At What Age Can You Legally Drive a Forklift?
Written by Staff Writer
Imagine a fast-paced warehouse or construction environment where forklifts move in and out of aisles, transporting heavy materials with precision. In settings like these, safety and compliance aren't just buzzwords — they are essential. One of the most common questions for prospective forklift operators is: what is the minimum age to operate a forklift?
The short answer: You must be at least 18 years old. But there is much more to it than age alone. OSHA regulations require proper training, certification and hands-on evaluations to ensure every forklift driver has the skills to work safely.
Below, we'll explore why age is a critical component for forklift eligibility, outline the process of getting certified and show you how our 100% online Forklift Certification Course can help you meet OSHA's requirements — all while saving you time and money.
Why Age Matters for Forklift Operators
Legal Foundations and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees under 18 are prohibited from operating power-driven hoisting apparatus such as forklifts, unless they work in agricultural settings with different rules. This restriction exists to keep young workers safe. Forklifts are powerful machines that require maturity, awareness and a keen sense of responsibility.
Occupational Hazards
By nature, a forklift can pose numerous risks if operated incorrectly. Visibility issues, tight maneuvering spaces and heavy loads can cause workplace accidents. A minor miscalculation could lead to property damage or severe injuries. That's why age 18 stands as the legal threshold — it provides a baseline for maturity and the ability to follow regulated safety practices.
Employer Responsibilities
Even if a worker is 18 or older, employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that individual is trained, tested and competent to operate any powered industrial truck (PIT). This involves formal instruction, practical training and ongoing operator evaluations.
Benefits of Online Forklift Certification
Online training offers the flexibility and convenience today's workforce requires. Some of the most popular benefits include:
- 100% Online Course
Complete every module anywhere you have an internet connection. No need to sit in a crowded classroom.
- Guaranteed to Pass
You can retake the course quizzes and the final exam as many times as you need to achieve a passing score.
- Instant Download of Your Forklift Certificate
After you complete the final exam, you can instantly download proof of training to provide your employer.
- Portable Certification Card
Get a plastic certification card mailed to you within 5-7 days. Carry it at all times to demonstrate you are forklift certified.
- Bulk Discounts
For businesses training multiple employees, bulk purchase options are available, saving you money while ensuring widespread compliance.
Who Needs Forklift Training?
Training is aimed at workers seeking OSHA-accepted forklift driver certification in nearly all industries, including construction and general industry environments. Specific points include:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to legally operate a forklift.
- OSHA-Required: All forklift drivers must complete a formal training program that covers safety rules, forklift inspections and operational practices.
- Applicable Forklift Types:
- Class I: Electric motor rider trucks
- Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle trucks
- Class III: Electric motor hand trucks or hand/rider trucks
- Class IV: Internal combustion engine trucks (solid/cushion tires)
- Class V: Internal combustion engine trucks (pneumatic tires)
- Class VI: Electric and internal combustion engine tractors
- Class VII: Rough terrain forklift trucks
Maintaining Compliance with OSHA Standards
Valid for Three Years
Your forklift certification remains valid for three years from the date of issue. Once it expires, OSHA requires another performance evaluation by your employer. While retraining isn't automatically mandated every three years, many employers do require refreshers to maintain best practices.
When is Refresher Training Required?
According to OSHA, forklift operators must retake training or demonstrate competency when:
- They have been observed operating the forklift in an unsafe manner
- They are involved in an accident or near-miss
- They begin using a new type of forklift
- Workplace conditions change in a way that could affect forklift operation
- An evaluation deems the operator's performance below acceptable standards
If any of these scenarios occur, you must complete refresher training and pass another hands-on operator evaluation.
The Importance of Regular Forklift Maintenance
A key aspect of forklift safety, often overlooked, is regular maintenance and inspection. Our forklift training emphasizes the need for ongoing checkups to ensure your equipment remains in top working condition. Some of the focus areas include:
- Daily Visual Inspections
Before starting a shift, operators should check the forklift's tires, forks, mast, fluid levels and other essential components.
- Scheduled Maintenance
Following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule reduces unexpected breakdowns and safety risks.
- Prompt Repairs
Immediately address any forklift damage or performance issues, such as leaking hydraulics or faulty brakes, to prevent accidents.
Not only does proper maintenance help avoid accidents, but it also keeps you aligned with OSHA guidelines, which require employers to remove unsafe equipment from service until properly repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this forklift certification course accepted by OSHA?
Yes. Our online course meets all the training requirements outlined in OSHA 1910.178, the general industry standard for powered industrial trucks. Once you pass the final exam, your employer will conduct a hands-on evaluation to complete your certification.
2. Does OSHA require me to have a driver's license to operate a forklift?
No. OSHA does not require forklift operators to possess a state-issued driver's license. However, you must be at least 18 years old, and employers can add their own internal requirements.
3. How long is my forklift certification valid?
Your certification is valid for three years. After that, you must pass an employer-led performance evaluation to remain certified. Employers or supervisors may also require operators to take refresher training periodically, especially after an accident or a near-miss.
4. What are the steps to becoming forklift certified?
- Step 1: Formal Instruction — Complete an OSHA-accepted online course, such as our forklift certification program.
- Step 2: Hands-On Training — Receive practical, on-site training from your employer.
- Step 3: Operator Evaluation — Demonstrate your competence under real work conditions and pass an employer-led evaluation.
5. What types of forklifts does the certification cover?
Our course covers Class I through Class VII powered industrial trucks, including electric motor narrow aisle trucks, internal combustion engine trucks and rough terrain forklifts.
6. Will my forklift card be accepted in every state?
Yes. After you pass the final exam, you'll receive a printable certificate. Your durable, wallet-sized card will arrive in the mail within 5-7 days and is accepted nationwide, provided you also pass your on-site evaluation.
Enroll Now to Protect Your Team and Stay Compliant
Forklifts serve as the backbone of many industries, from retail warehouses to construction sites. Ensuring your operators know how to drive them safely and legally (at age 18 or older) is paramount to preventing accidents, meeting OSHA requirements and fostering a positive workplace culture.
When you enroll in our forklift certification course, you'll benefit from:
- A flexible, 100% online learning environment
- Proven course content that meets OSHA standards
- Instant proof of training and a plastic wallet card for on-site verification
- Training resources that address maintenance and inspection best practices
- Expert support to guide you toward full compliance
Don't leave your workplace safety to chance. By investing in proper training for your forklift operators, you help reduce costly accidents, boost productivity and reinforce a culture of safety.
Ready to get started? Enroll today and make sure your forklift drivers are certified, confident and prepared to handle every challenge. With our comprehensive training solutions, you'll keep your team's skills sharp and your work environment compliant with OSHA's standards — now and for years to come.