Question 1

Is self-study training to become an instructor for industrial trucks recognized?

Accepted Answer

Increasingly, various providers are offering training to become a forklift truck instructor as a purely self-study course. Participants often only receive PDF documents that they have to read independently.

👉 Important to know: This form of "training" is not recognized by the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) . Anyone completing such training risks significant liability issues in the event of an accident – especially if an accident occurs later.

The training to become an instructor for industrial trucks must be methodically and didactically sound, in accordance with the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) guidelines. This includes a practical component with teaching demonstrations in both theory and practice , ensuring that participants are trained in a technically and legally compliant manner.

A modern education can certainly utilize modern learning methods: live online lessons, e-learning and practical days can be combined – the crucial thing is that quality and practical experience are guaranteed.

This is exactly the concept we implement at the LTS Academy : well-founded, practical and DGUV-compliant.

Question 2

As an instructor for industrial trucks, am I allowed to train on all types of industrial trucks?

Accepted Answer

Generally, after completing the forklift truck instructor course, you are authorized to train instructors on all types of forklift trucks for which you meet the requirements, meaning you yourself hold a forklift truck operator's license or have completed the corresponding additional training. At a minimum, you should already have two years of practical experience with the respective forklift truck.

Question 3

Why are 3 days of training sufficient?

Accepted Answer

With our training concept consisting of a self-study phase beforehand, a live online seminar for the theoretical basics, the introduction to the correct presentation techniques and methodology & didactics, as well as a practical day, we enable you to complete the training to become an instructor for industrial trucks in the shortest possible time without sacrificing quality.

There is always some time between the individual phases, so that it doesn't become too much all at once.
Furthermore, we always work in small groups with a maximum of 4 participants per practical day, or directly in one-on-one mentoring. You also won't find any traditional lectures with us. We place great importance on modeling practical and modern teaching methods for our participants.

This is the only way to convey even more learning content in 3 days than in group training courses lasting 5 days, because here the participant doesn't have to share the training time with others (keyword: training time per participant). Our training course, therefore, is legally compliant even with only 3 days of training time and is recognized by all relevant bodies.

Question 4

Does my forklift instructor certificate expire after a certain period of time?

Accepted Answer

The certificate for forklift instructors is valid indefinitely.

However, we recommend that all trainers regularly (approximately every 3 years ) participate in further training to ensure that they are always up to date and can fulfill their examination tasks in a legally compliant manner .
The training serves as an exchange of experience, questions and problems brought along can be discussed, and innovations concerning laws, regulations and directives are discussed.

Our training courses take place as live online seminars using state-of-the-art technology, so you can conveniently participate from anywhere.

Question 5

Is the forklift truck instructor also allowed to conduct the annual safety training?

Accepted Answer

As a forklift operator instructor, you are also authorized to conduct the annual training for forklift operators . According to DGUV 1 §4, this training must take place at least once a year .

The safety briefing includes part of the previously completed theoretical training (e.g., employers' liability insurance associations, accident hazards, etc.) and all company-related hazards and information, such as pedestrian crossings, near misses, etc.

It is important that the employer must commission you in writing beforehand to carry out the annual safety training for industrial trucks .

Alternatively, you can also use our e-learning course for the " Annual Training for Industrial Trucks (https://shop.lts-akademie.de/products/jaehrliche-unterweisung-flurfoerderzeuge)".
Here you can choose from various thematic focuses according to the needs of your participants.

Question 6

Can the instructor training course for industrial trucks take place exclusively online?

Accepted Answer

No, the instructor training course cannot be conducted as a purely online course. Offers that promise otherwise are highly dubious and should be avoided at all costs.

As an instructor for industrial trucks, one progresses in the learning taxonomy from mere operation to comprehensive mastery of the subject matter – from user to instructor. This requires not only sound knowledge but also intensive training by experienced and qualified instructors .
In our courses, we place great emphasis on practical knowledge transfer. In addition to legal and organizational fundamentals , methodological and didactic skills are practiced intensively in live situations . An important component of this is actively observing and guiding participants in both theoretical and practical lessons.
Only through practical exercises can potential errors and gaps in knowledge be uncovered and specifically corrected.

For over 10 years , LTS-Akademie GmbH has been successfully training instructors who provide legally compliant training to future operators. Furthermore, we are actively involved in the DGUV's (German Social Accident Insurance) specialist committee for industrial trucks and contribute to the development of current and future training guidelines. This ensures that our courses always meet the latest standards.

Question 7

What if I don't have a forklift operator's license?

Accepted Answer

Provided you meet all other requirements for becoming a forklift truck instructor (see above), you can still complete the course. It is essential that you already possess practical and theoretical experience operating forklifts and can therefore operate them safely. You should also be familiar with the operating manuals of the forklifts used.

During the self-study phase, participants review all the theoretical fundamentals of forklift training using our e-learning platform. The prescribed practical exercises are part of the practical training day. Therefore, if you do not yet possess a forklift operator's license , we can issue one to you upon completion of the instructor training course.
 
This offer is therefore aimed at participants who, for example, have learned how to operate industrial trucks in their company, but have never attended a recognized operator training course.

Question 8

Can I become a forklift truck instructor without a master craftsman's certificate?

Accepted Answer

The requirements according to DGUV Principle 308-001 are clearly aimed at ensuring that trainers possess both technical and pedagogical skills. This includes, for example:
- Develop qualification concepts
- Impart specialist knowledge
- to lead a group through a training course

If someone does not hold a master craftsman's certificate, they must instead demonstrate equivalent qualifications and experience that correspond to at least level 5 of the German Qualifications Framework (DQR). They should be able to provide evidence of this, for example, through employment references, certificates of further training, or similar documents.

1. An equivalent qualification and four years of professional experience at DQR level 5
2. Experience in leading groups and imparting knowledge
3. Pedagogical skills, e.g. through the AEVO exam or comparable training courses
4. Specialist knowledge and practical experience in the field of industrial trucks

Question 9

Where can I get the driver's licenses for my forklift training courses?

Accepted Answer

To get you started, you'll receive forklift operator licenses in your instructor starter kit. You can reorder these at any time in our online shop: Forklift operator licenses(https://shop.lts-akademie.de/products/fahrausweis-fuer-flurfoerderzeuge)

By the way: Our driver's licenses are also available with your logo and in your color scheme.

Question 10

Am I allowed to provide international training as an instructor for industrial trucks?

Accepted Answer

Several countries recognize German vocational training. In any case, you should inform yourself about the requirements of the respective country beforehand and have your qualifications recognized there. Countries like Switzerland or Luxembourg generally recognize German vocational training without any problems after an examination.
It should also be noted that you must independently adapt your training content to the requirements of the respective country.

Forklift truck instructor:
Course overview

Target audience

Who is the course suitable for?

What qualifications do I need to become a forklift truck instructor?

In advance-

settings

Forklift Instructor Training: Content & Objectives

Contents

Course Structure & Duration

DGUV Notice

Sequence

Cost

&

Services

Appointments

In-house

Forklift truck instructor
according to DGUV Principle 308-001

Optimal preparation thanks to practical know-how and theoretical expertise – this is how you become an instructor for industrial trucks and forklifts.

Instructors for industrial trucks are trained at the LTS Academy.

Forklift truck instructor: Course overview