Forklift Test Questions and Answers

Forklift Theory Test Mock Questions


There are 20 forklift theory test questions and answers. You have 45 minutes to complete the test. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass (90%). Good luck!

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1. Overhead electricity lines are a major electrocution hazard for plant and machinery. For this reason, strict minimum distance requirements must be calculated. Which TWO of the following are used to calculate the minimum distance requirement? Give TWO answers
A The electrical voltage in the line
B The experience of the operator
C The height of the vehicle
D The pylon material
Correct Answer: A The electrical voltage in the line, D The pylon material
Explanation: Minimum distances are calculated by considering the voltage running through the lines, and the hazard created by the pylon itself - wooden pylons and metal pylons will require different minimum distances.
2. Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998, which of the following are requirements that apply to lifting operations? Give THREE answers
A Plant must be certified and tested
B The operation must be properly planned and supervised
C The operator must be properly insured
D The operator must be trained, competent, and authorised
Correct Answer: A Plant must be certified and tested, B The operation must be properly planned and supervised , D The operator must be trained, competent, and authorised
Explanation: Operations must be carried out by suitably trained personnel, on suitably safe equipment, and in a planned and supervised manner.
3. You need to change an LPG cylinder. Which of the following is NOT a precaution you must take? Give ONE answer
A Ensure the valve is closed
B Ensure the valve is open
C Follow the manufacturer's instructions
D Make sure there are no naked flames nearby
Correct Answer: B Ensure the valve is open
Explanation: The valve must not be open when an LPG cylinder is being changed.
4. Forklifts that are driven on flat ground, properly loaded, and at a reasonable speed, may still tip over. Which THREE of the following may cause this? Give THREE answers
A Soft ground
B Unsuitable tyre pressure
C Weight/type of load
D Wind speed
Correct Answer: A Soft ground, B Unsuitable tyre pressure, C Weight/type of load
Explanation: Wind speed is highly unlikely to cause this - but a combination of factors, including tyre pressure, the consistency of the ground, and type of load may all cause a properly operated forklift to tip up.
5. Who sets a forklift's lifting/rated capacity? Give ONE answer
A The insurance provider
B The manufacturer
C The operator
D The site supervisor, during a risk assessment
Correct Answer: B The manufacturer
Explanation: The rated capacity defines the maximum weight that the vehicle can safely lift - this is set by the vehicle manufacturer.
6. Who is responsible for making sure that a load is safe, once it has been placed onto a forklift? Give ONE answer
A The banksman
B The driver
C The loader
D The marshall
Correct Answer: B The driver
Explanation: The driver is responsible for ensuring that the load on their forklift is safe.
7. If you fail to comply with regulations and legislation, you may be prosecuted. Which TWO of the following are possible outcomes of this prosecution? Give TWO answers
A You are found guilty, and may be imprisoned or ordered to pay a fine
B You are found guilty, but are unlikely to face serious consequences such as imprisonment or a fine
C You are likely to be found not guilty even if your actions were proven to violate regulations - your employer is the one who will be held responsible
D You are likely to be found not guilty, if you can prove that you fulfilled all relevant legal requirements
Correct Answer: A You are found guilty, and may be imprisoned or ordered to pay a fine, D You are likely to be found not guilty, if you can prove that you fulfilled all relevant legal requirements
Explanation: If you are found to have violated regulations and legislation, you will face serious consequences such as fines or imprisonment.
8. When measuring out the load centre, where on the forklift should you start from? Give ONE answer
A The back end of the vehicle
B The centre of the front tyre
C The front end of the horizontal tines
D The vertical forks
Correct Answer: D The vertical forks
Explanation: Begin measuring the load centre from the vertical forks.
9. Operators should consult the forklift's Operator's Manual - but which THREE of the following parties may also need to use it? Give THREE answers
A Maintenance staff
B Pedestrians
C Supervisors
D Transporter drivers
Correct Answer: A Maintenance staff, C Supervisors, D Transporter drivers
Explanation: Parties involved in maintaining, transporting, and supervising use of the vehicle may additionally need to consult the manual.
10. You are operating a diesel-powered forklift as part of a project. Why is it important to refuel the vehicle at the end of the day? Give ONE answer
A So that condensation does not build up in the vehicle tank as it cools
B So that harmful gases do not build up in the vehicle tank
C So that it is ready for the next operator to use
D So that oxygen does not react with the fuel overnight
Correct Answer: A So that condensation does not build up in the vehicle tank as it cools
Explanation: Condensation can build up in the empty space of a fuel tank as the vehicle cools down. To avoid this, it should be refuelled before being left overnight.
11. Which THREE of the following questions must be answered when carrying out a battery check? Give THREE answers
A Are there any visible leaks?
B Is the battery cool to the touch?
C Is the battery secure?
D Is the water level correct?
Correct Answer: A Are there any visible leaks?, C Is the battery secure?, D Is the water level correct?
Explanation: Batteries must be secure and not visibly leaking, with the correct water level.
12. Which THREE of the following checks must be carried out on the forks of the vehicle? Give THREE answers
A Are the end stops correctly positioned?
B Are the forks equal and straight?
C Is any damage sufficiently cosmetic to continue working?
D Is there any cracking or wear?
Correct Answer: A Are the end stops correctly positioned?, B Are the forks equal and straight?, D Is there any cracking or wear?
Explanation: It is not suitable to continue working if the forks are damaged.
13. Why is a triplex mast usually preferred over a duplex mast? Give ONE answer
A It allows for maximum lift height
B It can lift heavier loads
C It improves visibility for the operator
D It is safer for pedestrians
Correct Answer: A It allows for maximum lift height
Explanation: A triplex mast can reach greater lift heights than a duplex mast.
14. Forklift operators are considered 'safety-critical' workers. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A Their ill-health could have a critical impact on the safety of the individual or others
B They are entitled to a higher tier of medical insurance
C They carry out work which is critical to the safety of the general public
D They must be particularly careful about complying with regulations and legislation
Correct Answer: A Their ill-health could have a critical impact on the safety of the individual or others
Explanation: Safety-critical workers are those whose ill health could result in especially harmful consequences for themselves or others.
15. What is a risk assessment for? Give ONE answer
A Establishing what kind of medical support is required on site
B Identifying and eliminating all hazards
C Identifying hazards and introducing suitable control measures
D Identifying hazards to be entered into insurance documentation
Correct Answer: C Identifying hazards and introducing suitable control measures
Explanation: Risk assessments are used to identify hazards and decide how to control them.
16. Which of the following describes the MAIN hazard created by the counterweight of a forklift being used in a confined space? Give ONE answer
A Crushing hazard
B Damage to the structure
C Hazardous fumes
D Ignition hazard
Correct Answer: A Crushing hazard
Explanation: The counterweight presents a crushing hazard, as it may move in close proximity to walls or other structural features.
17. You will be driving a forklift across site, over humps - what TWO measures should you take to ensure you do so safely? Give TWO answers
A Drive slowly
B Keep the load as high as possible
C Keep the load as low as possible
D Use a triplex mast
Correct Answer: A Drive slowly, C Keep the load as low as possible
Explanation: Keeping the load low will make sure the load centre does not shift forwards when going over humps - which you should do slowly.
18. Which of the following describes a 'load centre'? Give ONE answer
A The centre of the load
B The distance between the centre of the load and the heels of the lifting forks
C The distance between the tips of the lifting forks and the centre of the load
D The on-site location from which the load is picked up
Correct Answer: B The distance between the centre of the load and the heels of the lifting forks
Explanation: The load centre is the distance between the load's centre and the heels of the lifting forks.
19. You are about to start lifting a load from a loading out rack. Which TWO of the following must you first ensure? Give TWO answers
A That the handbrake is off
B That the handbrake is on
C That transmission is in drive
D That transmission is in neutral
Correct Answer: B That the handbrake is on , D That transmission is in neutral
Explanation: To make sure that the vehicle does not unintentionally move, make sure the handbrake is on and the transmission is in neutral.
20. You notice that the IC engine of your forklift is overheating. Why should you NOT remove the radiator/expansion cap tank? Give ONE answer
A Corrosive liquid may spray out and cause irritation
B Hot liquid may spray out and cause burns
C Hot liquid may spray out and damage the engine
D Oxygen will enter the tank and may cause an explosion
Correct Answer: B Hot liquid may spray out and cause burns
Explanation: The liquid inside is under pressure, and when hot may spray out when the cap is taken off. This can cause burns.