How Long Does the Forklift Driving Permit Take?
Short Answer: 1 to 5 Days – Depending on Format and Prior Knowledge
The forklift driving permit takes between one and five days – depending on the course format chosen and the prior knowledge you bring with you. The most common question, "can it be done in a single day?", cannot be answered across the board: it depends on the individual case.
The Formats Compared
| Course format | Duration | Target group | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-day course (fast-track) | 1 day (8–9 hrs) | Experienced staff with demonstrable practice | 350–650 CHF |
| Standard course | 2 days (8 hrs each) | Beginners, career changers | 550–950 CHF |
| Intensive course with examination | 2–3 days | Beginners + examination preparation | 650–1,100 CHF |
| Basic course + supplementary training | 4–5 days | Special-truck qualification | 900–1,800 CHF |
Who Is the 1-Day Course Enough For?
The one-day course is not a shortcut for everyone – it comes with specific prerequisites:
Suitable for: people who can demonstrate at least 1–2 years of practical work with forklifts or similar industrial trucks and only need the formal permit.
Not suitable for: people with no previous experience at all. The combination of theory material and practical training in a single day overwhelms beginners – the risk of failing rises considerably.
Training providers differ: not every provider offers the one-day course. Some require written proof of previous experience. If in doubt, clarify before booking.
Theory and Practice: How the Time Is Split
On the 2-day standard course (typical split):
Day 1:
- Theory: 4–5 hours (legal bases under the VUV and EKAS Guideline 6518, technology, stability, operational hazards)
- Introductory practice: 2–3 hours (first driving exercises without a load)
Day 2:
- Practical training: 4–5 hours (picking up loads, stacking, practising the examination course)
- Theory examination: approx. 45–60 minutes
- Practical examination: approx. 15–20 minutes per person
On the 1-day course: theory and practice are compressed: theory usually 2–3 hours, practical training 4–5 hours, examination in the afternoon. This presupposes that the basic knowledge is already there.
FAQs on the Duration
Can you get the permit in one day?
Yes, if sufficient previous experience is in place and the training provider offers one-day courses. For beginners with no practical background, the 2-day standard course is the more reliable choice.
How long does the examination take?
The theory examination takes 45–60 minutes (25–30 questions). The practical examination takes 15–25 minutes per person. Including preparation and follow-up, allow half a day for the examination day.
Does work experience shorten the training?
Indirectly yes: anyone with demonstrable previous experience can be admitted to the one-day course. A formal reduction of the scope of training provided for in EKAS Guideline 6518 is not possible.
How soon do I get the document?
Participants usually receive the forklift permit directly at the end of the course day, or by post a few days after passing the examination. Some training providers issue provisional proof straight away and send the original document on afterwards.
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