OSHA Forklift Operator Practice Test 2026: Practice test 2

1. Question 1 of 25

   How is load moment worked out?

   • AHeight plus width
   • BWeight minus the truck's weight
   • CWeight divided by speed
   • DWeight multiplied by distance
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Weight multiplied by distance

   The eTool says load moment equals weight times distance from the pivot point, and it must stay within the rated value.

2. Question 2 of 25

   While you lift a load, the forklift's back wheels begin to lift off the ground. What does this mean?

   • AYou should speed up
   • BThe truck is overloaded and you must not operate it this way
   • CThe load is balanced and you should raise it higher to finish the lift
   • DThe truck is working normally
   Show answer

   Answer: B. The truck is overloaded and you must not operate it this way

   The eTool warns not to operate a forklift if the back wheels begin to lift, because this is a sign of overload.

3. Question 3 of 25

   What is lateral stability?

   • AA truck's resistance to overturning sideways
   • BA truck's top speed
   • CA truck's ability to lift loads high without tipping forward
   • DA truck's braking distance
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A truck's resistance to overturning sideways

   Appendix A defines lateral stability as the truck's resistance to tipping over sideways.

4. Question 4 of 25

   Which actions can shift a moving forklift's center of gravity?

   • AOnly parking
   • BOnly sounding the horn
   • CBraking, cornering, lifting, tilting and lowering loads
   • DOnly turning on the lights and sounding the horn while parked
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Braking, cornering, lifting, tilting and lowering loads

   Appendix A explains dynamic stability: moving, braking, cornering, lifting, tilting and lowering loads all shift the center of gravity.

5. Question 5 of 25

   An attachment such as a sideshifter is fitted to a forklift. What usually happens to its capacity?

   • AIt is usually reduced, and the attachment must be on the nameplate
   • BCapacity always increases
   • CThe nameplate can be removed, because the attachment has its own capacity
   • DCapacity does not change
   Show answer

   Answer: A. It is usually reduced, and the attachment must be on the nameplate

   The eTool says attachments generally reduce capacity, and any special attachment must be listed on the nameplate.

6. Question 6 of 25

   What kind of loads may a forklift handle?

   • ALoads up to twice the rated capacity
   • BLoose loads, if driven slowly
   • CAny load that fits on the forks
   • DOnly stable or safely arranged loads
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Only stable or safely arranged loads

   1910.178(o)(1) says only stable or safely arranged loads shall be handled, because loose or shifting loads can fall or tip the truck.

7. Question 7 of 25

   How heavy a load may a forklift handle?

   • AAny load the engine can lift
   • BAny load, if the counterweight is increased
   • CUp to 10 percent over capacity on flat floors
   • DOnly loads within the truck's rated capacity
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Only loads within the truck's rated capacity

   1910.178(o)(2) says only loads within the rated capacity of the truck shall be handled, as shown on the data plate.

8. Question 8 of 25

   When picking up a load, how far should the forks go under it?

   • AAs far as possible, then tilt the mast back carefully
   • BIt does not matter
   • COnly under one corner
   • DJust a few inches, so the load is easier to set down later
   Show answer

   Answer: A. As far as possible, then tilt the mast back carefully

   1910.178(o)(5) says the load engaging means goes under the load as far as possible and the mast is tilted back carefully to stabilize it.

9. Question 9 of 25

   When is it allowed to tilt the load forward with the forks raised?

   • AAny time you travel
   • BOnly to pick up a load
   • CWhen driving down a ramp
   • DWhen turning a corner
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Only to pick up a load

   1910.178(o)(6) bans tilting forward with the load engaging means elevated, except to pick up a load.

10. Question 10 of 25

    How should a load be placed on the forks?

    • AHanging off the front of the forks
    • BCentered between the forks, with the forks spread to share the weight
    • CPushed to one side of the forks so that you have a better view of the aisle
    • DBalanced on the tip of one fork
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Centered between the forks, with the forks spread to share the weight

    The eTool says to center the weight of the load between the forks and adjust them so the weight is spread evenly.

11. Question 11 of 25

    When should you raise or lower the forks?

    • AWhile going down a ramp, so the load stays level with the floor
    • BWhile turning
    • CWhile driving at full speed
    • DOnly when the forklift is stopped and the brake is set
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Only when the forklift is stopped and the brake is set

    The eTool says not to raise or lower the forks unless the forklift is stopped and the brake is set.

12. Question 12 of 25

    When stacking loads in tiers, where should the heaviest loads go?

    • AIn the middle tier
    • BAnywhere, weight does not matter
    • COn the top tier
    • DOn the bottom tier
    Show answer

    Answer: D. On the bottom tier

    The eTool says to set the heaviest loads on the bottom tier and the lightest on top when high tiering.

13. Question 13 of 25

    You are about to raise a load high. What should you check first?

    • AOverhead clearance
    • BThe radio volume
    • CThe fuel price
    • DThe weather forecast
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Overhead clearance

    The eTool notes that vision is obstructed after the load is raised, so check overhead clearance before raising it.

14. Question 14 of 25

    Should you travel with the load tilted forward?

    • ANo, never travel with the load tilted forward
    • BYes, it gives a better view of the floor in front of you
    • CYes, on flat floors
    • DYes, with light loads
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No, never travel with the load tilted forward

    The eTool says never to travel with the load tilted forward; tilt forward only to pick up or put down a load.

15. Question 15 of 25

    A forklift has an attachment but is not carrying a load. How should it be operated?

    • AAt top speed to save time
    • BWith the forks raised high
    • CAs an empty truck with no limits
    • DAs a partially loaded truck
    Show answer

    Answer: D. As a partially loaded truck

    1910.178(o)(4) says trucks with attachments shall be operated as partially loaded trucks when not handling a load.

16. Question 16 of 25

    What distance should you keep from the truck ahead of you?

    • AAbout three truck lengths
    • BAbout one truck length
    • CAs close as possible
    • DAbout ten truck lengths at all times
    Show answer

    Answer: A. About three truck lengths

    1910.178(n)(1) says to keep a safe distance of about three truck lengths from the truck ahead.

17. Question 17 of 25

    You come to a cross aisle where you cannot see well. What must you do?

    • ARaise the forks to see over
    • BFlash your lights and keep going
    • CSlow down and sound the horn
    • DSpeed up to get through quickly
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Slow down and sound the horn

    1910.178(n)(4) requires the driver to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other places where vision is blocked.

18. Question 18 of 25

    Where may you NOT pass another forklift going the same direction?

    • AIn the outdoor yard with clear view
    • BPassing is never limited
    • COn a long, clear, straight aisle
    • DAt intersections, blind spots or other dangerous places
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At intersections, blind spots or other dangerous places

    1910.178(n)(3) bans passing trucks going the same direction at intersections, blind spots or other dangerous locations.

19. Question 19 of 25

    How should you cross railroad tracks with a forklift?

    • AStraight across at full speed
    • BWith the load raised high
    • CAlong the rails
    • DDiagonally wherever possible
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Diagonally wherever possible

    1910.178(n)(5) says railroad tracks shall be crossed diagonally wherever possible when driving a forklift.

20. Question 20 of 25

    How close to the center of railroad tracks may you park a forklift?

    • ANo closer than 8 feet
    • BNo closer than 1 foot
    • CAnywhere off the rails
    • DNo closer than 2 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No closer than 8 feet

    1910.178(n)(5) says parking closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks is prohibited.

21. Question 21 of 25

    Your load blocks your forward view. How should you travel?

    • AIn reverse, looking in the direction of travel
    • BForward with the load raised high
    • CForward, sounding the horn the whole way so people know
    • DForward, leaning out to the side
    Show answer

    Answer: A. In reverse, looking in the direction of travel

    The eTool says to travel in reverse when the load obstructs your view, and always look in the direction of travel.

22. Question 22 of 25

    You are driving a loaded forklift up a ramp steeper than 10 percent. Which way should the load face?

    • ADowngrade, facing down the ramp
    • BIt does not matter
    • CUpgrade, facing up the ramp
    • DSideways
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Upgrade, facing up the ramp

    1910.178(n)(7) says loaded trucks on grades over 10 percent must be driven with the load upgrade.

23. Question 23 of 25

    How should you drive a loaded forklift down a ramp?

    • AIn reverse, so the load stays on the upgrade side
    • BSideways across the ramp
    • CForward, at higher speed
    • DForward, with the load first
    Show answer

    Answer: A. In reverse, so the load stays on the upgrade side

    The eTool says to drive loaded trucks forward up a ramp and in reverse down a ramp, keeping the load upgrade.

24. Question 24 of 25

    How fast may a forklift be driven?

    • AAlways at exactly 10 mph
    • BAt a speed that lets it be stopped safely under all travel conditions
    • CAs fast as the truck can go
    • DAt any speed the operator likes, as long as the floor is empty and dry
    Show answer

    Answer: B. At a speed that lets it be stopped safely under all travel conditions

    1910.178(n)(8) says the truck must be operated at a speed that lets it be brought to a stop safely under all conditions.

25. Question 25 of 25

    The floor ahead is wet. What must you do?

    • ASlow down
    • BTurn sharply
    • CRaise the forks
    • DSpeed up to get past it
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Slow down

    1910.178(n)(10) says the driver must slow down for wet and slippery floors to keep control of the truck.

Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.

The real test: No OSHA exam. Your employer, or a qualified trainer it uses, evaluates your performance in the workplace and certifies you.