Forklift drivers are always in demand in warehouses and logistics in Germany. But nobody may operate a forklift without proper qualification. Here you can learn what the “forklift licence” (Staplerschein) means legally, how the training works and how to prepare for the job interview.
As of: October 2026. This article is general information and not legal advice. Some employers may have stricter requirements.
What is the forklift licence?
There is no state driving licence for forklifts. The rules come from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV):
- DGUV Regulation 68 (industrial trucks): The employer may only let people drive a forklift if they
- are at least 18 years old,
- are physically and mentally fit,
- are trained and have proven their skills,
- have been authorised in writing.
- DGUV Principle 308-001 sets the content and scope of the training with theory, practice and an exam.
So the forklift licence is proof of your training. You may only drive at work once your employer has authorised you in writing.
How the training works
The basic training takes a few days.
Theory: legal basics, design and drive types, stability and centre of gravity, load capacity chart, working at racks and loading ramps, daily pre-use check.
Practice: pre-use check, driving and manoeuvring, picking up, moving and storing loads in set exercises.
At the end there is an exam in theory (usually a written test) and practice. After that you get the certificate, often as a card.
Costs and funding
The costs depend on the provider and the type of truck. Options:
- Employer: often pays for the training,
- Employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit): in some cases for jobseekers with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein),
- pay yourself at a training provider.
Types of forklifts
- Counterbalance forklift (Frontstapler/Gabelstapler): the classic forklift, electric or gas – the focus of the basic training.
- Reach truck (Schubmaststapler): for high racks and narrow aisles. The DGUV requires extra training (level 2) for it.
- Pallet truck (“Ameise”): manual or electric. For electric trucks the employer gives instruction; the requirements depend on the type of truck.
Forklift licence from abroad
Many applicants got their certificate in the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Ukraine or the Baltic states. Important: There is no general recognition of foreign forklift licences. The employer must check your qualification according to German rules – for example with a theory and practical test, extra training and an on-site briefing. Your experience is still valuable. It is best to ask the employer how they handle this.
What matters in a German warehouse
- Safety first: If there is a restraint system, such as a seat belt, you must use it. Nobody may ride on the forks.
- Daily pre-use check: check brakes, steering, forks, chains, horn and lights before work and report faults immediately.
- Remove the key: nobody without permission must be able to use the forklift.
- Order in the warehouse: walkways, floor markings and speed limits must be strictly followed.
- Scanners: pallets are usually scanned and assigned to the right storage location.
Yearly safety instruction
The forklift licence does not expire. But the employer must give you safety instruction regularly, at least once a year.
Preparing for the job interview
- Documents: forklift licence (original and copy), proof of work experience.
- Describe your experience clearly: which trucks, which lifting heights, how many years.
- Review safety basics: load capacity, load chart, pre-use check, loading ramp.
- Know the key words: Palette (pallet), Regal (rack), Rampe (ramp), Last (load), Gabel (fork). German is a plus, but we also consider applications without German.
- Expect a driving test: some companies want to see your skills directly.
No forklift licence yet?
Many people start as warehouse workers: order picking, packing, working with a hand pallet truck. This way you learn the processes, the key words and the safety rules. If there is a chance for training later, for example through the employer or the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), moving to the forklift is easier. We cannot promise training, but warehouse experience is always valuable.
Forklift driver (m/f/d) with us
We are looking for forklift drivers (m/f/d) in Göttingen, Hanover and Paderborn – from €16.08 per hour gross. More about the cities: Work in Göttingen and Work in Paderborn. Without a forklift licence, our warehouse worker (m/f/d) jobs may be right for you. To see how much of your pay is left after deductions, read Gross and net salary.
Questions? Ask in the chat on our website or fill in the application form.
