Operating a forklift is one of those things that looks straightforward until you look into what is actually required. In New Zealand, there are two separate qualifications you may need: the F endorsement on your driver licence (for on-road use) and the OSH Operator Certificate (for workplace use).
Our one-day course in Porirua covers both, so you walk away with everything you need to operate a forklift legally – whether that is in a warehouse, out in a yard or across a public road.
Our prices are highly competitive and won't break your bank.
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This is where most people get confused, so here is the short version.
The F endorsement goes on your driver licence. It allows you to drive a forklift on a road. And road does not just mean streets and highways. Under NZ transport law, a road includes any place the public can access – car parks, wharves, beaches, riverbeds and even an open yard without a locked gate. If the public could walk into the space, it counts as a road. You need a Full Class 1 (car) licence to get the F endorsement.
The OSH Operator Certificate covers the safe operation of a forklift in the workplace. It follows the Approved Code of Practice for Training Operators and Instructors of Powered Industrial Lift Trucks. You do not need a driver licence to get this certificate, which means it is available to people who only need to operate a forklift behind closed gates – in a locked warehouse, factory or fenced-off yard.
If you need to move a forklift anywhere the public can access, you need both. If you only operate within a genuinely closed site with locked gates, the OSH Certificate on its own is enough.
More people than you would think. Here are the most common situations:
If your employer is asking you to get your forklift ticket, there is a good reason. WorkSafe NZ expects all forklift operators to be trained and certified. It is not optional – it is a legal requirement under the Approved Code of Practice for Forklifts.
Our one-day course covers both the F endorsement and the OSH Certificate. You will go through theory and practical components, including:
The practical assessment gives you hands-on time behind the controls, so you are not just learning from a textbook. By the end of the day, you will have completed the requirements for both qualifications.
F endorsement: Once you pass, we will issue you an NZTA certificate. You then need to take that certificate to your nearest licensing agent (AA or VTNZ) to have the F endorsement added to your licence. There is a separate fee for this – it is paid directly to the agent, not to us. You are NOT legally allowed to drive a forklift on a road until the F endorsement is showing on your licence. The certificate alone does not cut it.
OSH Operator Certificate: You will receive a full-size certificate for your records or CV, plus a wallet-sized card. No trip to the AA needed for this one – the certificate is your proof of competency for workplace forklift operation.
Here is where it gets a bit different between the two.
The F endorsement does not expire on its own. Once it is on your licence, it stays there for as long as your driver licence is valid. When you renew your licence, the F endorsement carries over.
The OSH Operator Certificate must be renewed every three years. Do not leave it too late – if your certificate lapses beyond three years and three months, you will need to complete the full course again rather than just the renewal. Keep track of the date yourself rather than waiting for a reminder.
Yes.
For the F endorsement:
For the OSH Certificate:
Bring your driver licence and photo ID on the day. Steel-cap boots and a high-vis vest are recommended for the practical component – let us know if you do not have them.
Your F endorsement works alongside your existing licence class:
Most standard warehouse and yard forklifts sit well under 18,000kg, so a Class 1 with the F endorsement will cover the majority of operators.
F Endorsement and OSH Certificate: $375 incl. GST OSH Certificate Renewal Only: $290 incl. GST
The course fee does not include the licensing agent fee to have the F endorsement added to your licence (paid separately at AA or VTNZ).
The renewal price applies if you already hold an OSH Certificate and it is coming up on its three-year expiry. You attend the same one-day course. If you want to add the F endorsement for the first time during a renewal, the full course fee applies.
Get in touch to lock in your spot. We’ll send through your pre-course reading so you’re set up for the day.
Or call us on 027 287 3748 if you’ve got questions.
Here are some common questions and answers that may help you.
It is a one-day course covering both the F endorsement and the OSH Operator Certificate. You will complete theory and practical assessment on the same day.
Or you can choose just to renew your OSH Certificate.
For the OSH Certificate only, no – you do not need a licence. But if you want the F endorsement (to drive a forklift on roads or in public areas), you must hold a Full Class 1 NZ driver licence.
The full course (F endorsement + OSH Certificate) is $375 incl. GST. The OSH Certificate renewal is $290 incl. GST. There is also a separate fee at the licensing agent (AA or VTNZ) if you are getting the F endorsement added to your licence.
No. The F endorsement stays on your licence for as long as your driver licence is valid. The OSH Operator Certificate, however, must be renewed every three years.
Under NZ law, a road includes any place the public can access – streets, car parks, wharves, beaches, riverbeds, and even open yards without locked gates. If the public could walk in, it is considered a road and you need the F endorsement.
Yes. If you only operate a forklift in a locked warehouse, factory or fenced-off yard, the OSH Certificate on its own is enough. You still attend the full one-day course and pay the full course fee ($375 incl. GST).
$375
incl. GST
$290
incl. GST
Start your stress free journey with 2Fathers Forklift Endorsement (F) and/or OSH Certificate by clicking the button below.
33 Thomas Neal Crescent, Trentham, Upper Hutt, NZ, 5018
Tel: 027 287 3748
Fee: From $1,300
Time: 8am to 3pm
Days: 2 days
The Class 2 Course is designed to provide comprehensive training and assessment for individuals looking to obtain a Full Class 2 Driver Licence.
Over two days, participants will cover Unit Standard 24089 – Fatigue Management, Work Time, and Driver Logbook Requirements, as well as, Unit Standard 17574 – Operate a Rigid Vehicle to meet the requirements for a full Class 2 Licence.
Following theory completion, participants will also undergo a practical assessment at a mutually agreed time. This course offers an efficient and effective pathway towards acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in Class 2 driving.
Prices include GST.
Fee: From $1,100
Time: 8am to 1pm
Days: 1 day or 2 days with Unit 24089
This course is designed to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a rigid vehicle in order to obtain a Full Class 4 Driver Licence. The course covers Unit Standard 17576 and includes one day of in-class theory. Participants will then undergo an in-vehicle practical assessment at a later mutually agreed time.
It is important to note that if evidence of previous completion of Unit Standard 24089 is not provided, participants must include the Logbook Course add-on at the time of booking. The logbook course runs the day prior and details will be sent seperately.
Evidence must either be:
Prices include GST.
Fee: From $1,200
Time: 8am to 1pm
Days: 1 day or 2 days with Unit 24089
This course is designed to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a rigid vehicle in order to obtain a Full Class 5 Driver Licence. The course covers Unit Standard 17577 and includes one day of in-class theory. Participants will then undergo an in-vehicle practical assessment at a later mutually agreed time.
It is important to note that if evidence of previous completion of Unit Standard 24089 is not provided, participants must include the Logbook Course add-on at the time of booking. The logbook course runs the day prior and details will be sent seperately.
Evidence must either be:
Prices include GST.