D1 Reach Truck Certificate Explained: Why ‘D2’ No Longer Exists

If you’re an employer, recruiter, or candidate wondering why every Reach Truck certificate now says “D1” instead of “D2” – you’re not alone. Since 19 January 2026, the Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) merged the D1 and D2 categories for Reach Truck training. D2 hasn’t been replaced with an equivalent – it simply no longer exists.

What Actually Changed

Previously, Reach Truck certification was split by operating height, with D2 covering higher-level work. ABA’s updated Workplace Transport Groupings removed that height-based split from the category structure entirely. All Reach Truck training is now recorded as D1, regardless of the height the operator trained at.

Why a D1 Certificate Alone Doesn't Tell the Full Story

This is where a lot of agencies and employers are getting caught out: removing D2 does not mean every D1-certified operator is automatically competent at every operating height. A D1 certificate confirms an operator completed basic training – it doesn’t replace an assessment of whether that training suits a specific job. What actually matters is the training height recorded on the certificate, such as “up to 8 metres” – not the category letter.

What Employers and Agencies Should Check Instead

The training height recorded on the certificate, not just “D1”
The operator’s real-world experience at the height the job requires
Whether the equipment, racking configuration and site conditions match their training
Whether conversion, Specific Job, or Familiarisation Training is needed before deployment

A Note for Candidates

If you hold a valid D1 Reach Truck certificate, you haven’t lost anything – D1 isn’t a downgrade, it’s the new single category name. If an agency or employer says they need “D2,” send them our short explainer for candidates, or point them to ABA’s own update.

Need a Height Top-Up? We Can Help

4KS’s own Reach Truck course, delivered at our Birmingham and Peterborough centres, trains and certifies operators to 3-8 metres as standard – we don’t hold equipment that goes higher.

If your team needs training beyond 8 metres, we can send an instructor to your premises for Familiarisation or Specific Job Training, using your own equipment. Get in touch or call 0121 294 9395 to discuss what your team needs.