Counterbalanced Lift Truck Driver Course in South Africa (F1–F4)
Wheelset Academy's Occupational Certificate: Counterbalanced Lift Truck Driver programme trains learners to inspect equipment, apply health and safety rules, move and position loads, refuel or energise the machine, and shut it down correctly — preparing them for roles in warehousing, logistics, construction, mining and manufacturing.
The course is offered as four separate class enrolments — F1, F2, F3 and F4 — each its own registered Skills Programme sharing the same NQF Level 3 curriculum, 20 credits (9 knowledge, 11 practical), entry requirements and 25-day duration. Delivered in English through classroom, blended online or on-site training from Wheelset Academy's Pretoria and Kempton Park branches.
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F1, F2, F3 and F4: SAQA IDs and fees
Each class is registered as its own Skills Programme with its own SAQA Qualification ID. Curriculum, entry requirements and duration are identical across all four — only the SAQA ID and the published tuition fee differ.
| Class | SAQA Qual ID | Registration fee | POE fee | Tuition fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | SP-220303 | R1,500 | R1,300 | R6,300 |
| F2 | SP-220304 | R1,500 | R1,300 | R7,300 |
| F3 | SP-220305 | R1,500 | R1,300 | R5,500 (R8,300 all-in) |
| F4 | SP-220306 | R1,500 | R1,300 | R9,500 |
A 50% deposit is required to start, with layby/instalment options available.
What the Counterbalanced Lift Truck course covers
Knowledge modules
- Health, Safety, Risk and Legislation
- Environment, Energy, Efficiency and Ethics
- Tools, Equipment and Maintenance
- Principles of Lift Truck Operations
- Principles of Load Recognition and Storage
- Principles of Communication
Practical skills modules
- Inspect work area and personal protective equipment
- Conduct pre-start, operational checks and basic maintenance
- Operate the lift truck by lifting, moving and positioning loads
- Refuel/energise the lift truck in a designated area
- Park, secure and shut down the machine
On successful completion, learners receive a Letter of Competence from Wheelset Academy and, once verified, a Certificate of Competence with a Statement of Results from the QCTO.
Entry requirements
- Minimum NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematical Literacy
- Minimum age 18 years
- Valid South African ID or passport
Verify this programme yourself
Page information reviewed: 22 August 2026.
Confirm with admissions which programme is currently active before applying, since the two are not the same qualification.
Counterbalanced Lift Truck career opportunities
- Forklift Driver
- Counterbalanced Lift Truck Operator
- Warehouse Operator
- Materials Handling Operator
- Logistics Support Operator
- Yard/Dispatch Operator
- Construction Site Materials Handler
Relevant sectors include warehousing, logistics, ports, agriculture, construction, mining support and manufacturing. A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a particular job title, salary or appointment.
Counterbalanced Lift Truck Driver course FAQs
What's the difference between the F1, F2, F3 and F4 classes?
Each is its own registered Skills Programme with its own SAQA Qualification ID and published tuition fee. The knowledge modules, practical skills modules, entry requirements and 25-day duration are identical across all four — ask admissions which class matches the machine or role you'll be working with.
Is this the same as Wheelset Academy's Forklift Training course?
No. This Skills Programme (QCTO 07-QCTO/SDP220825122544) is a separate, distinct qualification from the older Forklift Training course (SAQA US ID 242974, QCTO 07-QCTO/SDP130324103201), which classifies its F1–F4 by load capacity. Confirm with admissions which one is currently being offered.
How long does the course take?
25 days, delivered through classroom, blended online or on-site training in English.
Do I need matric?
No matric is required. Entry is a minimum NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematical Literacy, age 18+, and a valid South African ID or passport.
What will I be qualified to do after completing the course?
You'll be trained to inspect the work area and equipment, conduct pre-start checks, lift, move and position loads safely, refuel or energise the machine, and park, secure and shut it down correctly, applying workplace health and safety requirements throughout.
What certificate do I receive?
A Letter of Competence from Wheelset Academy, followed by a Certificate of Competence with a Statement of Results from the QCTO once verified.
How do I apply?
Contact admissions to confirm current fees for your chosen class and intake dates, then submit your application.
Ready to become a lift truck driver?
Apply for the Counterbalanced Lift Truck Driver course — F1, F2, F3 or F4.