Forklift operator licence: exam questions with answers

The theory exam for the forklift operator licence is governed by Act No. 124/2006 Coll. and Decree No. 356/2007 Coll. It usually comprises 25 to 30 questions in multiple-choice format.

Key facts about the theory exam:

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

The provider decides what passes: There is no uniform question catalogue throughout Slovakia. The exam questions are based on the topics of operator training under occupational safety rules, but wording and selection vary by provider and region. This means: practising by topic is the safest way to prepare.

The following questions were written independently by the machine and safety experts at Luibl Rental based on the topics 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 operating instructions

Question 1: Which rules govern the training and appointment of forklift drivers?

Answer: Act No. 124/2006 Coll. with Decree No. 356/2007 Coll. and Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll. (work equipment). Both complement each other: Act No. 124/2006 Coll. and Decree No. 356/2007 Coll. govern training and the forklift operator licence, Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll. governs the use of work equipment, its inspections and operating instructions.

Why this matters: The combination of both sets of rules defines all duties of employer and driver. Anyone who knows only one knows only half of the requirements.

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Question 2: Who may operate a forklift at work?

Answer: Only persons who (1) are at least 18 years old, (2) are medically fit, (3) hold the required operator competence (forklift operator licence under Decree No. 356/2007 Coll.) and (4) have been appointed in writing by the employer. The written appointment is a separate duty.

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

Answer: The employer - not the driver. It is recommended to carry out the instruction regularly, document it in writing and have it countersigned by the driver.

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Question 4: What must operating instructions for forklifts contain as a minimum?

Answer: Information on (1) permissible payload and load capacity, (2) traffic routes and speed limits, (3) conduct in the event of malfunctions and accidents, (4) maintenance and refuelling/recharging 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"?

Answer: The load centre is the geometric centre of the load picked up. It determines how far the load weight acts on the mast and the front axle. The further the load centre 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 truck 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 truck 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 front face of the forks and a lift height of 3,000 mm, a maximum of 3,000 kg may be picked up. A greater distance or 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), lift chain, lights, horn and - on electric forklifts - battery charge. The brake test (driving, braking 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 arms. Half-inserted forks lead to uneven 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 that block the forward view, drive in reverse.

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

Answer: Brake 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, as the centre of gravity shifts sideways.

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

Answer: In principle never. Carrying or lifting persons on the forks, on the load or on the mast is prohibited under occupational safety rules - even for short distances. Exception: specially approved, inspected personnel-lifting equipment with written permission.

Traffic rules on site

Question 13: What speed applies in storage areas?

Answer: The permissible speed is set out in the operating instructions. 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: In principle, pedestrians have right of way over industrial trucks. Forklift drivers are obliged to let pedestrians pass, sound the horn in good time and stop if necessary - even on designated 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 seen - use a guide if necessary.

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

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

Forgetting pedestrian right of way: Known intuitively at work, but often not formulated correctly in theory.

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

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

How many questions does the forklift licence exam have?

Usually 25 to 30 questions, depending on the training provider. There is no uniform question catalogue throughout Slovakia - the topics follow from the applicable occupational safety rules. Anyone who understands the topics (rather than just memorising them) is prepared for every wording of the questions.

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 writes its own questions based on the topics set by occupational safety rules. Wording and level of detail vary. Preparing by topic - not for specific question wordings - is therefore the more reliable strategy.

Can I retake the theory exam?

Yes. If you fail the theory exam, you can retake it after a short waiting period (1-4 weeks depending on the provider) without having to repeat the practical exam. Cost of a retake: approx. 30-80 euros.

Once you are qualified, Luibl Rental provides the right machine: forklifts, reach trucks, electric forklifts and telehandlers - available to rent at short notice, with delivery throughout Slovakia and an operator briefing on handover.

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