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Forklift Theory Test

Mock Tests > Forklift Theory Test

There are 20 questions and and answers in this CPCS forklift theory test. You need to score a minimum of 18 out of 20 to pass. You have 45 minutes to complete the test. Good luck!

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1. Regarding plant, what is the employer's legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act? Give ONE answer
A To ensure it is the most recent model
B To ensure no employee uses it incorrectly
C To keep it freshly painted
D To keep it maintained and safe
Correct Answer: D To keep it maintained and safe
Explanation: Employers are required to keep plant safe and well maintained.
2. As a plant operator, you should aim to work in a way that invites repeat business from your clients. Which of the following is NOT a recommended way of building good working relationships? Give ONE answer
A Comply with the client's Method Statements
B Cooperate with the client's workforce
C Follow safe working practices
D Rush work to finish ahead of schedule
Correct Answer: D Rush work to finish ahead of schedule
Explanation: Working in a safe, cooperative and compliant fashion will foster good working relationships.
3. Forklifts can have a harmful environmental impact when being used. Which THREE of the following are steps an operator can take to minimise this? Give THREE answers
A Do not leave the engine idling
B Do not use it to lift hazardous materials
C Ensure to refuel the correct amount
D Ensure tyres are at the correct pressure
Correct Answer: A Do not leave the engine idling, C Ensure to refuel the correct amount, D Ensure tyres are at the correct pressure
Explanation: Ensure the tyre pressure is correct, do not leave the engine idling, and refuel carefully to avoid fuel spillages.
4. Which THREE of the following safety factors must operators take into account if they will be moving a large load? Give THREE answers
A Are the weather conditions suitable?
B Are there any overhead hazards?
C Is the load properly insured?
D Will a banksman be needed?
Correct Answer: A Are the weather conditions suitable?, B Are there any overhead hazards?, D Will a banksman be needed?
Explanation: Insurance of the load is not a top safety priority when large loads are being transported. Suitable weather, safe direction, and the absence of overhead hazards are.
5. Under what circumstance is it permissible to NOT wear a hard hat whilst operating a forklift? Give ONE answer
A If the operator is in a FOPS-compliant enclosed structure
B If the operator is in an enclosed structure
C If there is no risk of falling materials
D Under no circumstances
Correct Answer: A If the operator is in a FOPS-compliant enclosed structure
Explanation: Hard hats must be worn under most circumstances - one exception is if the operator is in a FOPS-compliant enclosed structure.
6. Why is it important to wear gloves when checking the oil level? Give ONE answer
A Contact between the oil and skin can cause skin problems
B Contact between the oil and skin can contaminate the oil
C Natural oils on the skin will react with the engine oil
D The engine may get hot to the touch
Correct Answer: A Contact between the oil and skin can cause skin problems
Explanation: It is important to wear gloves to avoid contracting skin problems through contact with the oil.
7. Which THREE of the following pieces of information should be included on the rating plate of a forklift? Give THREE answers
A Lift height
B Load capacity
C Load centre distance
D Serial number
Correct Answer: A Lift height, B Load capacity, C Load centre distance
Explanation: The serial number is not required here, but information about the vehicle's loading and lifting capabilities is.
8. You are operating a vehicle with pneumatic tyres, one of which has a deep cut in its sidewall. What risk does this run? Give ONE answer
A Debris could enter the cut, causing damage to the internal mechanism
B Debris could enter the cut, causing harmful gas to escape
C Debris could enter the cut, causing the tyre to rapidly deflate
D Debris could enter the cut, creating an ignition hazard
Correct Answer: C Debris could enter the cut, causing the tyre to rapidly deflate
Explanation: The tyre could rapidly deflate as a result of debris entering and causing the sidewall to fail.
9. Which THREE of the following conditions must a vehicle's mirrors meet? Give THREE answers
A They are UV reflective
B They are clean
C They are correctly adjusted
D They are undamaged
Correct Answer: B They are clean, C They are correctly adjusted, D They are undamaged
Explanation: Mirrors must be clean, properly adjusted, and free from damage.
10. Which TWO of the following measures must be taken when the distance between the counterweight and a structure is less than 600 mm? Give TWO answers
A A warden must be in place
B An exclusion zone must be established
C Signage must be put up
D The entire area must be evacuated
Correct Answer: B An exclusion zone must be established, C Signage must be put up
Explanation: An exclusion zone should be established so other individuals do not enter the hazardous area. This zone must have clear signage.
11. When operating a forklift truck, what is the minimum distance that must be maintained between the vehicle and an open trench? Give ONE answer
A 1.5 metres
B At least as distant as the depth of the trench
C At least as distant as the width of the trench
D Twice as distant as the depth of the trench
Correct Answer: B At least as distant as the depth of the trench
Explanation: Approaching a trench with heavy vehicles can damage the trench structure, and cause collapse. As a rule, maintain a distance from the trench that matches the depth of the trench.
12. An operator's forklift is leaning sideways, and they are attempting to lift a load. This creates various safety risks - which of the following is NOT a problem that could arise? Give ONE answer
A The forks do not engage properly with the pallet
B The load falls
C The operator becomes fatigued
D The truck tips over
Correct Answer: C The operator becomes fatigued
Explanation: An unstable forklift can create instability, and effect engagement with the pallet.
13. You are facing downhill in your vehicle and are about to lift a load. What must you bear in mind? Give ONE answer
A The centre of gravity will shift backwards, and may cause the vehicle to tip
B The centre of gravity will shift downwards, and put additional pressure on the tyres
C The centre of gravity will shift forwards, and may cause the vehicle to tip
D The centre of gravity will shit upwards, and make the vehicle unstable
Correct Answer: C The centre of gravity will shift forwards, and may cause the vehicle to tip
Explanation: If you are operating a forklift truck facing downhill, any loads lifted will shift the vehicle's centre of gravity forwards. This may cause the vehicle to tip.
14. Under the Road Traffic Act, what type and class of licence is required to drive or operate a forklift truck on a public highway? Give ONE answer
A Full UK Category A driving licence
B Full UK Category B driving license
C Full UK Category C Driving License
D Full UK category D driving license
Correct Answer: B Full UK Category B driving license
Explanation: A full UK license of category B is required.
15. At what vehicle weight does the minimum age requirement for operating a forklift truck on a public highway increase from 18 years to 21 years? Give ONE answer
A 7 tonnes
B 7.5 tonnes
C 8 tonnes
D 8.5 tonnes
Correct Answer: B 7.5 tonnes
Explanation: Under these circumstances, operators of a forklift under 7.5 tonnes must be at least 18. If the vehicle is over 7.5 tonnes, this increases to 21 years.
16. Which THREE of the following precautions must be taken when operating a forklift truck in a pedestrianised area? Give THREE answers
A Ensure a warden is in place to direct pedestrians
B Establish and provide signage for a safe pedestrian route
C Put in place a risk assessment and method statement
D Reduce all dust, noise, and fumes where possible
Correct Answer: B Establish and provide signage for a safe pedestrian route, C Put in place a risk assessment and method statement, D Reduce all dust, noise, and fumes where possible
Explanation: To minimise the risk to pedestrians, you must put in place the necessary risk assessment and method statement, minimise all pollutant and harmful substance exposure, and provide a safe route with clear signage.
17. Which TWO of the following will affect the weight of a load? Give TWO answers
A How expensive it is
B Its density
C Its distribution
D Whether it is wet or dry
Correct Answer: B Its density, D Whether it is wet or dry
Explanation: Many factors can affect the weight of a load - including its density, how wet or dry it is, along with its size.
18. The Road Traffic Act applies to forklift trucks used to transport materials between sites if this involves the vehicle driving on a public highway. There is, however, a maximum distance permitted for this journey. What is the maximum distance? Give ONE answer
A 1000 metres
B 1500 metres
C 2000 metres
D 500 metres
Correct Answer: A 1000 metres
Explanation: A forklift truck cannot be driven for more than 1000 metres along a public highway under these regulations.
19. Under what circumstance would a forklift need to be derated? Give ONE answer
A If an attachment is fitted
B If it is defective
C If the load is lighter than the vehicle's rated capacity
D If the operator is in training
Correct Answer: A If an attachment is fitted
Explanation: An attachment, like a drum clamp, will have a lower Safe Working Load (SWL) / rated capacity than the forklift. The forklift must operate according to the SWL of the attachment, rather than its own higher one. This is known as 'derating' the vehicle.
20. Which THREE of the following steps must be taken when loading an uncoupled trailer? Give THREE answers
A Apply the trailer brakes
B Chock the wheels
C Load the area at the front of the trailer first
D Load the area over the rear axle first
Correct Answer: A Apply the trailer brakes, B Chock the wheels, D Load the area over the rear axle first
Explanation: The trailer must be secure, meaning the brake is applied and the wheels chocked. It is best practice to load the rear axle area first.