There are 20 forklift theory test questions in this assessment. You need to score 18 out of 20 to pass and have 45 minutes to complete the test. You may review answers after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!
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Contents
About the forklift test
Forklift trucks are frequently used in a range of different environments. They enable workers to safely and efficiently transport heavy goods from one location to another. These types of vehicles can manoeuvre in and around tight spaces, lift and carry a range of different building materials, and support the delivery intake process. Therefore, they are essential to the successful operation of any construction site.
There are two main classifications of forklift vehicles; the counterbalance and reach truck. Counterbalance forklifts are typically used to handle pallets, as their forks are ideal for gripping wooden slats. Therefore, you’ll often see these types of vehicles used by retail workers, as they easily facilitate the movement of bulk volumes of stock. Although reach trucks are unable to lift as much weight as their counterbalance equivalent, this vehicle is perfect for accessing goods stored in high-level racking.
To obtain your forklift truck license, you’ll need to pass several assessments. One of these assessments is the forklift theory test. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you’ll need to know about this important examination. This will involve providing information on the format of the assessment, the specific content covered, and any associated costs.
Take our mock forklift theory test
Above, you can sit a mock forklift theory test. This will enable you to gain an accurate insight into the types of questions you’ll be asked in the actual exam.
Sitting a mock test is widely perceived as one of the most effective ways to prepare for an assessment. Not only does it enable you to assess how knowledgeable you currently are, it also allows you to prepare for the emotions you’re likely to encounter on your test day. By taking your mock forklift theory test under exam conditions – completing within the required timeframe, not referring to any revision notes, and being away from your peers – it’s likely you’ll experience some of the feelings you’ll have when you come to sit your actual exam. Of course, it’s impossible to perfectly re-create the pressure you’ll feel when sitting an assessment. However, taking a mock test is the closest you’ll come to doing this.
What topics are included in the forklift theory test?
The test is designed to assess whether the candidate has the required knowledge to competently and safely operate a forklift truck. It focuses on the theoretical principles of driving a forklift vehicle and the safety protocols and regulations that the driver must comply with.
In the notes below, we’ve provided details of the content covered in the forklift theory test:
Load Handling
You’ll be asked how you would safely secure goods to the forklift’s forks, and ensure loads do not exceed the truck’s weight capacity. Drivers need to check that there is no risk of falling objects at any stage, from the point of accessing goods to delivery at the drop-off destination. To do this, drivers must have a good understanding of basic stability principles and remain vigilant throughout the entire transportation process.
Thanks to their impressive manoeuvrability and streamlined shape, forklift trucks are used to travel through narrow corridors and access materials located in tight spaces. Therefore, you’ll need to demonstrate you are aware of how to safely navigate this vehicle in enclosed areas.
Hazard perception
Forklift truck drivers must always be aware of what’s happening around them, and identify any developing hazards. As well as ensuring any routes you take are clear of obstruction (whether that be object or person), you must consider a range of other potential risks. This includes (but is not limited to) navigating uneven ground surfaces, carrying bulky or oddly-shaped loads, weather/climate conditions, and the experience level of supporting colleagues (in some cases, you’ll need a ‘spotter’ to act as your eyes and ears when driving the truck).
Emergency procedures
In the unfortunate event of an accident or other serious incident occurring whilst in operation of the forklift truck, you’ll need to respond by following a strict set of emergency procedures. As a forklift driver, you’ll be expected to know how to safely disengage and disembark the vehicle. You may also be trained to attend to an individual with an injury or remove any specific nearby hazards.
Cab dashboard
You’ll need to demonstrate that you understand the functions of all levers and controls present in a forklift cab. This will involve articulating which instruments are used to support specific activities, such as forklift extension, lifting, and offloading.
Servicing the vehicle
It’s essential that forklift drivers conduct routine maintenance checks on their vehicle, and address minor faults and defects as a result. You’ll need to be aware of what type of things to look out for when carrying out these inspections, and the equipment you may need when resolving any issues.
What is the structure and format of the forklift theory test?
The forklift theory tests consists of 25 questions in total. It includes 20 multiple-choice questions and five ‘open-ended’ questions. Each of these open-ended questions requires a written response. To pass this assessment, you’ll need to score 80% (20 out of 25) or higher.
You will have one hour to complete the test. This affords you an average of just over two minutes per question to provide your answers. Please note that you’ll need more time to provide written responses than to answer the multiple-choice questions. Therefore, you should adjust your planned time spent on each question accordingly.
Some candidates fall into the trap of assuming multiple-choice questions are easier to answer – don’t let this be you! Although one of the four answers presented will be correct, this doesn’t always necessarily provide a helping hand. Many multiple-choice questions require you to make calculations, use logic, or apply a theoretical principle. Therefore, these questions are often far from straightforward!
You’ll likely take your forklift theory test in an assessment centre. Make sure you turn up to your test venue in plenty of time, as this will enable you to settle in and compose yourself before commencing your assessment.
How do I book a forklift theory test?
The vast majority of candidates will take the forklift theory test at the end of a training course. This course will usually be the CPCS Forklift Training (A16), but other similar learning modules are available. Please note that the CPCS (Construction Plant Certification Scheme) is the regulatory body of the United Kingdom’s plant sector. They are empowered to produce testing criteria, which are used to assess the practical skills and technical knowledge of native plant sector workers.
Before booking yourself onto a course, you should check it is being facilitated by a reputable learning provider. Furthermore, you should check that the assessments they provide have been issued by a legitimate certification body. This will ensure that the content covered aligns with recognized industry standards. One of the most commonly used certification bodies is the RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board). The RTITB are the UK’s leading provider of workplace transport training accreditation.
The theory test is taken in conjunction with a practical assessment. You’ll need to successfully navigate both exams to pass this course. Providing you pass, you’ll be issued a CPCS-trained operator (red) card. On the reverse of this card, you’ll see the description ‘Industrial Forklift Truck (A16)’ written. This description is otherwise referred to as a category. The CPCS uses categories to classify different plant-related disciplines. You can add any category to your CPCS card, but you must complete all required learning modules to do so. Having the category ‘Industrial Forklift Truck (A16)’ on the reverse of your card indicates you’ve received the necessary training to compliantly operate a forklift truck.
The CSCS test
N.B. The qualifying criterion for a CPCS-trained operator card states that you must pass the CSCS test. This assessment is sometimes referred to as the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test. However, as you’ll need to have passed this assessment to attend the CPCS Forklift Training (A16) course, you’ll have already met this requirement.
Selecting the right course
If you have limited or zero experience in driving forklift trucks, you’ll need to take the foundation version of this course. This typically lasts three days and explores every aspect of this discipline. However, if you’ve been driving a forklift truck for some time, we would encourage you to attend the condensed two-day module. As delegates already have a reasonable level of knowledge, this course skips over some of the basic content covered in the foundation training sessions.
How much does attending the CPCS Forklift Training (A16) course cost?
Course costs vary significantly depending on the learning provider you choose. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the cost of your forklift theory test will be included in the overall price of your course. Given the amount of tutoring involved, the two-day course is typically cheaper than the extended version targeted at novices.
The average price for the two-day course is approximately £700-£800. Alternatively, you’ll have to pay around £850-£1,000 to attend the three-day module.
Take our mock forklift theory test
Now it’s time for you to have a go at taking our mock forklift theory test! Remember, taking a mock test is arguably the best way to prepare for an assessment. Make sure you observe exam conditions whilst you provide your responses. This will enable you to get a true measure of your current level of knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, it should give you a decent insight into how nervous you may feel on your test day.