• 118 questions

Forklift Test Practice Questions

Unofficial practice that certifies nobody; only an employer's own training and evaluation counts under the federal rule.

See all 118 with answers
How often must each operator's performance be evaluated, at a minimum?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 25 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit.

More options

Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with OSHA or any employer or training provider. Bank checked October 4, 2026.

Spotted a mistake? Report a wrong answer. Every question has this link under its explanation.

Next step CDL pre-trip inspection practice testCDL general knowledge practice test

All 118 questions with answers

Operator training and evaluation 17

  • A condition in the workplace changes in a way that could affect safe operation. What follows under the rule? Answer: Refresher training in relevant topics. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)
  • An operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck. What applies? Answer: Refresher training in relevant topics. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)
  • An operator is involved in a near-miss incident. What does the rule require? Answer: Refresher training in relevant topics. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)
  • An operator was trained in a topic before. When is more training in that topic not required? Answer: When the earlier training fits the truck and conditions and the operator was evaluated and found competent. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(5)
  • Closed environments are a training topic because poor ventilation could cause a buildup of what? Answer: Carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(3)(ii)
  • For an employee hired after December 1, 1999, when must initial training and evaluation be completed? Answer: Before the employee is assigned to operate a truck. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(7)
  • How often must each operator's performance be evaluated, at a minimum? Answer: Once every three years. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii)
Show all 118 questions (111 more)

Operator training and evaluation, continued

  • Operator training must combine formal instruction, practical training and what else? Answer: Evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii)
  • Under the federal rule, who must ensure that each operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely? Answer: The employer. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i)
  • Under what condition may a trainee operate a truck? Answer: Under the direct supervision of people qualified to train and evaluate operators. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(i)
  • What standing does Appendix A on truck stability have? Answer: Non-mandatory guidance. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(8)
  • Which is one of the rule's examples of formal instruction? Answer: Interactive computer learning. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii)
  • Which item must the employer's training certification include? Answer: The date of the evaluation. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6)
  • Which of these is a truck-related training topic in the rule? Answer: Differences between the truck and the automobile. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(3)(i)
  • Which of these is a workplace-related training topic in the rule? Answer: Pedestrian traffic where the vehicle will be operated. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(3)(ii)
  • Who certifies that an operator has been trained and evaluated? Answer: The employer. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6)
  • Who may conduct operator training and evaluation? Answer: People with the knowledge, training and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(iii)

Truck operations and parking 25

  • A highway truck is boarded by lift trucks. What prevents it from rolling? Answer: Brakes set and wheel chocks under the rear wheels. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1)
  • A person is standing in front of a bench. What does the rule say about driving up to them? Answer: Trucks shall not be driven up to them. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(1)
  • A semitrailer is not coupled to a tractor during loading. What may be needed to prevent upending? Answer: Fixed jacks. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(3)
  • A truck in the operator's view counts as unattended when the operator is how far away? Answer: 25 feet or more. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(ii)
  • A user wants to make a modification that affects capacity. What is needed first? Answer: The manufacturer's prior written approval. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4)
  • An unattended truck is parked on an incline. What else is required? Answer: The wheels are blocked. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i)
  • Before a truck is driven onto a trailer, what is checked about the trailer's floor? Answer: Breaks and weakness. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(7)
  • General lighting is below 2 lumens per square foot. What must the truck have? Answer: Auxiliary directional lighting. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(h)(2)
  • May a truck be used to open or close freight doors? Answer: No. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(6)
  • The operator is dismounted, within 25 feet, with the truck in view. Which unattended-truck step is NOT listed for this case? Answer: Shutting off the power. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(iii)
  • The operator walks out of sight of the truck but stays 10 feet away. Is the truck unattended? Answer: Yes, because it is not in the operator's view. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(ii)
  • What does the rule say about riders on a truck? Answer: Unauthorized personnel are not permitted to ride. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(3)
  • What is a load backrest extension for? Answer: To keep the load or part of it from falling rearward. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(10)
  • What is an overhead guard NOT intended to withstand? Answer: The impact of a falling capacity load. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(9)
  • What keeps railroad cars from moving during loading or unloading? Answer: Wheel stops or other recognized positive protection. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(2)
  • What must a high lift rider truck be fitted with, unless operating conditions do not permit? Answer: An overhead guard. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(e)(1)
  • What must be kept from the edge of a ramp or platform on an elevated dock? Answer: A safe distance. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(6)
  • What must there be under overhead lights, pipes and sprinkler systems? Answer: Sufficient headroom. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(8)
  • Where must arms and legs never be placed? Answer: Between the uprights of the mast. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(4)
  • Which of these must be kept clear? Answer: Fire aisles, access to stairways and fire equipment. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(14)
  • Which set of steps does the rule give for a truck left unattended? Answer: Forks fully lowered, controls neutralized, power off, brakes set. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i)
  • Which trucks may be used in hazardous locations? Answer: Only approved industrial trucks. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(11)
  • Which vehicle does this federal section NOT apply to? Answer: A farm vehicle. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(1)
  • Who may stand or pass under the elevated portion of a truck? Answer: No one, whether the truck is loaded or empty. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(2)
  • Who sees that nameplates and markings are in place and legible? Answer: The user. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(6)

Traveling 21

  • About how far does the rule say to stay behind the truck ahead? Answer: Three truck lengths. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(1)
  • At what speed must a truck be operated under all travel conditions? Answer: A speed that lets it be stopped in a safe manner. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(8)
  • Before a dockboard is driven over, what must be true of it? Answer: It is properly secured. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(11)
  • How are grades to be ascended or descended? Answer: Slowly. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)
  • How does the rule describe turning the steering wheel when negotiating turns? Answer: In a smooth, sweeping motion. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(15)
  • How is an elevator entered? Answer: Squarely, after the car is properly leveled. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(12)
  • How must a motorized hand truck enter an elevator or other confined area? Answer: With the load end forward. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(13)
  • How should railroad tracks be crossed? Answer: Diagonally wherever possible. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(5)
  • The load blocks the forward view. How must the driver travel? Answer: With the load trailing. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(4)
  • May you pass another truck going the same way at an intersection or blind spot? Answer: No. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(3)
  • On a grade of more than 10 percent, how is a loaded truck driven? Answer: With the load upgrade. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)(i)
  • On any grade, how high is the load raised? Answer: Only as far as needed to clear the road surface. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)(iii)
  • Once the truck is on an elevator, what is done? Answer: Controls neutralized, power shut off and brakes set. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(12)
  • Parking is prohibited closer than how far from the center of railroad tracks? Answer: 8 feet. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(5)
  • What does the rule say about a dockboard's rated capacity? Answer: It is never exceeded. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(11)
  • What does the rule say about loose objects on the roadway surface? Answer: Running over them shall be avoided. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(14)
  • What does the rule say about stunt driving and horseplay? Answer: They shall not be permitted. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(9)
  • What must the driver do at cross aisles where vision is obstructed? Answer: Slow down and sound the horn. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(4)
  • What must the driver do on wet and slippery floors? Answer: Slow down. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(10)
  • Where must the driver look while traveling? Answer: In the direction of travel, keeping a clear view of the path. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(6)
  • Which vehicles get the right of way from a truck operator under the rule? Answer: Ambulances, fire trucks and other vehicles in emergency situations. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(2)

Loading and tilting 10

  • A truck fitted with an attachment is carrying no load. How is it operated? Answer: As a partially loaded truck. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(4)
  • After the forks are under the load, how is the load stabilized? Answer: The mast is carefully tilted backward. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(5)
  • Tilting forward with the forks elevated is prohibited except for what? Answer: To pick up a load. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(6)
  • Under the rule, how deep beneath the load do the forks go? Answer: As far as possible. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(5)
  • What does the rule say about off-center loads that cannot be centered? Answer: Caution shall be exercised when handling them. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(1)
  • What limit does the rule place on the weight of a load? Answer: It must be within the rated capacity of the truck. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(2)
  • When does the rule call for extreme care in tilting a load? Answer: Particularly when high tiering. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(6)
  • When may an elevated load be tilted forward? Answer: When it is in a deposit position over a rack or stack. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(6)
  • When stacking or tiering, how much backward tilt is used? Answer: Only enough to stabilize the load. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(6)
  • Which loads may be handled? Answer: Only stable or safely arranged loads. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(1)

Inspection, fuel, batteries and repairs 21

  • A defect is found during the examination. What does the rule require? Answer: It is immediately reported and corrected. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)
  • A part of the truck runs hotter than its normal operating temperature and creates a hazard. What follows? Answer: The truck is removed from service until the cause is eliminated. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(9)
  • A truck has a leak in its fuel system. When may it be operated? Answer: Not until the leak has been corrected. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(p)(4)
  • A truck is found to be defective or unsafe. What happens to it? Answer: It is taken out of service until restored to safe operating condition. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1)
  • Before changing or charging a battery, what is done with the truck? Answer: It is properly positioned and the brake applied. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(8)
  • Before repairs to the electrical system, what is done? Answer: The battery is disconnected. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(4)
  • The exhaust system emits hazardous sparks or flames. What must happen? Answer: The vehicle is immediately removed from service. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(8)
  • Fuel is spilled during filling. What must happen before the engine is restarted? Answer: The spill is washed away or fully evaporated and the tank cap replaced. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(p)(3)
  • How often must a truck be examined before being placed in service? Answer: At least daily. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)
  • In what condition must industrial trucks be kept? Answer: Clean, free of lint, excess oil and grease. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(10)
  • May a fuel tank be filled while the engine is running? Answer: No. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(p)(2)
  • Trucks are used around the clock. When are they examined? Answer: After each shift. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)
  • What does the rule say about smoking in the battery charging area? Answer: It is prohibited. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(10)
  • What must never be used to check the electrolyte level in a battery? Answer: An open flame. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(p)(5)
  • What standard must replacement parts meet? Answer: Equivalent as to safety with those in the original design. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(5)
  • When may extra counterweight be added to a fork truck? Answer: Only when approved by the truck manufacturer. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(6)
  • When mixing battery electrolyte, which is poured into which? Answer: Acid is poured into water. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(7)
  • Where are tools and other metallic objects kept during battery work? Answer: Away from the top of uncovered batteries. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(12)
  • Where must battery charging installations be located? Answer: In areas designated for that purpose. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(1)
  • While a battery is charging, why is the battery or compartment cover open? Answer: To dissipate heat. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(9)
  • Who makes repairs to a truck? Answer: Authorized personnel. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(1)

Stability and load center 24

  • A counterbalanced truck has four wheels. How many points support it, according to Appendix A? Answer: Three. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • For a symmetrical load, where is the center of gravity? Answer: At the middle of the load. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • How is grade usually measured? Answer: Feet of rise or fall over a hundred foot horizontal distance. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • How many points of support form the stability triangle? Answer: Three. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • In the appendix example, what is the maximum load-moment of a 3,000 pound truck with a 24-inch load center? Answer: 72,000 inch-pounds. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • In the same example, how much can a 60-inch-long load with a 30-inch load center weigh? Answer: 2,400 pounds. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • The line of action falls within the stability triangle. What does that mean? Answer: The vehicle is stable and will not tip over. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • The load-moment slightly exceeds the vehicle-moment. What happens? Answer: The truck begins to tip forward and steering control is lost. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • Trucks with a capacity of 30,000 pounds or less are normally rated at what load center? Answer: 24 inches. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is a moment, in the appendix's terms? Answer: An object's weight times its distance from a fixed point. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is lateral stability? Answer: A truck's resistance to overturning sideways. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is longitudinal stability? Answer: The truck's resistance to overturning forward or rearward. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is the center of gravity? Answer: The point at which all of an object's weight is concentrated. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is the counterweight for? Answer: To offset the load's weight and resist tipping over. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is the fulcrum? Answer: The truck's axis of rotation when it tips over. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is the load center? Answer: The horizontal distance from the load's edge to the line of action through its center of gravity. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is the track of a truck? Answer: The distance between the wheels on the same axle. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • What is the wheelbase? Answer: The distance between the centerlines of the front and rear wheels. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • When a maximum load must be handled, at what height does the appendix say to carry it? Answer: At the lowest position possible. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • When a truck tips forward, what is its axis of rotation? Answer: The front wheels' points of contact with the pavement. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • Where does the operator check the maximum allowable weight at the rated load center? Answer: On the data plate. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • Where is the steer axle attached to the truck? Answer: By a pivot pin in the axle's center. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • Which factor affects lateral stability? Answer: The height of the load above the surface. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A
  • Which of these creates dynamic forces that shift the center of gravity? Answer: Braking and cornering. Source: 29 CFR 1910.178, Appendix A

How this list was compiled: 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks, with its Appendix A on stability, in the text dated September 30, 2026 Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are our own wording. The federal rule is a U.S. government work in the public domain.

How it works

This unofficial forklift practice test holds 118 questions written from 29 CFR 1910.178, the federal rule on powered industrial trucks, and its stability appendix, read October 4, 2026. Each explanation names its paragraph.

Read the full guide

What the questions cover

Six topics follow the rule: operator training and evaluation, truck operations and parking, traveling, loading and tilting, inspection with fuel, batteries and repairs, and stability with load center. Every explanation names the paragraph it rests on, so the forklift test questions and answers can be checked against the rule itself.

Practice only, with no pass mark

Paragraph (l) of the rule has the employer train, evaluate and certify each operator, and it names no written examination and no pass mark. Exam mode draws 25 questions, which is this site's choice, and shows a score with no pass or fail.

  • Learn the 25 feet line: at that distance, or out of the operator's view, the rule counts a truck as unattended.
  • Work the appendix example by hand: 3,000 pounds at a 24-inch load center is 72,000 inch-pounds.

Questions and answers

Is this a forklift certification test?

No. Under 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6) the employer certifies that each operator has been trained and evaluated. This page is unofficial practice, and it gives no card or certificate.

Are there OSHA forklift test answers?

Not as a government key. 29 CFR 1910.178(l) has the employer train, evaluate and certify each operator and names no government test. Here every explanation gives the rule paragraph its answer comes from.

How often is a forklift operator evaluated?

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii) says each operator's performance is evaluated at least once every three years. Refresher training is required sooner after an accident, a near-miss, unsafe operation, a different type of truck or a workplace change.

What is the stability triangle?

Appendix A to the rule says almost all counterbalanced trucks are supported at three points, even with four wheels. Lines joining those points form the stability triangle, and a truck is stable while its line of action falls inside.

More tests

Show 7 more

Browse Safety and Trades