High Risk Work Licence - Order-Picking Forklift (LO)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Order-Picking Forklift (LO) licence is an Australian high-risk work licence for the order picker - a forklift designed so the operator rides on an elevating platform and picks stock at height. It suits warehouse storepersons, distribution centre staff, and anyone whose duties include operating this equipment under supervision or independently. Holding the licence tells an employer you have been assessed against the national competency standard for order-picking forklift operation, covering pre-start checks, load and stability limits, safe travel and stacking, platform work and fall protection, communication in shared traffic areas, and emergency response. The assessment blends knowledge questions with a written or calculation component and a practical test on the machine, so preparation should pair study with hands-on hours under a competent supervisor. Work through the ten topic areas in a logical order - legislation and duty of care first, then hazards and risk controls, machine components and stability, inspections, load charts, operational sequences, platform work, communication, and emergencies - and rehearse the practical routine until it is automatic. Your state or territory work health and safety regulator administers licensing and publishes current fees, application steps and assessment arrangements; check its website for the figures that apply to you. This guide is independent study material and is not affiliated with any regulator or registered training organisation.
What you'll study
About High Risk Work Licence - Order-Picking Forklift (LO) preparation
What does the LO licence actually let me do?
It authorises you to operate an order-picking forklift - a machine where you stand or ride on an elevating platform and pick stock at height. It does not cover counterbalance or reach trucks; those need separate licences, though many operators hold several.
How is the assessment structured?
Expect a knowledge test, a written or calculation component covering load charts and stability, and a practical assessment where you demonstrate pre-start checks, pick-up, travel, stacking and shut-down to the assessor's checklist. The practical section is where most marks are won or lost.
How long is the course and the exam?
Training and assessment durations vary by provider and by your prior experience, and the regulator sets the licensing timelines. There is no single national figure, so confirm current durations and booking requirements directly with your registered training organisation and state or territory regulator.
What score do I need to pass?
Passing requirements are set by the regulator and the assessment instrument rather than being a fixed number you can memorise. All components must be competent, not just the written paper. Check the current requirements with your regulator and training provider before booking.
Can I retake if I fail a section?
Retake and reassessment arrangements depend on your provider and regulator, and typically there is a waiting period or additional fee before you can resit. Ask about the reassessment policy in writing before you enrol so there are no surprises.
What are the most common failure points?
Weak pre-start inspections, missing faults on the checklist, ignoring the load chart or platform capacity, travelling with the platform raised, failing to use fall protection correctly, poor communication at blind corners, and an incomplete shut-down sequence. Practise the full routine, not just the parts you find easy.
What study order works best?
Start with legislation and duty of care, then hazard identification and the hierarchy of control. Move to machine components and stability, inspections, and load charts, since these underpin everything practical. Finish with operational sequences, platform work, communication and emergency response, and revise the load calculations regularly.
Do I need experience before I enrol?
Requirements differ between providers and jurisdictions, and some expect language, literacy and numeracy skills sufficient for load calculations. Confirm the entry requirements with your provider, and be honest about your experience so training hours can be planned properly.
How long is the licence valid?
High-risk work licences are renewed on a cycle set by your state or territory regulator, and renewal usually involves an application and fee rather than a full reassessment. Check your regulator's website for the current validity period and renewal deadlines.