Operating a forklift is a responsible task in which safety is paramount. Renewing your forklift licence is not merely a formality, but part of maintaining your professional competence and ensuring health and safety at work.
Why do you need to renew your forklift licence?
In Finland, a forklift licence is valid for five years. After this period, the licence is considered to have expired and no longer demonstrates the driver’s up-to-date competence. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to ensure that employees have the necessary competence for their duties. An expired licence may jeopardise workplace safety and also pose legal risks to both the employee and the employer.
Revision is more than just repetition
The renewal process is not simply a matter of re-stamping the old licence. It involves attending training that covers the key aspects of forklift truck operation: the characteristics of forklift trucks, the principles of safe driving, risk management, forklift maintenance and any special situations. The training also covers new regulations and safety guidelines that may have changed since the last training session.
This update is important because working conditions are changing, technology is advancing and the range of forklift models is becoming more diverse. Past experience goes a long way, but working safely also requires up-to-date knowledge.
Who can issue a driving licence?
A forklift licence is not a certificate of competence issued by the authorities. It is proof that the holder has completed the relevant training, but the actual right to operate a forklift at the workplace – the operating permit – is always granted by the employer. This means that at every workplace, the employer must individually verify the operator’s competence and grant authorisation to use the forklift.
If an employee moves to a new job, their old driving permit does not transfer with them. It is therefore important, when renewing the permit, to take into account not only the training certificate but also the employer’s responsibility for issuing a written driving permit.
How does the renewal process work in practice?
- Check the validity period
Keep track of the validity of your forklift licence and make sure it does not expire. You can take the refresher training course even before your licence expires. - Register for the training course
To renew your licence, you must complete the forklift licence training course again. The course usually lasts seven hours and includes both theory and practical examples. - Check your suitability
You must be in good enough health to operate a forklift truck: good eyesight, hearing and physical fitness. These factors are assessed at the employer’s discretion. - Take part in the training and keep your certificate
After the training, you will receive a new forklift licence, which serves as proof of completion of the training for the next five years.
When is renewal particularly important?
Although a forklift licence is officially valid for five years, in certain sectors it is recommended that the qualification be renewed every three years. This is due, amongst other things, to the workplace’s risk profile, the complexity of the forklift trucks used, and the conditions set by insurance companies. Renewal is also particularly recommended when an operator has had a long break from work. In such cases, refreshing their training helps to remind them of safe working practices before they start using the machine again.
Safety never goes out of date
Forklift driving is not just a routine task, even though the work may seem that way. Accidents happen even to experienced drivers, and even the smallest mistake can have serious consequences. Regular training is therefore not just a formality – it is a sign of responsibility and professionalism.
By renewing your forklift safety card in good time, you’re not only looking after your own safety but also the wellbeing of the whole workplace. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.
Forklift Safety Card (Trafi-qualification)