Forklift Theory Test

For so many would-be counterbalance forklift operators, the theory test is the part of forklift training which worries them most. With your essential forklift licence depending on passing the assessment, it’s quite right to be thinking ahead about what the counterbalance forklift theory test might entail.

We get so many queries about the theory assessment we decided to create this guide to explain all the details you need to know plus how to use free practice tests to help you ace the exam. Read on for essential answers to all your questions about the test, pass rate, test length and more.

What is the forklift theory test?

Though counterbalance forklifts are a common feature in businesses across the UK, if you think about the heavy loads they transport plus the two large prongs that front the vehicle, you quickly realise the possible dangers driving one could involve.

That’s why you need a licence to drive a forklift in the UK. To gain certification as a qualified forklift operator you’ll need to take the CPCS forklift training course (A16). The course covers all the theoretical and practical knowledge you’ll need to work as a forklift operator.

The mandatory practices you’ll learn during the course are etched in national legislation and industry regulations so you’ll be assessed before you can gain certification. The forklift assessment involves a theory test and a practical test.

Understandably, it’s the forklift theory test people feel somewhat anxious about. There’s no need to worry, the CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) organise the exam so it’s as accessible and straightforward as possible.

There are also practice tests you can use to revise beforehand. You’ll find an example a little further on in the text.

One thing you do need to do is to make sure you’ve passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the last two years otherwise you won’t be able to take the course. Take a CSCS mock test here.

Here’s what the counterbalance theory test involves:

What’s in the forklift theory test?

The theory test will examine your knowledge of the important regulations, procedures and standards learnt during the course. Both the theory and practical assessments take place on the last day of training so you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the information you’ve learnt and revise anything you’re unsure about.

Learning in each session of the training is rooted in compliance so these are really important facts you need to know.

How long is the forklift theory test?

The forklift theory test lasts for one hour.

How many questions are in the forklift theory test?

The forklift theory test involves 25 questions. 20 are multiple-choice, and the other 5 require a written answer in the form of a sentence.

The pass mark for the theory test is 80%.

You can re-take the theory assessment if you fail but our mock theory tests are here to help you pass first time. Here’s how they work:

What is a mock forklift theory test?

Our mock forklift tests enable you to get real-life experience of what the exam will be like. You’ll get your pass mark at the end of each test and have the chance to answer the same types of multiple-choice questions you’ll be asked in the real examination.

CPCS Forklift Training

If you’re planning to operate an industrial counterbalance forklift truck, you’ll need to take the CPCS Forklift Training Course (A16). The course is designed to ensure you have all the information and skills necessary to keep yourself and others safe whilst driving.

When you complete the course you’ll get the forklift licence you need to drive a counterbalance forklift in the UK.

There are two sets of courses, one for new drivers of counterbalance forklifts and the other for experienced drivers. Both are comprehensive training courses with tests which if passed will qualify you for the CPCS red card.

Here’s all you need to know about the counterbalance forklift training course and what it involves.

What is CPCS forklift training?

Designed to make lifting large pallets of goods easy, counterbalance forklifts are a common feature in lots of businesses. To drive one safely you’ll need to take forklift training because they’re in use in busy environments with lots of other people, valuable goods and large obstacles around.

From construction sites to warehouses and docks, forklifts play an important role in logistics. Without them, the physical tasks of stacking, lifting and transporting goods would take a lot longer. Logistics is a busy part of any business so it’s crucial you can operate your counterbalance forklift efficiently without causing harm or damage.

Counterbalance forklifts are defined by the counterweight at their rear. The counterweight is designed to offset the weight of the heavy load to be lifted.

With long forked arms to navigate and large loads to lift, it’s critical you know what you’re doing! With so many hazards involved, it’s no surprise you have to have a counterbalance forklift licence to legally drive a forklift. In fact, you’ll need to pass a theory and practical test at the end of the course to get your licence.

Here’s all you need to know about the forklift course, tests, cost and more.

Who is counterbalance forklift training for?

Forklift training is for anyone who wants to drive a counterbalance forklift in the UK. Forklift drivers are always in high demand so training is a great investment for future roles. In fact, if you’re a novice carrying out research before applying for a position as a forklift driver, look out for job adverts which offer forklift licence training as part of the role.

What does the counterbalance forklift training course involve?

Not only is forklift training mandatory, it’s also necessary if you change jobs (unless you to stay in the same company), have an accident or are observed to be driving dangerously. For that reason, there are two types of forklift training courses. One for new drivers (Foundation CPCS Forklift Course) and the other for experienced forklift drivers (Intermediate / Experienced  CPCS Forklift Course).

Both levels of courses include all you need to know to drive an industrial forklift safely. You’ll learn the theory that underpins industry requirements and have plenty of time to learn and practice driving a counterbalance forklift.

On the last day, you’ll take the mandatory forklift practical and theory tests. If you’re taking the course for experienced drivers, you’ll only have a theory test.

CPCS cards

Once you pass your forklift tests you’ll get a certificate, CPCS red card which shows you’re a trained industrial forklift operator and registration on the RTITB’S NPORS database. Two years later when your CPCS red card expires, if you’ve completed an NVQ Level 2 by the time of expiry, you should be able to apply for a CPCS blue card.

To ensure forklift operators remain at required national standards, once you get your blue CPCS card you will need to take a forklift refresher course every 3 years to renew your licence.

Essential requirement: It’s essential you’ve taken and passed the CSCS Health, Safety and Environment Test within the last two years to join the forklift course. This requirement refers to the obligatory online test which must be taken to get a CSCS card. If you haven’t taken one or your pass certificate is out of date, you’ll need to sit the CSCS test before you can take this course.

The CPCS forklift course programme

You’ll find the A16 forklift training course very practical and stimulating. You’ll uncover lots of important information about your role and statutory duties with ample time to master the key driving skills necessary to carry out your work as a forklift operator.

Over the duration of the course you’ll learn:

• about the controls and parts of an industrial counterbalance forklift plus the meaning of commonly-used industry jargon relating to forklifts.
• your legal, industry and company responsibilities as a forklift operator.
• about important health and safety legislation which relates to forklifts.
• to follow procedures as set out in the operator’s handbook, legislation, industry regulations, manufacturer’s requirements and other important documentation.
• to explain why certain documents are important for forklift operators.
• how to maintain a safe working environment.
• to carry out accurate checks before and after use following strict procedures.
• the correct protocols for safe lifting and loading.
• how to safely manoeuvre and travel in busy environments.
• how to: lift and remove different types of loads, transfer and place loads in specific locations, extract loads from a vehicle, place loads into a vehicle and more.

What is the forklift training test?

Your forklift test will take place on the final day of the course and is comprised of:

• a 1-hour verbal theory test delivered in the form of an oral question-and-answer session.
• a 70-minute practical counterbalance forklift practical driving test. During the test, you’ll be asked to demonstrate driving skills learnt during the course such as lifting and transporting loads.

The pass rate for the CPCS forklift training tests are:

• 74% for the practical test.
• 90% for the theory test.

These are high pass rates but our free practice CPCS forklift tests are a popular way to revise beforehand.

How much does counterbalance forklift training cost?

For new counterbalance forklift drivers taking the 3-day test, which includes practical and theory training plus tests, the cost for the course will be around £850. For experienced forklift drivers attending the 2-day test, which includes theory training plus practical and theory tests, the cost will be around £700.

Don’t forget the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) has grants available to help with training costs.

How long does CPCS forklift training last?

Understandably, the Foundation CPCS Forklift Course for new drivers lasts a little longer than the intermediate level for experienced ones. This is because the foundation grade includes the teaching of practical skills like manoeuvring with a load, which experienced drivers don’t need.

The Foundation CPCS Forklift Course lasts for 3 – 4 days whilst the Experienced Worker Forklift Course will be completed within 2 days.

Moving from a red CPCS card to a blue CPCS card

The expectation is that you will move from the CPCS red card (officially known as the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card) to the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card after two years so you cannot renew the red CPCS card.

You can however extend your CPCS red card for a further 12 months if you are registered to take the relevant SVQ or NVQ training required for a blue CPCS card. Your existing CPCS Red Trained Operator Card must still be in date for you to be able to get a 12-month extension.

The extension covers you for the time it will take to complete the training so you will need to apply for a blue CPCS card at the end of the 12 months when you have your new NVQ or SVQ qualification.

There is one other option. If your red CPCS card has expired red card but you have a valid CITB health, safety and environment test you may be able to get a two-year extension.

To get the 24-month extension you will need to be registered for a relevant NVQ/ SVQ and have passed the CPCS practical test within six months of the CPCS theory test (and 2 years of the CITB health, safety and environment test). For further information about red card extensions call the CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) on: 0844 815 7274.