the employer can make reasonable adjustments that help a disabled person do the job safely.

Can I Drive Any Type Of Sideloader Once I Have My Licence?

The training that you receive is only valid for the type of machinery you were trained on. If you wish to use other sideloaders, then you will need to undertake further training for the specific equipment.

If you are looking to operate both a diesel/LPG truck and an electric truck, then it is recommended that you should receive formal training on one truck type, then have control familiarisation on the other.

Familiarisation does not need to take place as a formal training course but should be carried out before the operator starts their work with the truck.

Also, if you are required to refuel an LPG truck and recharge an electric truck, you should receive adequate training on how to do both, correctly.

What Does Training Entail?

If you are looking to get a licence to operate a sideloader, a beginner’s course is a good place to start.

A quality beginner’s course will cover everything you need to know about operating a sideloader, including practical operational skills to health and safety, general maintenance to theory examinations.

This will be aimed at ensuring trainees are knowledgeable about legal, health and safety factors as well as other aspects of being a successful truck operator.

You will also have to learn how to load a sideloader safely. Sideloaders are harder to tip than a forklift (an overloaded forklift is extremely dangerous, so ensuring operators are properly trained is vital).

You’ll also have to do a theory test on everything you’ve learned and you’ll also be assessed on operating a sideloader by a professional examiner.

The typical sideloader training course may sound easy but will cover an extensive range of topics. Depending on the training course you take, tuition can include the following:

people standing round in a warehouse being trained on using a forklift truck safely

  • A basic introduction to the type of equipment for which the course is intended for.
  • Current and applicable legislation.
  • How to run a pre-operational inspection, equipment checklist compliance, discrepancy reporting and pre-use inspection.
  • Manufacturer’s recommended procedures such as maximum load capacity, the weight of the truck, attachment of accessories, man basket fork extension etc.
  • Video presentations that discuss how to safely operate a sideloader.
  • Becoming familiar with the controls and operations of the sideloader.
  • Practices concerning the safe use of a sideloader in the workplace.
  • How to use the machine, including starting, moving, steering and halting/stopping.
  • The proper approach and how to fetch the load and transport it to the designated area.
  • The safe stacking of loaded heights, un-stacking of loads.
  • The correct procedures of both placing and retrieving loads to and from the rack, refuelling a motorised machine and recharging an electric engine.
  • Practice driving test to gauge the trainee’s driving skills.
  • Theory exam used to measure the operator’s acquired knowledge.

Can We Help?

If you would like any information about choosing a sideloader, or getting the maximum benefit out of yours, get in touch with us here or email info@baumann-sideloaders.com.