     
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Great detail and experience very clear with instructions and rules to follow
   Brad 
 2 November 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Tdt training is amazing. Friendly staff, Ronnie is an amazing driving in instructor thank you team TDT for making it soo easy.
   River Man 
 2 November 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I honestly cannot thank David Allan enough for everything he did for me during my HR licence training.

When I first arrived, I was extremely nervous, stressed, and had almost no knowledge or confidence in driving an HR truck. But David completely changed that in just a few hours.

The way he teaches is truly exceptional. He is incredibly patient, calm, knowledgeable, and professional. Instead of making me feel nervous about my mistakes, he made me feel comfortable, encouraged me, and explained everything so clearly that even someone starting from zero could understand.

What impressed me the most was not just his teaching skills, but the way he treated me with kindness, respect, and genuine care. He believed in me when I was doubting myself, and that meant a lot.

David is not just an excellent instructor, but also a wonderful human being. Teachers like him are rare, and I feel genuinely lucky and grateful to have learned from him.

I would 100% recommend David Allan to anyone looking to get their HR licence, especially beginners who are nervous or have no previous experience. You will be in the best hands.

Thank you so much, David, for your patience, encouragement, and support. I will always remember your guidance and kindness. You have my utmost respect and appreciation! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
   Charik Khindri 
 29 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  David Allan is a great teacher mentor who care about students and wellbeing of others people on the road if you are booking for your test make sure they booked you through him very professional teacher
   Martin Zigashane 
 27 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I had a great experience learning with David Allan for my HR driving licence. David was an excellent instructor who explained everything clearly and made me feel confident and comfortable on the road. He was patient, professional, and supportive throughout the training, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. I really appreciate his guidance and would highly recommend David to anyone looking to get their HR licence. Thanks, David, for the great training and support! 🚛👏
   Brendan Lawler 
 27 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  A big thank you to Tran at TDT Training for helping me with my HR truck licence. Getting behind the wheel of a heavy rigid truck can be pretty daunting, but Tran’s calm approach, clear explanations and practical advice made a real difference to my confidence.

He was patient, approachable and happy to go over things until they clicked, with a strong focus on safe driving and good habits. I really appreciated having someone who could put me at ease while still keeping me focused on what I needed to learn.

Highly recommend Tran and TDT Training to anyone looking to get their truck licence. Thanks again, Tran!
   Jye Murray 
 26 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  TDT TRAINING MAKES THE PROCESS COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND.

YOU WONT FIND A BETTER TRAINER THAN DAVID ALLAN!
IF YOU THOUGHT YOU DID, YOU’RE WRONG.

GO SEE DAVID ALLAN AND THE GREAT TEAM AT TDT.
   Nathan Rogers 
 20 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  had a great time with this mob highly recommend great experience with great people
   Mitchell Kemp 
 20 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Thanks David and Vanessa for teaching everything to make a HR licence they are so helpful
   navdeep sidhu 
 19 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Recommend David at TDT Sunshine!

I booked my HR licence test through TDT Sunshine, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Before this, I had never driven a truck, so I was quite nervous about the test. However, David guided me through everything in a very professional, patient, and easy-to-understand way.

His teaching and guidance gave me the confidence and skills I needed to pass my HR test on the very first attempt. He explained everything clearly, helped me understand the truck properly, and made sure I felt prepared before the test.

David is an excellent instructor who genuinely cares about his students’ success. I’m really thankful for his support and the way he taught me throughout the process.

If you’re planning to get your HR licence at TDT Sunshine, I highly recommend booking with David. In my opinion, he is one of the best instructors there. If you want professional guidance and the confidence to pass your test, David is the person to go to!

Thank you, David, for your excellent teaching and support!
   Saffal Singh 
 15 October 2026

Forklift Driver Salaries & Jobs A Guide 2026

Published: March 24, 2026

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A forklift driver operates forklifts to move and stack goods. In Australia, forklift operators are commonly employed in logistics, manufacturing, and wholesale industries to transport products. Pay varies based on experience, shift work, and the type of forklift used, and most operators must hold a high risk work licence issued by the state regulator.

This guide explains:

What forklift drivers do and where they work
Average forklift driver salaries in Australia and Melbourne
Breaks down forklift pay rates and higher-pay roles
Explains how to get a forklift licence in Victoria
Answers common questions about forklift training and careers

Forklift Operator Role Overview

A forklift operator is a worker who uses a forklift to move heavy goods in workplaces such as warehouses, factories, timber yards, and shipping terminals. Forklift drivers play an important role in supply chains by helping businesses store, load, and transport products safely and efficiently.

In Australia, forklift drivers operate forklifts to move bulk materials, containers, crates, palletised goods and cartons within workplaces.

What Does a Forklift Drive Do?

Forklift operators move and stack goods while following workplace safety rules. Their work helps warehouses and factories keep products organised and ready for delivery.

Common Duties

Typical forklift driver duties include:

Lifting and stacking goods using forklift forks
Moving pallets and materials to storage areas or loading docks
Organising warehouse storage so orders can be picked efficiently
Inspecting forklifts and checking gauges and controls
Reporting equipment damage or mechanical issues
Following workplace traffic management and pedestrian safety rules

Common Workplaces

Forklift operators work in many industries that handle goods and materials.

Major industries employing forklift drivers in Australia include:

Transport, postal and warehousing
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade

These industries rely on forklifts to move products efficiently through supply chains.

Why Forklift Drivers Are Important

They help businesses move goods safely and efficiently. Without trained forklift drivers, warehouses and factories would struggle to store products, load trucks, and deliver orders on time.

Forklift Driver Salary in Australia

Forklift driver pay in Australia generally ranges between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on experience, shift times, and the type of work environment.

Many forklift operators are paid hourly, and earnings can increase through overtime, penalty rates, and specialised roles.

In Melbourne and Victoria, forklift drivers commonly earn around $34-$35 per hour on average.

Average Forklift Driver Salary in Australia

Typical forklift driver earnings include:

Average salary range: $70,000 – $80,000 per year
Median weekly earnings: about $1,340
Median hourly earnings: about $35
Average full-time hours: around 42 hours per week

Actual pay can be higher for workers in night shifts, cold storage warehouses, or high volume distribution centres.

Average Forklift Driver Salary in Melbourne

Forklift driver salaries in Melbourne are similar to national averages.

Typical figures include:

Typical salary range: $70,000 – $75,000 per year
Average salary estimate: about $73,840
Average hourly pay: around $30-$40

Shift penalties and overtime can increase real earnings.

Forklift Driver Pay by Experience Level

Forklift driver pay usually increases with experience and equipment skills.

1. Entry-Level Forklift Driver

Typical pay: $30 – $34 per hour

Common roles include:

Storeperson
Warehouse assistant
Counterbalance forklift operator

These jobs often combine forklift work with picking, packing, and stock handling.

2. Experienced Forklift Operator

Typical pay: $34 – $38 per hour

Common roles include:

Warehouse operator
High-reach forklift driver

These roles often involve pallet stacking and racking in busy distribution centres.

3. Specialised or Shift Forklift Roles

Typical pay: $38 – $43 per hour or more

Examples include:

Cold storage forklift operator
Night shift warehouse operator
Distribution centre forklift driver

Higher pay often comes from shift penalties and specialised environments.

Forklift Driver Salary Bands in Victoria

Typical forklift driver pay bands in Victoria include:

Victorian Pay Band	Typical Roles	Hourly Pay	Approx Per Month	Approx Per Year
Entry / Mixed Duties	Storeperson + forklift	$30-$34	$4,940-$5,599	$59,280-$67,184
Standard Warehouse Operator	High-reach / counterbalance forklift	$34-$38	$5,599-$6,257	$67,184-$75,088
Shift / Specialised Roles	Cold store / night shift	$38-$43	$6,257-$7,081	$75,088-$84,968

Monthly estimates assume 38 ordinary hours per week and exclude overtime and penalties.

Casual Forklift Driver Pay Rate in Victoria

Casual forklift roles are very common in Melbourne warehouses.

Typical casual pay rates include:

$30-$34 per hour – storeperson or forklift roles
$34-$38 per hour – high-reach forklift operators
About $36 per hour – day shift roles
Around $40 per hour – afternoon shifts
$39-$42 per hour – freezer or cold-storage warehouses

Casual workers usually receive a 25% casual loading.

How Forklift Driver Pay Is Structured

Forklift wages often include several components:

Base hourly rate
Casual loading (often 25%)
Shift penalties
Overtime pay
Weekend penalty rates
Allowances for specialised environments

These factors explain why forklift pay varies between workplaces.

Highest Paying Forklift Jobs in Australia

Some forklift roles pay more due to specialised equipment or demanding environments.

High-Reach Forklift Operator

Typical pay: $34-$38+ per hour

Common in large distribution centres.

Cold Storage Forklift Operator

Typical pay: $39-$43 per hour

These roles involve working in freezer warehouses.

Container Yard Forklift Operator

Typical pay: $38-$45 per hour

Often found in freight depots and container yards.

Distribution Centre Shift Operator

Typical pay: $36-$43 per hour

Large logistics warehouses often operate 24-hour shifts.

Skills Needed to Be a Forklift Driver

Successful forklift drivers usually have:

Good spatial awareness
Strong attention to safety procedures
Ability to work in busy warehouse environments
Basic equipment inspection skills
Communication skills for working with warehouse teams

How to Become a Forklift Driver in Victoria

To work as a forklift operator in Victoria you must hold a high risk work licence issued by WorkSafe Victoria.

Basic requirements include:

Be 18 years or older
Complete forklift training
Pass the licence assessment
Apply for the WorkSafe forklift licence

Forklift Licence Types in Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria issues several licence classes.

LF – Forklift Truck Licence

Covers most standard forklifts used in warehouses.

LO – Order-Picking Forklift Licence

Required for forklifts that lift the operator while picking stock.

TV – Telehandler Licence

Used for non-slewing telehandlers over 3 tonnes.

How to Get a Forklift Licence in Victoria

Steps include:

Choose the correct licence class (usually LF)
Complete training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Pass the forklift theory and practical assessment
Apply for the licence within 60 days
Provide identity documents and pay the licence fee

After approval you will receive a digital licence and a plastic card.

How Long a Forklift Licence Lasts

A forklift high risk work licence in Victoria is valid for five years.

You must renew the licence before it expires to continue performing high-risk work.

Building a Forklift Career in Melbourne

Forklift driving can be a stable career because many industries rely on logistics and warehouse workers.

Operators can increase their earnings by:

Learning high-reach forklifts
Working shift or overtime rosters
Moving into large distribution centres
Adding additional high-risk licences

Pros and Cons of a Forklift Driving Career

Advantages

Transferable skills across multiple industries
Strong demand in logistics and warehousing
Shift work and overtime can increase income
Relatively low barrier to entry

Challenges

Forklift work is considered high risk
Operators must stay alert to pedestrians and warehouse traffic
Some workplaces are cold, noisy, or fast-paced

Forklift Licence Cost in Victoria

Forklift training in Victoria usually costs $300 to $600, depending on the training provider.

Typical costs include:

Training Component	Typical Cost
Forklift training course	$300-$500
Assessment	Often included
WorkSafe licence application fee	Separate government fee
Total typical cost	$350-$600

Most forklift training courses take one to two days.

Book Your Forklift Licence Course Today

Resources

Key sources used for pay, duties, and licensing (all accessed March 2026):

SEEK salary insights for forklift driver roles (Melbourne and Australia-wide) and how SEEK compiles salary insights. [39]
Indeed hourly pay benchmarks for forklift operators (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia). [40]
Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for forklift drivers (tasks, industries, median earnings and hours; sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics[41] surveys and census inputs as listed on the profile). [1]
WorkSafe Victoria high risk work licence information (classes LF/LO/TV, how to apply, lodging deadlines, validity period, renewal window, fees, processing/digital licence notes). [30]
WorkSafe Victoria forklift safety guidance (training/competency expectations; legal duties including not permitting unlicensed high-risk work; traffic management separation principle). [42]
Transport Victoria guidance on forklift licensing and when a car licence is required (road/road-related areas). [38]
Safe Work Australia summary guidance on high risk work licences (age requirement, 60-day lodging principle, renewal rules, and “only do HRW you’re licensed for”). [32]
Fair Work Ombudsman text of modern awards used to explain common pay components (casual loading, shift rates, overtime, weekend penalties)—noting that the applicable award depends on the employer/industry/classification. [43]