Operating a forklift requires the right training and certification, and one of the most common questions in the materials handling industry is: “Can you drive a reach truck with a counterbalance licence?” While both machines fall under the forklift category, their design, handling, and safety requirements differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial to remain compliant with workplace safety laws and to ensure safe operation.

Understanding the Difference Between a Reach Truck and a Counterbalance Forklift

A counterbalance forklift is the most common forklift type. It has a heavy counterweight at the rear to balance the load lifted at the front. It’s versatile, suited for indoor and outdoor use, and can handle various load sizes.

A reach truck, however, is designed primarily for indoor warehouse operations. It features an extendable mast that “reaches” into storage racks, allowing it to work in much narrower aisles than a counterbalance forklift. While they share the same general principles of load lifting, the operational techniques and controls differ.

Key differences include:

Mast movement: Reach trucks extend and retract the mast; counterbalance forklifts do not.

Turning radius: Reach trucks are designed for tight spaces; counterbalance forklifts require more room.

Load positioning: Reach trucks often lift loads higher than counterbalance forklifts.

Licensing Requirements – Are They Interchangeable?

In many countries, a counterbalance licence alone does not automatically qualify you to operate a reach truck. This is because reach trucks have unique controls, stability considerations, and handling characteristics.

While the basics of forklift theory may be similar, practical operation skills are not fully transferable without additional training.

United Kingdom (UK): Under HSE (Health and Safety Executive) guidelines, operators must receive specific training for each type of truck they use. A counterbalance licence does not cover reach trucks unless reach truck training is included.

Australia: The LF (Forklift Truck Licence) covers most forklift types, but employers must still ensure you are trained for each specific model.

United States: OSHA requires operators to be trained and evaluated for every forklift type they operate — including reach trucks separately from counterbalance forklifts.

How to Get Certified to Drive a Reach Truck

If you already have a counterbalance forklift licence, you may only need conversion training to operate a reach truck. This is usually shorter than a full novice course because you already understand forklift safety fundamentals.

Typical reach truck training includes:

Understanding reach truck components and controls

Safe operation in narrow aisles

Load handling at height

Mast extension and retraction safety

Emergency procedures

Training can take 1–2 days for experienced operators and longer for beginners. Many training providers offer combined courses that allow you to gain multiple truck certifications at once.

Final Answer: Can You Drive It?

If your counterbalance licence includes reach truck training, then yes — you can legally and safely operate one.

If not, you’ll need additional reach truck training and certification to comply with safety regulations and employer requirements.

Even if the law in your country seems flexible, most responsible employers won’t allow you to operate a reach truck without proof of competence.

Bottom line: A counterbalance licence alone usually isn’t enough — you need reach truck-specific training.