How to Get a Forklift Licence in Perth, WA

Paratus Training
Jun 30
6 min read

Paratus Training blog post header image: How to get a forklift licence in WA — from training to licence, know the steps before you start. Forklift operator in a warehouse setting.

You get a forklift licence in Perth, WA by completing TLILIC0003 Licence to operate a forklift truck with a registered training organisation, passing the assessment, then using the Notice of Assessment (NOA) you're issued to apply directly to WorkSafe WA for your High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) — a plastic licence card that authorises you to operate a forklift commercially. The training itself doesn't hand you the licence; it's the step that makes you eligible to apply for one.

It's a process most people get right the first time once they understand the order it happens in. Here's how it breaks down.

Step 1: Complete TLILIC0003 Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck in Perth, WA

This is the nationally recognised unit of competency that covers forklift operation — pre-start checks, load handling, travelling with and without a load, stacking and retrieving, and safe shutdown. Training combines theory with practical operation on a forklift, because the assessment requires you to demonstrate the skill, not just answer questions about it.

Under the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA), you must complete this unit with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and be assessed by an assessor who is accredited by WorkSafe WA. Completing the unit with an unregistered provider doesn't satisfy the requirement — WorkSafe WA will not accept the NOA.

There's no prerequisite unit for the standard forklift licence, which is part of why it's one of the most common entry-point tickets for people moving into construction, warehousing, or mining-adjacent roles.

Choosing the Right RTO

Not all forklift training is the same. The assessment is nationally standardised — how well you're prepared for it isn't. Look for a provider where training is delivered and assessed by experienced trainers with real industry backgrounds, where you get meaningful time on the forklift rather than just enough to tick the box, and where the assessor explains what they're looking at rather than just whether you passed.

Paratus Training is based in Bayswater and delivers TLILIC0003 to Learners in Perth and across WA — trainer-led, hands-on, focused on preparing Learners for the work, not just the assessment. See course dates and details →

Step 2: Pass the Assessment

Assessment for TLILIC0003 has two components, and you must pass both to be deemed competent overall.

The knowledge component is conducted in writing (or verbally) and covers the theory behind safe forklift operation — pre-operational checks, load weight and stability, travelling safely, workplace hazards, and relevant legislation and codes of practice. If you struggle with reading or writing, this component can be conducted as an oral assessment, where the assessor asks questions directly and you respond verbally.

The practical component requires you to demonstrate competent operation on an actual forklift, observed by a WorkSafe-accredited assessor. You need to show you can perform all required tasks safely and correctly — not just go through the motions.

One eligibility condition worth knowing: to be granted a High Risk Work Licence, you must be able to speak English well enough to carry out high risk work safely with other people. This is a WorkSafe WA requirement for a High risk work licence for an individual. In practice, both assessment components require you to communicate with the assessor and understand safety instructions — your assessor will determine whether this threshold is met during the assessment itself.

Paratus Training VET Statement of Attainment for TLILIC0005 Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform, signed by CEO

Example image of a Statement of Attainment (SOA)

WorkSafe Western Australia Notice of Assessment for a Licence to Perform High Risk Work — the document issued on successful completion of a high risk work unit, valid for 60 days

Example image of a Notice of Assessment (NOA)

Sample WorkSafe Western Australia Licence to Perform High Risk Work card showing classes LF and WP, valid for five years

Example image of a High Risk Work Licence in WA (HRWL)

Step 3: Receive Your Notice of Assessment (NOA)

Once you're assessed as competent, you don't walk away with a forklift licence in hand — you receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA). You'll be issued two copies: a green copy, which you keep, and a white copy, which you'll need to submit with your WorkSafe WA application.

The NOA is proof you've completed the unit and are eligible to apply for the licence. Under WorkSafe WA rules, you can operate a forklift using your NOA until you either receive your HRWL number from WorkSafe WA, withdraw your application, or are notified that your application has been rejected.

The critical thing to understand: the 60-day window applies to lodging your application — not to operating. Once you've lodged within that window, you can continue operating while WorkSafe WA processes it. But if you don't lodge within 60 days of your NOA being issued, the NOA expires and you'll need to repeat the full unit of competency. Finishing the course is not the same as holding the licence.

Step 4: Apply to WorkSafe WA for Your High Risk Work Licence

Your NOA is used to apply to WorkSafe WA, the WA government body responsible for issuing High Risk Work Licences. You'll need to submit the application (with identification and the relevant fee) directly to WorkSafe WA — WorkSafe WA's step-by-step guide covers exactly what's required to apply for a new licence.

Get the details right. Your name on the application must match your identification documents exactly — if there's a discrepancy, WorkSafe WA will flag it. Include a working mobile number and email address: WorkSafe WA will contact you by email if there are any issues with your application, and they won't chase you. If they contact you and don't hear back within 28 days, your application is taken to be withdrawn — and you may need to complete the full course again to obtain a new NOA and reapply. Monitor your inbox, including your junk folder.

The 60-day clock matters. If you don't lodge your application within 60 days of your NOA being issued, the NOA expires and you'll need to repeat the full unit of competency. There's no extension.

Paratus Training can lodge the WorkSafe WA application on your behalf for an additional fee of $120 (subject to change), which covers the WorkSafe WA issuing fee, the administration of getting it submitted correctly, and a passport photo if required.

Ask about this when you book your course if you'd rather not manage the paperwork and deadlines yourself.

Step 5: Receive Your Forklift Licence

Once WorkSafe WA processes your application, your High Risk Work Licence is issued as a plastic, credit-card-sized licence document and mailed to you.

If this is your first HRWL, the card will show your forklift (LF) class. If you already hold a HRWL for another class, you won't hold two separate cards — you'll receive a new HRWL card with your forklift class added alongside your existing class or classes.

Your HRWL is valid for five years from the date it's granted. Keep your card on you at all times while you're working, or make sure your employer has an updated copy on file. After five years, you'll need to renew before it lapses — WorkSafe WA's renewal process is separate from re-doing the training, provided your licence hasn't expired.

FAQs

What is a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL)?

A High Risk Work Licence is a WA government-issued licence required to operate certain equipment — including forklifts — commercially. It's issued by WorkSafe WA after you've completed the relevant unit of competency with a registered training organisation and been assessed as competent. A forklift HRWL is class LF.

Does finishing the forklift course mean I automatically get my licence?

No. Completing TLILIC0003 gets you a Notice of Assessment (NOA), which you then use to apply to WorkSafe WA for the licence itself. The two steps are separate.

How long does it take to get a forklift licence in WA?

Training is typically completed in two days. Once you lodge your WorkSafe WA application, processing generally takes several weeks — WorkSafe WA advise checking their website for current processing times, as this can vary. You can continue operating using your NOA while your application is being processed, provided you lodged within the 60-day window.

How long do I have to apply after finishing training?

60 days from the date your NOA is issued. After that, the NOA expires and the unit has to be completed in full again.

Can I operate a forklift before my licence arrives?

Yes — once you've lodged your application within the 60-day window, you can continue operating using your NOA until WorkSafe WA either issues your HRWL or notifies you that your application has been refused.

What if WorkSafe WA is delayed and my NOA expires before I get my licence?

This can happen during busy periods. The key is that you must have lodged your application within the 60-day window — if you did, you're covered while WorkSafe WA processes it. Keep your receipt of lodgement with your NOA as proof. If Paratus lodged the application on your behalf, we can provide you with a letter confirming proof of lodgement for your employer if needed.

Ready to get started?

See course dates and details on our Forklift Licence (TLILIC0003) page, or get in touch and we'll talk you through what's involved.

Book Your Forklift Training Now