How much does a forklift licence cost?

Short answer: this is what a forklift licence costs

A forklift operator licence costs approx. 100 to 320 euros per person as a guide with external providers - depending on course format, provider and region. The price of one-day courses for people with prior knowledge is set by the provider. In-house training for larger groups can be cheaper depending on the number of participants.

Price research as of: August 2026, external providers (Dekra, TUV, certified trainers, regional training institutions).

Costs by course format

Course format	Typical price range	Target group
Standard course (2 days)	approx. €100-320	beginners without prior knowledge
Supplementary training for another truck type	for example from approx. €10	licence holders, use of special forklifts

All prices exclude VAT. Actual prices vary by region and provider.

What is included in the price?

Not every course price includes the same services. The following points should be checked before booking:

Usually included:

Theoretical and practical training in line with applicable Czech safety rules and CSN EN standards
Exam (theory + practice) by recognised examiners
Issue of the forklift operator licence after passing the exam
Course materials (study documents, local operating rules)

Often not included - to be clarified separately:

Exam retake in the event of failure (price depends on the provider)
Laminated licence in credit card format (surcharge for example approx. €80 excl. VAT)
Occupational medical examination (approx. €20-40, with an occupational health service provider)
Travel and accommodation with supra-regional providers

Practical tip: Cheap offers often attract with a low entry price and charge the exam fee and materials separately. Comparisons must always be based on the total price (incl. all additional costs).

Cost factors: what influences the price

Region and location In large cities (Prague, Brno, Ostrava), courses tend to be more expensive than in rural areas. Transport and rent for the practice area are reflected in the course price.

Type of provider Supra-regional certification bodies (Dekra, TUV Rheinland) calculate their courses differently from regional training institutions or chamber facilities. Manufacturer academies (Jungheinrich, Still, Linde) offer brand-specific courses that also cover machine-specific features.

Group size The more participants, the lower the price per person - especially for in-house courses. For companies with several employees who are to be qualified, a group almost always pays off.

Prior knowledge Anyone who can prove previous experience with forklifts may in some cases be referred to the one-day course - with a correspondingly lower course fee.

Course date and availability Last-minute bookings at peak times can be more expensive. Those who can book flexibly are more likely to find cheaper dates.

Paying privately vs. employer

Payment by the employer In most cases, the employer covers the course costs if the qualification is necessary for the job. This also makes sense from a liability perspective: without proven qualification, the employee may not drive the forklift.

Payment by private individuals Anyone who obtains a forklift operator licence on their own initiative can use the following support options:

Retraining via the labour office: For jobseekers, the labour office may cover the course under certain conditions as part of a retraining programme - check the conditions and course accreditation with the relevant labour office.
Leave for further qualification: Employees can agree with their employer on leave for further qualification under the Labour Code (No. 262/2006 Coll.).

Avoiding hidden costs

Exam retake Anyone who does not pass the theory or practical exam at the first attempt pays again for the retake - the price is set by the provider. Some providers offer discounts if the entire course was completed with them.

Occupational medical examination Many employers require an occupational medical examination before course registration. Cost: approx. 20-40 euros as a guide with an occupational health service provider. These costs are not included in the course price.

Supplementary training by machine type Anyone deployed on a different truck type after basic training (e.g. switching from a counterbalance forklift to a reach truck) needs supplementary training for that type - cost: depends on the provider, for example from approx. 10 euros extra for extending the licence to a further group.

FAQs on forklift licence costs

How much does a forklift operator licence cost at Dekra?

Dekra courses for the forklift operator licence in Germany cost between 270 and 550 euros per person depending on location and format (individual booking, standard 2-day course). One-day courses for experienced participants are cheaper. Current prices and dates can be found directly on the Dekra website.

Can I get a forklift operator licence in one day, and what does it cost?

Yes, one-day courses exist - but they are designed for people with demonstrable prior knowledge. The price is set by the provider. Not every provider accepts participants without prior experience for one-day courses. If in doubt, check in advance whether a one-day course is suitable for your level of experience.

Does the employer cover the costs?

Usually yes, if the qualification is necessary for the current or intended activity. Under occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.), employers may only deploy qualified persons - covering the costs is therefore also a means of limiting liability risks.

Is there support from the labour office?

Yes, under certain conditions. As part of a retraining programme, the labour office may cover the course costs - this usually requires an accredited course and the approval of the labour office. The relevant labour office contact point can provide details.