Victoria’s telehandler licence rules have changed. Operators can now apply for a specific High Risk Work licence for non-slewing telehandlers over 3 tonnes, instead of relying only on a mobile crane licence pathway. And if you’re wondering what licence you now need to drive a telehandler, it depends on the machine, its rated capacity, whether it slews, and the attachment being used.
WorkSafe Victoria introduced the non-slewing telehandler operation licence, class TV, from 1 July 2024. It applies to non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of more than 3 tonnes.
What changed with the telehandler licence in Victoria
Before the new licence was introduced, many Victorian operators using a non-slewing telehandler over 3 tonnes needed a mobile crane High Risk Work licence, often the CN licence for non-slewing mobile crane operation.
The change is that operators now have a more specific option: the TV licence for non-slewing telehandler operation over 3 tonnes. WorkSafe Victoria says this licence lets people complete training specific to non-slewing telehandlers, rather than completing full mobile crane licence training when their work is limited to telehandler operation.
Looking for dates? View the CTI telehandler course calendar.
What licence do I need to drive a telehandler in Victoria?
The telehandler licence requirements depend on the telehandler type and setup. The machine’s rated capacity is especially important. WorkSafe defines rated capacity as the maximum load the telehandler can lift with fork arms fitted and the boom fully retracted. This can be checked on the machine plate or manufacturer’s manual.
Non-slewing telehandlers over 3 tonnes
If you operate a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity of more than 3 tonnes in Victoria, you need a suitable High Risk Work licence.
That may be one of these classes:
- TV: Non-slewing telehandler operation over 3 tonnes
- CN: Non-slewing mobile crane operation
- C2, C6, C1 or C0: Slewing mobile crane operation, depending on capacity
So, if you already hold a current CN licence or a suitable slewing mobile crane licence, you do not need the new TV licence just to operate a non-slewing telehandler. But if you don’t hold one of those mobile crane licences, the new telehandler licence Victoria pathway may be the more relevant option.
There is a limit to keep in mind. A TV licence only covers non-slewing telehandler operation. It does not let you operate a non-slewing mobile crane or a slewing telehandler.
Non-slewing telehandlers 3 tonnes or less
A non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity of 3 tonnes or less does not need a specific High Risk Work licence in Victoria.
That does not mean anyone can jump on and start work. WorkSafe still says employers must provide information, instruction, training and supervision so operators can use the telehandler safely.
For many worksites, that means keeping clear records of training and making sure the operator has been shown the machine, the attachment and the site risks.
Slewing telehandlers
A slewing telehandler is treated differently. If the telehandler can slew, the operator needs a slewing mobile crane High Risk Work licence based on the machine’s rated capacity.
Depending on the telehandler, that may be C2, C6, C1 or C0. A TV licence is not enough for a slewing telehandler.
Telehandlers with a work platform
A work platform attachment can add another licence requirement.
For a telehandler fitted with a boom-type elevating work platform, WorkSafe says the licence depends on the telescopic boom length. If the boom length is 11 metres or more, the operator must hold a WP licence in addition to the relevant High Risk Work licence for the telehandler’s rated capacity.
The attachment does not replace the need to check the base telehandler requirement. You need to look at both.
Why the CN licence is no longer the only path
The CN licence is still valid for non-slewing telehandler operation over 3 tonnes. It also remains broader than the new TV licence, because CN is a non-slewing mobile crane operation licence.
But the new telehandler ticket gives workers a course designed around telehandler use.
The difference is:
- Choose the TV licence if you only need to operate non-slewing telehandlers over 3 tonnes
- Choose the CN licence if you need non-slewing mobile crane operation as well
- Choose a suitable C2, C6, C1 or C0 pathway if the machine slews
For employers, this can help with booking the right training for the work being done. It may also help avoid over-training someone for work they will not be doing, or under-training someone for plant they are expected to use.
How the new telehandler ticket works
To apply for the new TV licence, you need to complete the approved training and assessment for Licence to Operate a Non-Slewing Telehandler with a Rated Capacity Greater Than 3 Tonnes.
There is no prerequisite training required, but you must be over 18 to be eligible. The course duration is 3 days, including assessment.
After you pass the assessment, you apply for the licence through WorkSafe. You must lodge your licence application with your assessment results within 60 calendar days. If you miss that window, you need to complete the assessment again at your own cost.
What employers should check before booking training
The new rules are easier to follow when you start with the actual work. The licence should match the machine, the attachment and the task.
Before booking training, check:
- The telehandler’s rated capacity
- Whether the telehandler is non-slewing or slewing
- Whether a work platform attachment will be used
- The boom length if a work platform is fitted
- Whether the operator already holds CN, C2, C6, C1 or C0
It is also worth checking whether the operator needs site-specific instruction on the model they will use. A licence confirms a formal class of competency. It does not remove the employer’s duty to give information, instruction, training and supervision for the work being done.
How to choose the right telehandler licence pathway
The choice will often come down to future work.
If your work is limited to a non-slewing telehandler over 3 tonnes, the TV telehandler licence is likely the most direct pathway. If you also need to operate a non-slewing mobile crane, the CN licence may still make sense. If the machine slews, you need to look at the relevant slewing mobile crane class instead.
For employers, it may help to group operators by actual plant use. Some workers may only need the new non-slewing telehandler pathway. Others may need crane classes because their role covers broader lifting work.
Book telehandler training with CTI
If you are unsure which telehandler ticket applies, speak to CTI before booking. Tell us what machine you use, its rated capacity, whether it slews, and what attachments are fitted. We can help you understand the training pathway that fits the work.
Frequently asked questions about the telehandler licence
Is the new TV telehandler licence valid outside Victoria?
The new TV licence is only applicable in Victoria. If you work across state borders, check the rules in the state or territory where the work will happen before you book training or operate plant.
Do I need both a TV licence and a CN licence?
No, not for non-slewing telehandler operation over 3 tonnes. Operators with a current mobile crane High Risk Work licence, including CN, do not need the new non-slewing telehandler licence for that work.
Does a forklift licence cover telehandler operation in Victoria?
A forklift licence should not be treated as a telehandler licence. Telehandlers have different operating risks, capacities and attachment setups, so the required licence depends on the telehandler type, rated capacity and how it is being used.
How long do I have to apply after passing the assessment?
For High Risk Work licence applications, you must lodge your application with your assessment results within 60 calendar days. If you miss that deadline, you need to complete the assessment again.
