Who can drive a forklift? — Rules, age, and certificate (NL)
In the Netherlands there is no legally required ‘forklift license’. The employer must, according to the Working Conditions Act/Working Conditions Decree see also Arbobesluit Art. 7.17c) can demonstrate that a driver expert en instructed is for safe working. In practice, this means: Training + instruction (often established in a Forklift certificate), supervision where necessary and clear work agreements in your risk assessment.
Age & supervision
- 18+ years old — self-driving is allowed, provided it can be demonstrated that the operator has been trained/instructed.
- 16–17 years — alone under expert supervision and opleiding/instructie. Also applies to holiday workers. See explanation at Central Government en Dutch Labour Inspectorate.
Forklift Certificate: Required or Not?
One Forklift certificate on its own not legally required. What is required: demonstrate expertise (training/instruction) and ensuring safe working conditions. Many employers therefore opt for a certificate as proof of competence. See also Evofenedex.
- Validity — on the market 5 years Customary for repetition (employer policy).
- Reach — Reach trucks/attachments may require additional training.
- Recording — training, toolbox, and work agreements fixed in your Risk Inventory & Evaluation and HSE.
On the public road: insurance, registration, and requirements
Are you going with a forklift? off-site / on the public roadThen additional obligations apply:
- WAM insurance mandatory (motor vehicle). See explanation.
- Registratie/kentekenplicht may apply (including since 2021). See background.
- Driving license — depending on the situation; check local regulations/insurer. (For agricultural traffic, the T driver's license; (Requirements for forklifts are situation-dependent.)
- Verlichting/markering — think about lighting, reflection, and speed on the road.
Employer Checklist
- Train & instruct — Plan a basic or refresher training; record this.
- Supervision — supervise experts for 16–17 year olds and during onboarding.
- Risk assessment and workplace setup — Routes, intersections, speed plans, and PGS/ATEX where relevant.
- Personal protective equipment — visibility, safety footwear, hearing/fall protection where necessary.
- Public road — WAM-polis, registration/license plates, and procedures secured.
Practice: who can drive when?
| Situation | Can I drive? | Terms and Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse worker 19 years old | Yes | Training/instruction documented; internal traffic plan. |
| Holiday worker 17 years old | Yes, under supervision | Training/instruction provided; expert supervision present; tasks limited. |
| Driver must travel 200m on public road | Only with conditions | Vehicle insurance, registration/license plate if applicable; lighting/marking; record agreements. |
| New reach truck with rotator | Only after additional training | Specific instructions for machine/preparation; trial period with supervision. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Not for internal grounds. On public roads, extra requirements apply (WAM, registration/license plate, driving license). Internally is expertise required and this must be demonstrable.
18+ independent; 16–17 under expert supervision and after training/instruction.
Not formally, but it is the usual proof that someone is competent. Employers are obligated to demonstrably organize expertise and safety.
Yes: internal transport falls under the same OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) frameworks. Specific machines/attachments require appropriate instruction.
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