Forklift Licence Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of a forklift licence (high-risk work licence) in Australia.
A full novice course (2–5 days of training plus assessment) costs the most, experienced operators can do a shorter refresh-and-assess.
💰 Ways to save
- If you already have yard experience, ask about a shorter refresher-plus-assessment (1–2 days, around $335–$495) or even assessment-only (about $150) rather than paying for a full novice course.
- Lodge your licence application at Australia Post within 60 days of passing the practical assessment, or your competencies are cancelled and you may have to redo the training.
- If you need both a forklift (LF) and an order-picker (LO) licence, book them together; combined training is usually discounted versus two separate courses.
How we estimate this
A forklift licence has two separate costs: the course fee you pay the RTO, and a regulator licence fee you pay when you lodge the application. The training itself runs roughly $450–$730 for a three-day novice course, $335–$495 for a one-to-two-day refresher and assessment, and about $150 for assessment-only if you're already competent. An order-picker (LO) course adds around $295–$650.
Pricing reviewed: June 2026.
Pricing reviewed June 2026. Indicative Australian costs, not a quote.
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Understanding forklift licence costs in Australia
A forklift licence has two separate costs: the course fee you pay the RTO, and a regulator licence fee you pay when you lodge the application. The training itself runs roughly $450–$730 for a three-day novice course, $335–$495 for a one-to-two-day refresher and assessment, and about $150 for assessment-only if you're already competent. An order-picker (LO) course adds around $295–$650.
On top of the course, each state regulator charges a separate licence fee, typically $68–$110 per class. SafeWork NSW charges about $92 for a new high-risk work licence and $84 to renew, WorkSafe WA $92, Queensland around $110 and Victoria around $72. The licence runs for five years, after which the cheaper renewal applies.
Course length depends on your experience. A complete novice should budget two to three days of training plus assessment, while an experienced yard operator can often do a one-day refresher and assessment, or assessment-only, which is where most of the cost saving comes from. Group or onsite bookings arranged by an employer almost always cut the per-person rate.
The 60-day rule catches people out: once you pass the practical, you have 60 days to lodge the licence application at Australia Post, or the competencies lapse and you start again. These are indicative ranges; confirm whether the advertised price includes the regulator fee, and check your state regulator's current charge before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a forklift licence cost in Australia?
The course is roughly $150 (assessment only) to $730 (full novice) in 2026, plus a separate state regulator licence fee of about $68–$110 per class. SafeWork NSW charges around $92 for a new licence.
How long does a forklift course take?
From a one-day assessment for experienced operators up to three days for novices, plus the practical assessment.
Is there a deadline to claim my licence after the course?
Yes. You must lodge the licence application at Australia Post within 60 days of passing the practical assessment, or your competencies are cancelled.
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