Annual Forklift Refresher Training Becomes Mandatory in Germany as Employers Hunt for Qualified Drivers

Germany faces a critical shortage of certified forklift drivers amid new DGUV regulation requiring annual full-day refresher courses, with staffing agencies listing hundreds of open positions.

Germany’s industrial sector is grappling with a dual pressure that goes well beyond the warehouse floor: a pressing shortage of certified forklift operators alongside a newly enforced regulation that demands every driver complete a full-day refresher course once a year.

At the start of June, staffing agencies had listed 217 open positions for forklift drivers in the Lemwerder area alone and another 168 in Mainz. Wages typically fall between €15 and €17.75 an hour, and many employers are sweetening the offer with holiday bonuses, Christmas pay and job tickets — a direct response to the tight labor market that has put skilled hands at a premium. New hires are expected to speak German, be ready for shift work, and hold a valid forklift license backed by proven driving experience.

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That license, however, is no longer a one-time ticket. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) is now reminding companies that annual instruction is a legal requirement under DGUV Regulation 68 and DGUV Principle 308-001. The theory portion covers safety rules and accident cause analysis and can partly be delivered online. The practical part, which must be held on-site, includes driving exercises plus visual and functional checks. A certificate and an updated entry in the operator’s permit serve as official proof of compliance. The entire course is designed to fit into a single working day.

Training providers are gearing up. In Meinerzhagen, a combined session is scheduled for June 26. The Fahrerakademie Süd in Ravensburg offers ongoing programs. For companies in Hesse, the regional continuing education database lists specialized courses for industrial trucks with both seated and standing operator positions. In Breitenbach am Herzberg, expert offices from the Fulda region run seminars under the BGV-D27 guidelines. Pricing is typically calculated on a case-by-case basis.

Looking further ahead, the transport sector faces a fresh wave of regulatory changes in 2026. Starting July 1, smart tachographs become mandatory for certain vehicle classes. On November 29, the Euro 7 emissions standard takes effect for new vehicles — for the first time setting limits on tire abrasion and ultra-fine particles. Meanwhile, a pilot project kicked off in North Rhine-Westphalia last month to train security personnel in public transport on de-escalation and conflict management. The goal is to embed certified standards into transport contracts by 2028.