Queensland Forklift Licence – The Complete Guide | FMS Training
FMS
FMS Training
RTO 45189 · Queensland’s Forklift Training Experts Since 1992
How to Get Your Queensland Forklift Licence
Step-by-step HRWL application process — from enrolment to legal operation
TL;DR — One-Line Answer
Complete training with FMS Training, pass the NAI assessment, apply to WorkSafe QLD within 60 days — you can legally operate a forklift the same day your application is accepted online.
1
Create Your USI
⏱ 5 minutes
Create your Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Visit usi.gov.au — free, takes ~5 minutes. Required before enrolment. You only ever need one USI, it lasts a lifetime. FMS Training can help if needed — just ask when you book.
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2
Enrol with FMS
📞 Book Now
Enrol with FMS Training (RTO 45189)
Book at fms.edu.au or call 1300 699 150. Choose weekday, weekend, or onsite group training across South East QLD. Bring your 100pt ID and USI on the day. Pre-course videos and manual sent to you on enrolment.
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3
Training Day
📅 Day 1
Complete your forklift training
Theory instruction + hands-on practical at our Lawnton facility (1/42 Paisley Drive, near Strathpine) or your worksite. Our trainers are experienced, engaging and focused on getting you job-ready — not just ticking boxes.
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4
Assessment
📅 Day 2
Sit the National Assessment Instrument (NAI)
Closed-book written theory + calculations + practical assessment, all conducted by a WorkSafe QLD accredited assessor. The assessor must notify WHSQ 3 business days before the assessment. FMS Training handles this for you.
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5
Receive CAS
✅ Same Day
Receive your CAS (AS1 Form) from FMS Training
On passing, FMS Training emails your Candidate Assessment Summary (AS1 form) to your enrolled address. This is your key document — you need it to apply for the government HRWL.
⚠️ Valid for 60 days only — apply to WHSQ before it expires
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6
Create QDI Account
⏱ 10 minutes
Set up your Queensland Digital Identity (QDI)
Create a QGov account at identity.qld.gov.au — needed to log in to the WHSQ application portal. If you already use the Queensland Digital Licence app, you may already have one and can skip this step.
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7
Apply to WHSQ
💳 Govt fee applies
Apply for your HRWL online via WorkSafe QLD
Log into onlineservices.oir.qld.gov.au. Submit your CAS, your TMR Customer Reference Number (from your Qld driver’s licence), and pay the WorkSafe QLD government application fee by credit or debit card.
⚠️ Must be within 60 days of your assessment date
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8
You’re Licensed!
🟢 Immediately
✅ Commence legal forklift operation
You may legally operate a forklift from the date your WHSQ online application is accepted and payment is confirmed — even before the physical card arrives in the post. Keep your application confirmation email as proof in the interim.
✓ Legally authorised from this moment
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9
Receive HRWL Card
📬 2–4 weeks
Receive your photographic HRWL card in the post
WorkSafe QLD processes your application and mails your High Risk Work Licence card to your registered address. Allow 2–4 weeks for delivery. The HRWL is valid for 5 years.
Renewal: Your HRWL is valid for 5 years. WHSQ will send a renewal reminder to your registered address. There is a 12-month grace period after expiry during which you can renew without re-assessment. After 12 months you’ll need to re-sit the NAI — FMS Training offers 1-day refresher assessment courses for this. Book a refresher →
⚠️ Don’t miss the 60-day deadline. You must apply to WorkSafe QLD within 60 days of your assessment date. If you miss this window, you’ll need to re-sit the full NAI assessment before a new HRWL can be issued. FMS Training emails your CAS on the same day you pass — apply as soon as possible after receiving it.
Ready to get your Queensland forklift licence?
Weekday · Weekend · Onsite Group Training