If you’re trying to work out whether you need a licence to operate a telehandler in Victoria, the answer isn’t the same for every machine. It comes down to one number: the rated capacity of the telehandler you’ll be using. Get it wrong and you could end up doing the wrong course, or worse, operating a machine you’re not legally covered for. Here’s exactly how it breaks down.
The Short Answer: It’s All About Rated Capacity
- Telehandler with a rated capacity of 3 tonnes or less: no WorkSafe High Risk Work Licence is required. Your employer must still ensure you’ve been properly trained, and the TSHA Gold Card is the industry-standard way of demonstrating that.
- Telehandler with a rated capacity over 3 tonnes: a WorkSafe TV High Risk Work Licence is legally required, unless you already hold a Mobile Crane High Risk Work Licence.
Check the manufacturer’s data plate on the machine if you’re not sure which category applies, or ask your employer.
Telehandlers Up to 3 Tonnes: The TSHA Gold Card
For lighter telehandlers, there’s no WorkSafe licence to sit. Instead, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), employers have a legal duty of care to make sure operators are properly trained before they get behind the controls. The TSHA Gold Card, issued by the Telescopic Handler Association of Australia (TSHA) and the Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA), is the recognised way of meeting that requirement.
The Gold Card training runs for a single day and covers the Forks (F) attachment as standard, with optional modules for the Crane Jib (J), Earthmoving Bucket (B), and Other attachments (O). Before the practical session, you’ll complete a short Pre-Work Assessment (PWA) covering basic reading and numerical ability.
Telehandlers Over 3 Tonnes: The TV Licence
Once you’re operating a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity over 3 tonnes, you’re into WorkSafe High Risk Work Licence territory. The TV licence is delivered through the 11249NAT Course in Licensing for Non-Slewing Telehandler Operations with a Rated Capacity Over 3 Tonnes, which includes the unit NAT11249001 Licence to operate a non-slewing telehandler (with a rated capacity greater than 3 tonnes).
If you already hold a Mobile Crane High Risk Work Licence (CN, C2, C6, C1, or C0), you don’t need the separate TV licence. You can still complete the TV course if you want telehandler-specific training, but it isn’t a legal requirement in that case.
The TV licence course runs over 3 days and includes both the unit of competency and the WorkSafe licence assessment. Once you pass the licence assessments, you’ll receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA), which you then lodge through the MyWorkSafe portal or at Australia Post to have your physical licence issued.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
Operating a telehandler over 3 tonnes without a valid TV licence (or amobile crane licence) puts both the operator and the employer at risk of breaching their obligations under workplace health and safety law. On the other end of the scale, doing the full TV licence course for a machine that only needs a Gold Card is an unnecessary cost and time investment. Checking the rated capacity before you book is the simplest way to avoid both problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check the rated capacity of my telehandler?
Look at the manufacturer’s data plate on the machine, usually near the operator’s cabin, or check the equipment manual. If you’re still unsure, ask your employer or contact us and we can help.
Can I do the TV licence course even if I only need the Gold Card?
Yes, though it isn’t required. Some operators choose to complete the higher-level training anyway for broader career options.
Does holding a Gold Card help if I move to a bigger machine later?
The Gold Card doesn’t carry over to machines above 3 tonnes. If you move to a heavier telehandler, you’ll need to complete the TV licence course (unless you already hold a relevant mobile crane licence).
Where can I do both courses?
Go Workplace Training delivers the TSHA Gold Card course and the TV licence course from the same Dandenong South facility, so you can train for whichever category applies, or both, with one provider.
Ready to book? Visit our Telehandler Up to 3 Tonnes – TSHA Gold Card Course page or our Telehandler Over 3 Tonnes – TV Licence Course page for upcoming dates and enrolment.