Non-slewing telehandler licence
A licence to operate non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of more than 3 tonnes.
Complete our telehandler survey to help us work out training locations. Your responses will be kept confidential.
Introducing a new non-slewing telehandler licence
Non-slewing telehandlers are used across many industries, including agriculture, construction and warehousing.
Non-slewing telehandlers are a high risk plant that require skills and expertise to operate safely. They also pose significant safety risks to people who use and interact with them.
The existing mobile crane licence training covers skills and knowledge for the safe operation of a non-slewing crane that are transferrable to a non-slewing telehandler. A key focus of the mobile crane training is around the risks of lifting freely suspended loads on a fixed or running hook, which can be done with a non-slewing telehandler by using a hook and jib attachment.
The new licence means people can complete tailored training and get a high risk work licence (HRWL) specific to non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of more than 3 tonnes that are fitted with a range of attachments.
Please note, people who use non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of 3 tonnes or less should be trained and competent in the use of the equipment, but do not need a licence.
When the new licence is available and how to get it
From 1 July 2024, people can do the following:
- Complete specific training for non-slewing telehandlers at an authorised Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as TAFE.
- Pass the assessment.
- Apply for the non-slewing telehandler specific licence.
- Renew the licence every 5 years.
- What does the new licence mean for me?
If you operate non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of more than 3 tonnes, you can now complete tailored non-slewing telehandler training and get a specific non-slewing telehandler HRWL, rather than a full mobile crane licence.
You'll need the new licence if you:
- operate a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity of more than 3 tonnes in Victoria
- do not have a current mobile crane HRWL
You won't need the new licence if you already hold a mobile crane HRWL.
Where a work platform attachment is used, further competency and/or HRWL requirements may apply.
- If I hold a mobile crane HRWL, do I need the new licence?
No, you don't, if you already hold one of these mobile crane HRWL:
- CN - non-slewing mobile crane operation licence
- C2 - slewing mobile crane operation licence (up to 20 tonnes)
- C6 - slewing mobile crane operation licence – (up to 60 tonnes)
- C1 - slewing mobile crane operation licence – (up to 100 tonnes)
- C0 - slewing mobile crane operation licence – (open/over 100 tonnes)
If you’d like more tailored education on telehandler safety and operation, you can complete the new non-slewing telehandler licence training.
Please note, those who just hold the new licence can only operate a non-slewing telehandler, not a non-slewing mobile crane or a slewing telehandler.
- Who needs a non-slewing telehandler licence?
People who want to operate a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity of more than 3 tonnes from 1 July 2024 will need the new licence – unless they have a current mobile crane high risk work licence.
- What training do I need to get the new licence?
To get the new licence, you need to complete the course, Licence to operate a non-slewing telehandler (with a rated capacity greater than 3 tonnes). The course code is 11249NAT.
You can complete the training from 1 July 2024.
There is no prerequisite training required. However, you must be over 18 years of age to be eligible.
- Where can I do the training?
People can complete the training from 1 July 2024. A list of authorised RTOs will be posted on this webpage soon.
- How long will the training take?
Individual RTOs set the training duration and tailor the course content to the participants. The unit of competency lists the course as being 22 hours, or 3 days, including the assessment.
- How much will the training cost?
Individual RTOs set the training cost based on how they deliver it. Please reach out to your local training provider to discuss.
- How much will it cost to apply for the licence?
The cost to apply for the new licence is 4.5 fee units, which is standard for all HRWLs in Victoria.
The Victorian Government sets the fee unit cost each financial year. Based on the 2023-24 fee unit price, this equates to $71.55. Operators will need to renew the licence every 5 years and it’s only applicable in Victoria.
Information on the current high risk work licence cost is available on WorkSafe's Licence types and fees webpage.