Rough Terrain Forklift Training

Complete beginners: 3 days

Some experience: 2 days + assessment

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (test only). If you're unsure which applies, we offer a free practical assessment to advise the best route.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've got experience (even warehouse forklift), we can shorten the training (2 days) or advise whether you're ready for the Experienced Worker Test.

A14: Rough Terrain Forklift—for outdoor construction sites, uneven ground, large pneumatic tyres, 4WD capability, four-wheel steering

A16: Industrial (Counterbalance) Forklift—for warehouses, smooth indoor surfaces, smaller solid tyres, rear-wheel steering

If you're working on construction sites with mud, gravel, or outdoor materials yards, A14 is what you need. A16 is for warehouses and indoor facilities. They're fundamentally different machines requiring different qualifications.

No. A16 (industrial forklift) doesn't qualify you for A14 (rough terrain). While both are forklifts, the machines are fundamentally different:

• Four-wheel steering: RT forklifts steer with rear wheels—very different handling
• Uneven ground: Load stability calculations change constantly on slopes and rough terrain
• Outdoor hazards: Mud, soft ground, site traffic, overhead cables—nothing like a warehouse
• Greater consequences: Tip-overs outdoors are more dangerous than on flat warehouse floors

However, warehouse forklift experience may reduce your A14 training time to 3 days instead of 5.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction and civil engineering sites.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A14 and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).

The EWT is a one-day test-only route for people with significant recent experience on rough terrain forklifts. You need to be confident you can pass both theory and practical tests without training.

Be realistic: If you're borderline, it's smarter to do 2-3 days of training and go in prepared. Fail the EWT and you'll have to start over with full training.

We offer a free practical assessment to help you decide if you're EWT-ready.

You'll train on modern rough terrain forklifts typical of construction site use. These are well-maintained machines from our own fleet (not hired-in).

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested—whether that's more practice, another day of training, or just booking a retest.

Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.

Several key differences require proper training:

• Four-wheel steering: Rear wheels steer, creating unique turning characteristics—takes practice to master
• Uneven ground: Constantly changing stability as terrain shifts beneath you
• Gradients and slopes: Operating on inclines with loads requires careful technique and understanding of centre of gravity
• Outdoor hazards: Mud, soft ground, overhead cables, site traffic, pedestrians
• Greater consequences: Tip-overs outdoors are more dangerous than on flat warehouse floors

The A14 proves you understand these challenges and can operate safely.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying), or use Apprenticeship Levy for NVQ costs
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.

Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time in the cab.

No, a CSCS card isn't required for CPCS training. However, if you have one, bring it—it's useful to have for general site access.

Rough terrain forklift operators handle critical materials management tasks:

• Unloading delivery lorries and placing materials around site
• Moving palletised materials: bricks, blocks, aggregates, timber
• Stacking and organising site storage areas on uneven ground
• Loading skips and waste containers
• Transporting materials to work areas across rough terrain
• Working alongside other plant and vehicles safely

You're often the link between deliveries arriving and materials reaching the work face. Essential for keeping construction projects running smoothly.

Four-wheel (rear-wheel) steering on RT forklifts behaves completely differently from normal vehicles or warehouse forklifts:

• Rear wheels steer: The back of the machine swings out when turning—opposite to what you'd expect
• Tight turning circle: Can turn within its own length, but tail swing creates hazards
• Different sight lines: You need to watch different areas than with front-wheel steering
• Load behaviour: How loads move during turns is fundamentally different

Without proper training, operators used to warehouse forklifts often misjudge turns and create dangerous situations. The A14 ensures you understand these unique handling characteristics.