Driver Training · Refresher
Forklift refresher training and re-certification in Ireland
Renew expiring or lapsed operator certificates in a single day, on your own site and your own trucks — with expiry dates tracked so it never creeps up on you again.
Re-certification
Competence is a duty that does not expire — the certificate does
Irish safety legislation puts a continuing duty on employers to ensure forklift operators remain competent, and three-yearly refresher training is how most Irish sites evidence it. A refresher is not a formality: habits drift, pre-use checks get skipped, and the legislation and site layout both move on. A day off the job resets all of that, produces a fresh certificate, and gives you a dated record to show an auditor, an insurer or an investigator. AWE runs refreshers on your site, on your trucks, in groups scheduled around your shifts — and we keep the expiry calendar so the next one is booked before it lapses rather than after.
When to book
Four reasons to refresh before the three-year mark
Expiry is the obvious trigger. These are the ones sites most often miss.
Certificate approaching three years
The standard trigger. Book before expiry and the operator never has a day where their paperwork is out of date.
After an incident or near-miss
Re-training after a rack strike, tip or pedestrian near-miss is what an insurer and the HSA will look for in the file.
New truck, attachment or site layout
A different mast height, a clamp attachment or a redesigned aisle changes the risk — and the competence needed.
Long absence from driving
Operators returning after extended leave or a spell in another role should be re-assessed before going back on a truck.
Which course does each operator need?
Refresher, experienced or novice
Send us the operator list and we will place each person on the right course before quoting.
| Operator situation | Course | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate valid, nearing expiry | Refresher | 1 day |
| Certificate expired, still driving daily | Refresher | 1 day |
| Expired years ago, little recent driving | Experienced operator | 1–2 days |
| Trained in-house, never certified | Experienced operator | 1–2 days |
| Moving to a new truck category | Conversion | 1–2 days |
| No forklift experience at all | Novice | 3–5 days |
How it works
Re-certifying a team without stopping the site
Send the operator list
Names, categories and current certificate dates — we will tell you who needs a refresher and who needs longer.
Dates around your shifts
Group refreshers scheduled to keep the warehouse running, including evenings and weekends where needed.
One day on site
Legislation update, pre-use checks, practical operation and re-assessment on your own trucks.
Certificates and reminders
New certificates on the day, digital records held, and a reminder before the next expiry.
FAQ
Refresher training — common questions
Keep exploring
Related services
All driver training courses
Novice and experienced courses on every truck category, plus manual handling and MEWP.
Learn moreThorough Examination
Statutory annual inspection — the equipment equivalent of keeping operator tickets current.
Learn moreSafety inspections
LOLER and PUWER inspection alongside routine servicing on your own fleet.
Learn moreKnowledge Hub
Read before you decide
Forklift Licence Ireland: What the Law Actually Requires
There is no government-issued forklift licence in Ireland. What the law requires is documented training, an employer authorisation and a safe system of work — here is exactly how that works.
8 min readForklift Daily Safety Checklist for Irish Sites
The pre-use check takes five minutes and is the single cheapest way to prevent both incidents and breakdowns. Here is the full walk-around, in the order that works.
6 min readLOLER & Thorough Examination for Forklifts in Ireland: Who Needs What, and When
Thorough Examination is not the same as a service, and a service sticker is not a substitute. Here is what Irish law requires, how often, and who is legally allowed to sign it off.
8 min readCertificates due for renewal?
Send us the operator list and we'll tell you who needs a day and who needs more. Call (01) 401 9919.