Getting the Forklift Driving Permit: Procedure, Providers & Fast-Track

Anyone wanting to obtain a forklift driving permit goes through much the same structured process – regardless of whether the course is completed with ASFL SVBL, the Swiss Safety Center, TÜV, a manufacturer academy or a cantonal training provider:

Step 1 – Check the prerequisites Minimum age 18, physical fitness (eyesight and hearing), and where applicable an occupational medical fitness assessment. Anyone who already has experience with industrial trucks should clarify in advance whether a one-day course is an option.

Step 2 – Choose the training provider and course format Depending on prior knowledge, time frame and budget, decide between the standard course (2 days), the one-day course (for experienced staff) and in-house training (group). Weigh up national training providers against cantonal ones.

Step 3 – Register and submit documents Registration directly with the training provider, usually online or by telephone. Documents required: identity card, where applicable the fitness assessment, and where applicable the employer's declaration of cost coverage or confirmation from the RAV.

Step 4 – Complete the course Theoretical and practical training to EKAS Guideline 6518. Concludes with a two-part examination (theory + practice).

Step 5 – Instruction and deployment in the company Once the examination is passed: the employer documents the instruction under Art. 6 VUV. Without documented instruction the basis for deployment is missing – even with a valid permit.

There are four main types of training provider offering forklift courses:

National training providers (ASFL SVBL, Swiss Safety Center, TÜV) Advantage: high name recognition, widely accepted permit, course network across Switzerland. Disadvantage: prices tend to be higher, less flexibility for bespoke solutions.

Manufacturer academies (Jungheinrich Akademie, Still Academy, Linde Training Center) Advantage: machine-specific knowledge, ideal where the company already runs that manufacturer's fleet. Disadvantage: limited locations, courses often geared to the manufacturer's own vehicle types.

Cantonal and regional training providers Advantage: courses close to home, often cheaper, more flexible course times. Disadvantage: quality varies by provider – recognition under EKAS Guideline 6518 should always be checked.

In-house training at the employer's site Advantage: the course is tailored to company-specific conditions, no travel required. Disadvantage: a minimum group size is necessary (typically 6–10 persons) and the company needs its own practice area.

One-day course (fast-track, 1 day) Suitable for: people with at least 1–2 years of practical experience with forklifts. Not suitable for: beginners with no previous experience – getting through the theory workload in a single day is barely possible without basic knowledge. Cost: 350–650 CHF.

Standard course (2 days) Suitable for: all beginners, career changers and anyone without a formal permit. Time split: day 1 theory + first practical exercises, day 2 practical training + final examination. Cost: 550–950 CHF.

Multi-day course (3–5 days, incl. supplementary training) Suitable for: people who want to acquire a specialist qualification for reach trucks, side-loaders or telehandlers straight away. Cost: 900–1,800 CHF.

This checklist helps when assessing training providers:

• Recognition: does the training provider meet the requirements of EKAS Guideline 6518?
• Practical share: how many hours of practical exercises are included? At least a 50 % practical share is advisable.
• Vehicle types: is training carried out on the truck type used in your company?
• Group size: how many participants per course? Smaller groups (4–8 persons) allow more individual practice time.
• Course times: daytime or evening courses? Flexibility for shift workers?
• What the price includes: are the examination fee, materials and the issue of the permit included?

When registering for the course, the following documents are usually required:

• Valid identity card or passport
• Occupational medical fitness assessment (where required by the employer)
• The employer's declaration of cost coverage (where the employer is paying)
• Confirmation from the RAV or a cantonal further-education contribution (for funded measures)
• Where applicable, proof of prior knowledge (when registering for a one-day course)

Registration is usually made via an online form, by telephone or by email. Many training providers have short waiting lists – register planned qualifications early.

Where can I get a forklift driving permit?

Courses are offered across Switzerland by recognised training providers such as ASFL SVBL and the Swiss Safety Center, as well as by TÜV, manufacturer academies and cantonal training bodies. The course search on these providers' websites allows a location-based selection.

Can the permit be done in one day?

Yes – provided the training provider has a one-day course in its programme and your prior knowledge is sufficient. For beginners with no previous experience, the 2-day standard course is recommended.

Can the company run the training in-house?

Yes, provided an external training provider recognised under EKAS Guideline 6518 delivers the training and the company provides a suitable practice area and appropriate vehicles. The in-house course makes economic sense for groups of 6–10 persons or more.

What do I need to bring to register?

Identity card, where applicable the occupational medical fitness assessment and – depending on how it is financed – the employer's declaration of cost coverage or confirmation of funding. For one-day courses, prior knowledge sometimes has to be demonstrated.

Once you are qualified, Luibl Rental provides the right machine – schedulable throughout Switzerland and across Europe, available at short notice.

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