How much does a forklift operator licence cost?

A forklift operator licence costs between 150 and 600 euros per person with external providers, depending on course format, provider and region. One-day courses for people with prior experience are at the lower end of the range; multi-day standard courses for beginners are more likely around 300-500 euros. 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, authorised training providers, regional training centres).

Course format	Typical price range	Target group
One-day course (1 day)	150-350 €	Experienced operators, refreshers
Standard course (2 days)	250-500 €	Beginners without prior knowledge
Intensive course (2-3 days, incl. exam fee)	300-600 €	Beginners, higher service level
In-house training (group, flat rate from 6 people)	600-1,800 €	Employers with several candidates
Extension to a further truck type	150-350 €	Licence holders, use of special trucks

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

Not every course price includes the same services. Before booking, check the following points:

Usually included:

• Theoretical and practical training under Decree No. 356/2007 Coll.
• Exam (theory + practice) before recognised examiners
• Issue of the forklift operator licence by the authorised training provider after passing the exam
• Course material (learning documents, operating instructions)

Often not included - clarify separately:

• Exam resit if failed (10-80 €)
• Laminated card / credit-card format (5-20 € surcharge)
• Medical fitness assessment (80-150 €, with an occupational health physician)
• Travel and accommodation with providers further away

Practical tip: Cheap offers often advertise a low entry price and charge the exam fee and materials separately. Always compare on the basis of the total price (including all additional costs).

Region and location In large urban areas (Bratislava, Kosice) 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) price their courses differently from regional training providers or chamber institutions. 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 to be qualified, a group almost always pays off.

Prior knowledge Anyone with verifiable experience in operating industrial trucks may in some cases be admitted to the one-day course, with a correspondingly lower fee.

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

Costs covered by the employer In most cases the employer covers the course costs if the qualification is required for the job. This also makes sense from a liability perspective: without proven qualification, the employee must not operate the forklift.

Costs covered privately Anyone obtaining a forklift operator licence on their own initiative can use the following funding option:

• Labour office support programmes: Jobseekers can check with their local labour office whether and under what conditions course costs can be reimbursed.

Exam resit Anyone who does not pass the theory or practical exam at the first attempt pays again for the resit, usually 30-80 euros. Some providers offer a discount if the entire course was completed with them.

Medical fitness assessment Many employers require a medical fitness assessment before course registration. Cost: 80-150 euros with an occupational health physician. These costs are not included in the course price.

Additional course by truck type Anyone who is assigned to a different truck type after basic training (e.g. switching from a counterbalance forklift to a reach truck) usually needs an additional qualification for that type, costing an extra 150-350 euros.

How much does a forklift operator licence cost at Dekra?

Dekra courses for the forklift operator licence range between 270 and 550 euros per person depending on location and format (individual booking, 2-day standard course). One-day courses for experienced operators 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 verifiable prior knowledge. Cost: 150-350 euros. Not every provider accepts participants without prior experience for one-day courses. If in doubt, check in advance whether a one-day course suits your level of experience.

Does the employer cover the costs?

As a rule, yes, if the qualification is required for the current or intended job. Under occupational safety rules (Act No. 124/2006 Coll.), employers must ensure that machines are operated only by persons with the required competence, so covering the costs is also a way of reducing liability risk.

Is there funding from the labour office?

Jobseekers can check with their local labour office whether and under what conditions course costs can be reimbursed. The conditions depend on current training support programmes.

How much does a forklift operator licence cost if taken privately, i.e. without an employer?

The course fees remain the same: 150-600 euros depending on the format. Without employer funding, it is worth asking about support programmes at the labour office. Anyone who cannot use such support bears the costs themselves.

After qualification, Luibl Rental provides you with the right machine: forklifts, electric forklifts, reach trucks and telehandlers, available for rent at short notice with delivery throughout Slovakia.

→ Rent a forklift from Luibl Rental → How long does the training take?