Forklift Practice Test: 10 Questions with Answers
Ten questions on the forklift rules operators get wrong most often — from how often you are evaluated to what "unattended" means and what to do if the truck starts to tip. Answers are drawn from OSHA 1910.178 and OSHA’s forklift guidance.
Based on: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 · OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool · U.S. DOL 29 CFR 570.58 (Hazardous Occupations Order 7)
Question 1 of 10
How often must a forklift operator’s performance be evaluated?
Question 2 of 10
Which of these triggers refresher training right away?
Question 3 of 10
Can an online course alone make someone an authorized forklift operator?
Question 4 of 10
How often must a forklift be examined before use?
Question 5 of 10
You are driving a loaded forklift down a ramp steeper than 10%. Which way should the load face?
Question 6 of 10
When is a forklift considered "unattended"?
Question 7 of 10
Your load blocks your forward view. What do you do?
Question 8 of 10
What following distance does OSHA give for forklifts traveling behind each other?
Question 9 of 10
Your sit-down counterbalance forklift starts to tip over. What should you do?
Question 10 of 10
What is the minimum age to operate a forklift in non-agricultural work?
Answer key with explanations (spoilers — take the quiz first)
1. How often must a forklift operator’s performance be evaluated?
Answer: At least once every three years
At least once every three years — and sooner when a refresher is triggered. The employer certifies the training and evaluation with names and dates.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii) and (l)(6)
2. Which of these triggers refresher training right away?
Answer: The operator was involved in a near miss
Refresher training is required after unsafe operation is observed, an accident or near miss, a failed evaluation, assignment to a different type of truck, or a workplace change that affects safe operation.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)
3. Can an online course alone make someone an authorized forklift operator?
Answer: No — training must combine formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation in the workplace
OSHA requires formal instruction (which an online course can cover), practical hands-on training, and an evaluation of the operator in the workplace. The employer certifies all three.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii)
4. How often must a forklift be examined before use?
Answer: At least daily, and after each shift if used around the clock
Every day before it is placed in service, and after each shift where trucks run around the clock. A truck with a defect affecting safety is not placed in service.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)
5. You are driving a loaded forklift down a ramp steeper than 10%. Which way should the load face?
Answer: Upgrade — back down the ramp
On grades over 10%, a loaded truck travels with the load upgrade — so going down you reverse. Keep the load tilted back and only as high as needed to clear the surface.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)(i), (iii)
6. When is a forklift considered "unattended"?
Answer: When the operator is 25 ft or more away with the truck in view, or whenever it is out of view
Unattended: 25 ft or more away (even in view), or out of sight at any distance. Then the forks go fully down, controls to neutral, power off, brakes set — and wheels blocked on an incline.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i)–(ii)
7. Your load blocks your forward view. What do you do?
Answer: Travel with the load trailing (drive in reverse), looking in the direction of travel
If the load obstructs your view, travel with the load trailing. Slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and blind spots. Nobody rides on the forks.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(4), (n)(6), (m)(3)
8. What following distance does OSHA give for forklifts traveling behind each other?
Answer: About three truck lengths
Approximately three truck lengths from the truck ahead, with the truck under control at all times. Passing at intersections and blind spots is prohibited.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(1), (n)(3)
9. Your sit-down counterbalance forklift starts to tip over. What should you do?
Answer: Stay in the seat, hold on firmly, brace your feet and lean away from the fall
Do not jump — operators who jump are crushed by the overhead guard or mast. Stay in the seat with the seatbelt on, hold the wheel, brace your feet and lean away from the direction of the tip.
Source: OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool — tip-over guidance
10. What is the minimum age to operate a forklift in non-agricultural work?
Answer: 18
Federal child labor rules list operating a high-lift truck as hazardous work for 16- and 17-year-olds, so the minimum is 18 outside agriculture.
Source: U.S. DOL 29 CFR 570.58 (Hazardous Occupations Order No. 7)
Take it past the quiz
More practice quizzes
This is a practice quiz, not a certification or a qualification. It is scored in your browser, nothing is recorded, and passing it does not satisfy any OSHA training requirement. Answers reflect the cited standards as published; where your employer, site owner or the equipment manufacturer sets a stricter rule, that rule applies.