Counterbalance forklift Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration does require drivers using a counterbalanced forklift to have received classroom or lecture style training. They also require that a supervised driving course is completed as well as periodic refresher training. There is no minimum time requirement for the supervised driving or classroom training. Also, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.

Counterbalanced Forklifts
The weight of the counterbalance forklift is used to balance its load using its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but could be lowered and raised to secure and transport cargo. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that drivers who will be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they would be using them.

Classroom Training
Training either lecture style or in a classroom will provide forklift and driver information for the truck you will be operating. Most training would include certain aspects like the weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine as well as any forklift specific safety information like where to stand when walking around the truck. Either oral and/or written testing is part of the classroom training. There is no minimum time requirement for the training.

Supervised Driving
The operator of a forklift will have to learn to drive the equipment while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an environment which resembles the existing environment that the operator works in. This atmosphere must include the kind of terrain she would be traveling on, have similar pedestrian and vehicle traffic nearby, and similar surrounding structures close by also. There is no specific minimum number of hours the operator has to drive while being supervised.