New starter, first day, and there's a forklift in the yard and a scissor lift by the racking. Can they jump on either? One needs a licence, one doesn't, and "he's done it before" isn't the same as either.
The short answer
- Forklift: yes, a high risk work licence, in every state and territory.
- Scissor lift: no licence, but the operator has to be trained and competent on that machine.
- Boom lift: a high risk work licence if the boom is 11 metres or more.
Forklifts: licence required
Safe Work Australia lists two forklift licence classes: one for standard forklifts and one for order picking forklifts, where the operator rides up with the load. If someone drives a forklift at work, they need the right class.
Licences are issued by your state regulator. In Victoria, WorkSafe says a high risk work licence lasts five years, and you can renew it within 12 months of it expiring.
Someone learning to drive a forklift can generally do it as part of their training, under the supervision of a licence holder. Check the conditions with your regulator before you rely on that.
Scissor lifts: no licence, but training is a must
There's no high risk work licence for scissor lifts. NT WorkSafe and WorkSafe Tasmania both say operators still have to be trained and competent, and it's on the business to make sure they are.
Competent means on that type of machine, not just "used one once". Evidence can include training records, a recognised course or an assessment by an experienced operator. Many hire companies and principal contractors will also ask for an industry card before you go up.
Boom lifts: it depends on the reach
A boom-type elevating work platform needs a high risk work licence if the boom is 11 metres or more. The length is the greater of the platform height or the horizontal reach. Under 11 metres, no licence, but the same training and competency rules apply as for a scissor lift.
Telehandlers: check your state
Telehandlers are where the rules differ most. In Victoria, a non-slewing telehandler over 3 tonnes needs its own licence class. WorkSafe Tasmania says some set-ups don't need a licence, such as a telehandler fitted with forks or a bucket. If you've got one on site, check with your regulator.
Why this matters
EWPs are hurting people right now. SafeWork SA issued an alert in April 2026 after three deaths in 15 months, and 10 EWP-related notifications since the start of 2025. Most involved someone in the raised basket. A licence or training record doesn't make anyone safe on its own, but it's the first thing a regulator or insurer will ask for after something goes wrong.
What to check before anyone gets on
- the right licence class, sighted and recorded, for forklifts and booms of 11 m or more
- training or familiarisation on that model, for scissor lifts and smaller booms
- the machine passed its pre-start check today
- someone on the ground knows the emergency lowering
Our free forklift pre-start checklist and EWP pre-start checklist both have a spot to record the operator's licence, and the pre-start checklists page has the rest.
Where digital forms help
Licences expire and tickets go missing. With Shadow Forms, the operator's licence number and a photo of the card go on the pre-start, so the office can see who drove what, on which day, without chasing a paper sheet in someone's ute.
We build forms software, not safety advice. The above is a plain-English summary of what the regulators publish, and the links go to them. For your own site and your own job, check with your state regulator or someone qualified.
Want your pre-starts on your crew's phones, with licences recorded every time? Start a 14-day free trial, no credit card needed, and we'll set it up with you.
