Forklift licence exam questions: practice with answers

The theory exam for the forklift operator licence follows applicable Czech safety rules and CSN EN standards. It usually comprises 25 to 30 questions in multiple-choice format.

Key facts about the theory exam:

• Number of questions: 25-30 (depending on the provider)
• Time limit: 45-60 minutes
• Pass mark: 70-80 % correct answers (depending on the provider)
• Format: multiple choice, 1 or 2 correct answers per question

The provider decides what counts as a pass: There is no uniform national question catalogue. The exam questions are based on the topic areas of forklift operator training under applicable Czech safety rules, but differ in wording and selection by provider and region. This means: practising by topic area is the most reliable way to prepare.

The following questions were formulated independently by the machine and safety experts at Luibl Rental on the basis of the topic areas of forklift operator training. They are intended for preparation - with no claim to be identical to the questions of any particular provider.

Legal basis and local operating rules

Question 1: Which regulations govern the training and authorisation of forklift drivers?

Answer: Occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.) and Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., supplemented by CSN EN standards. The two regulations complement each other: the occupational safety rules govern the employer's obligations, including operator competence, while Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. governs safe operation, periodic inspections and the local operating rules.

Why this matters: The combination of both regulations defines all obligations of employer and driver. Anyone who knows only one regulation knows only half of the requirements.

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Question 2: Who may drive a forklift in the workplace?

Answer: Only persons who (1) have reached the age of 18, (2) are medically fit, (3) have completed forklift operator training in line with applicable Czech safety rules and (4) have been authorised in writing by the employer. Written authorisation is a separate step.

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Question 3: Who is responsible for the regular training of the forklift driver?

Answer: The employer - not the driver. The training is recommended to be carried out regularly, documented in writing and countersigned by the driver.

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Question 4: What should the local operating rules for forklifts contain as a minimum?

Answer: Information on (1) permissible payload and load capacity, (2) traffic routes and speed limits, (3) procedure in the event of malfunctions and accidents, (4) maintenance and refilling of operating fluids and (5) prohibitions (e.g. no carrying of persons, no driving with a raised load).

Design and stability of the forklift

Question 5: What is meant by the "load centre of gravity"?

Answer: The load centre of gravity is the geometric centre of the load picked up. It determines how far the weight of the load acts on the mast and the front axle. The further the load centre of gravity is from the fork heel, the greater the tipping moment - and the lower the permissible load capacity.

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Question 6: What is the stability triangle of a counterbalance forklift?

Answer: The stability triangle is formed by the contact points of the two front wheels and the centre of the rear axle (not the rear wheels). As long as the combined centre of gravity of vehicle and load lies within this triangle, the forklift is stable. If the centre of gravity leaves the triangle - e.g. due to excessive lift height when cornering - the vehicle tips over.

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Question 7: What does the load capacity plate on the forklift mean?

Answer: The load capacity plate states the maximum load capacity at a defined load centre distance and a defined lift height. A plate reading "3,000 kg / 500 mm / 3,000 mm" means: with a load centre 500 mm from the fork face and a lift height of 3,000 mm, a maximum of 3,000 kg may be picked up. A greater distance or a higher lift height reduces the permissible load capacity.

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Question 8: What must be checked during the daily visual inspection?

Answer: Hydraulic oil and brake fluid levels, tyre condition, fork condition (cracks, deformation), lifting chain, lights, horn and - on an electric forklift - the battery charge level. The brake test (drive off, brake sharply) is also part of the daily check before the start of the shift.

Picking up loads and driving with a load

Question 9: How far must the forks be inserted when picking up a pallet?

Answer: The forks must be inserted fully under the pallet - i.e. up to the fork heels. Only then does the load rest evenly on both fork tines. Half-inserted forks lead to one-sided loading and an increased risk of tipping.

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Question 10: How should a load be positioned when travelling?

Answer: As low as possible - usually 15-30 cm above the ground. The mast is tilted slightly backwards. With bulky loads without a clear forward view, drive in reverse.

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Question 11: What must be observed when cornering with a raised load?

Answer: Slow down before the bend, drive through the bend at walking pace, lower the load to the travel position. Cornering with a raised load considerably increases the risk of tipping, because the centre of gravity shifts sideways.

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Question 12: When is it permitted to carry persons on the forks?

Answer: Never, as a matter of principle. Carrying persons on the forks, on the load or on the mast is prohibited under occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.) - even over short distances. Exception: specially approved and inspected personnel lifting equipment with written permission.

Traffic rules in the workplace

Question 13: What speed applies in storage areas?

Answer: The permissible speed is set out in the local operating rules. Typically: walking pace (approx. 4-6 km/h) in narrow aisles, a maximum of 10 km/h on open routes. In areas with pedestrian traffic, walking pace always applies.

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Question 14: Who has right of way - pedestrians or forklifts?

Answer: As a matter of principle, pedestrians have right of way over forklifts. Forklift drivers must let pedestrians pass, sound the horn in good time and stop if necessary - even on marked forklift routes.

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Question 15: How should you proceed at blind junctions?

Answer: Stop, sound the horn, reduce speed to walking pace. When driving through narrow gates, make sure that oncoming vehicles and persons are recognised - use an accompanying person if necessary.

The experience of the Luibl rental fleet team and feedback from qualified forklift drivers across Europe reveal a number of recurring sources of error:

Confusing load capacity with the tipping limit: Load capacity depends on the load centre distance and the lift height - it is not an absolute value. Questions about the load capacity plate are therefore often answered incorrectly.

Forgetting pedestrian right of way: Intuitively known in practice, often not formulated correctly in theory.

Wrong responsibility for training: It is always the employer, not the driver, who is responsible for regular training.

Stability triangle described incorrectly: The three points (two front wheels + centre of the rear axle, not the rear wheels) are frequently confused.

How many questions does the forklift licence exam have?

Usually 25 to 30 questions, depending on the training provider. There is no uniform national question catalogue - the topic areas are based on applicable Czech safety rules. Anyone who understands the topics (rather than just memorising them) is prepared for every way a question can be worded.

How many mistakes am I allowed in the theory exam?

The pass mark at most providers is 70-80 % correct answers, i.e. 5-7 possible mistakes with 25 questions. The training provider will tell you the exact limits before the exam.

Are the exam questions the same everywhere?

No. Each training provider compiles its own questions based on the topic areas under occupational safety rules. Wording and level of detail vary. Preparing by topic area - not by specific question wording - is therefore the more reliable strategy.

Can I retake the theory exam?

Yes. Anyone who fails the theory exam can retake it after a short waiting period (1-4 weeks depending on the provider) without having to repeat the practical exam. Cost of the retake: depends on the provider.

Once you are qualified, Luibl Rental provides the right machine: forklifts, reach trucks, electric forklifts and telehandlers - available to rent at short notice, delivered by low-loader from Passau throughout the Czech Republic.

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