Typical duties
- Complete a pre-start check on the forklift
- Move pallets between docks, racking and trucks
- Load and unload trucks and containers
- Put stock away and retrieve it from racking
- Follow traffic rules and keep pedestrians clear
- Charge or refuel equipment safely
- Report faults and near misses
- Keep records and the work area tidy
Skills, licences & tickets
- LF licence for a standard forklift truck
- LO licence for an order-picking forklift
- Current licence and ID available on site
- Awareness of load limits and stability
- Pedestrian and traffic safety habits
- Warehouse scanner and system skills
A forklift driver moves, stacks and loads pallets with a forklift or order picker. This forklift driver job description explains the duties and the licence classes in Victoria, so you know which qualification to get for the jobs you want.
Forklift drivers work in warehouses, factories, docks and yards. Chandler's popular forklift driver page gives an overview, and this entry covers the qualifications in more detail.
What does a forklift driver do?
Each shift begins with a pre-start check of the forklift: brakes, steering, forks, mast, tyres, horn and lights. The driver then moves pallets between the dock, racking and trucks, following the site traffic plan. They stack safely within load limits and keep clear of pedestrians.
Forklift work also includes loading and unloading vehicles, putting stock away, retrieving it for orders and reporting faults. Many drivers use scanners or a warehouse system to record movements.
Forklift licence classes in Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria lists the forklift licences in its high risk work licence classes.
- LF, forklift truck operation licence, covers standard forklift trucks such as counterbalance and reach trucks.
- LO, order-picking forklift truck operation licence, covers order pickers where the operator rises with the load.
- No licence class is needed for some low-lift pallet jacks, but the employer may still require training. Check the site rules.
The two forklift classes are separate, so holding LF does not cover an order picker. The high risk work licence classes guide explains how employers match licences to machines.
Other qualifications and tickets
Employers often add site induction, manual handling and first aid. Some sites ask for dangerous goods awareness, confined space or working at heights tickets. The licence and ticket tracker helps you keep these in one place.
WorkSafe Victoria also publishes forklift safety guidance on traffic management, pedestrian safety and fall restraints for order pickers.
Pay, hours and employment types
Forklift roles are offered casual, part-time and permanent, usually on shifts. Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time earnings of about $1,340 a week and $35 an hour for forklift drivers in May 2025, in its forklift drivers profile. The forklift driver salary comparison covers how rates vary by city.
How to become a forklift driver
You complete training with a registered training organisation, pass the assessment and apply to WorkSafe Victoria for the licence. Keep your licence current and carry it on site. Experience as a storeperson or pick packer is a common route into forklift roles.
Related Resources
- Forklift driver resume template
- Forklift driver jobs
- Forklift driver jobs in Melbourne: licence, classes and work
- Licence and ticket tracker
- High risk work licence information from WorkSafe Victoria
- Forklift safety guidance from WorkSafe Victoria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an LF and an LO licence?
LF covers standard forklift trucks. LO covers order-picking forklift trucks where the operator is lifted with the load. They are separate classes.
Do I need a licence to drive a pallet jack?
Many low-lift pallet jacks do not need a high risk work licence, but employers can still require training. Check the machine and the site rules.
How long is a forklift licence valid?
A high risk work licence is issued for a fixed term and must be renewed before it expires. Check the expiry date on your licence.
Can I drive a forklift in another state with a Victorian licence?
High risk work licences are recognised nationally, but you should confirm the class and any local requirements with the employer.
Match the Licence to the Machine
The job advert names a class for a reason, and the right licence gets you on site. When you are ready, check the job board for forklift roles or submit your CV with your licence classes listed.
