Factsheet 10 – September 2006

F endorsements for driving forklifts

If you drive a forklift on the road, you must have an F endorsement on your driver licence.

Please note that the licence endorsement and licence class systems work together. Your licence has to cover both the type of vehicle and its weight.

A Class 1 driver licence (with an F endorsement) covers forklifts with a gross laden weight of up to 18,000 kg.

A Class 2 driver licence (with an F endorsement) covers forklifts with a gross laden weight exceeding 18,000 kg.

If you're not sure whether you need an F endorsement, phone our driver licensing contact centre on 0800 822 422 or contact your nearest NZ Transport Agency office.

What's the definition of a 'road'?

The definition of a road, for the application of transport laws, is very broad. It includes not only streets and highways, but also any place the public has access to – including bridges, culverts, beaches, riverbeds, reserve lands, wharves and road shoulders.

If you drive a forklift in any of these areas, the rules relating to registration, licensing and general driver behaviour all apply.

What you need to have and do

If you wish to obtain an F endorsement, you must hold a full licence (other than a motorcycle licence).

You'll need to provide evidence that you have successfully completed an approved course that teaches specialist knowledge and skills relating to driving a forklift safely on a road.

Please note: The course relates to driver licensing requirements only. Your employer may require you to attend OSH (occupational safety and health) courses as well as having the F endorsement on your driver licence.

Finding a course provider

Read a list of course providers near you,or phone our driver licensing contact centre on 0800 822 422.

Please note that you can't drive a forklift on the road just because you've got the course certificate. The endorsement must be on your driver licence.

Applying for the endorsement

You can apply for an F endorsement at your nearest driver licensing agent (participating offices of the Automobile Association, Vehicle Testing New Zealand, Vehicle Inspection New Zealand and On Road New Zealand).

You need to bring:

• a completed DL19 application form
• your current driver licence
• evidence of your name and address, such as a bill or an account statement
• a certificate showing you have successfully completed an appropriate and approved course
• a cheque, cash or EFT-POS card to pay the application fee of $37.20.

Note, your F endorsement will expire on the same date as your driver licence.

Eyesight screening check

You'll have to pass the eyesight screening check or present an eyesight certificate. Eyesight certificates must be from either a New Zealand-registered medical practitioner or a New Zealand-registered optometrist, and must not be more than 60 days old.

Where you can find out more

For more information, contact the NZ Transport Agency:

• Email info@nzta.govt.nz.
• Call our driver licensing contact centre on 0800 822 422.
• Write to us: NZ Transport Agency, Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141.