Forklift exam prep

Forklift Certification Test: The Inspection and Operating Checklist, Step by Step

The pre-use inspection and operating check, in the order the evaluator runs them.

2026-10-15 · 10 min read

How the forklift test works

OSHA requires a forklift operator to be trained and evaluated before they drive, and again at least every three years. The test has two parts: a pre-use inspection of the truck, and an operating check where the evaluator watches you pick up, travel with, and set down a load.

The list has 7 sections and 123 steps in total. 63 of those steps are must-say items: the evaluator has to hear you name them. The inspection is split by truck type, because the checks for a gas, propane or diesel truck differ from an electric one.

  • The inspection is done with the engine or power off first, then on, and it is the same list you run before every shift.
  • The operating check is the same for both truck types: pick up, travel, set down, and park.
  • Say what you are checking and what you find, out loud, because the evaluator scores what they hear and see.

The forklift test checklist, section by section

Below is the whole approved list, in the order most evaluators run it, split by gas, propane or diesel versus electric. Open a section to see its steps. The steps marked Must say are the ones the evaluator has to hear.

Work one section at a time until it comes out without the page, then run the inspection the same way you will on the day: engine off, then on, then the operating check.

Pre-use inspection, engine or power off (visual checks): gas, propane, or diesel truck23 steps - 6 must-say

Say each check out loud, the way you would for the person evaluating you. Steps marked "Must say" are OSHA rules. This is practice: only your employer's in-person evaluation counts for OSHA.

  1. I inspect the truck before I use it, at least once a day. If it runs around the clock, it gets checked after every shift.
    must say
  2. I look under and around the truck for hydraulic oil leaks.
  3. I look for fuel, engine oil, and coolant leaks.
  4. If I find a leak in the fuel system, I do not run the truck until it is fixed.
    must say
  5. I check the tires for pressure, cuts, gouges, missing chunks, or rubber pulling away from the rim.
  6. I check the forks for cracks, bends, or wear, and I check the top clip retaining pin and the heel.
  7. I look at the mast, lift chains, hydraulic hoses, cylinders, and stops for damage, kinks, or leaks. I never reach into the mast; I use a stick to check chain tension.
  8. I check that the overhead guard is in place.
    must say
  9. I check the overhead guard for broken welds, missing bolts, or other damage.
  10. I check that the load backrest extension and finger guards are attached.
  11. I check that the nameplate and all markings and warning decals are in place and readable.
    must say
  12. I check that the nameplate matches the truck's model, serial number, and attachments.
  13. I check that the operator's manual is on the truck and readable, and that the operator area is free of grease and debris.
  14. I check the hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
  15. I check the engine oil and the coolant. I never take the radiator cap off when the engine is hot or running; I stand to the side, turn my face away, and use a glove or rag.
  16. I check that the hood latch is fastened.
  17. I check the engine belts and the air cleaner.
  18. If the truck runs on propane, I check that the tank is mounted right, with the locating pin in and the relief valve pointing up. I check the tank for dents, cracks, or rust, and that the hose is not frayed or kinked and the connector is tight. I wear a face shield, long sleeves, and gauntlet gloves to check it. If I smell propane, I close the tank valve and report it.
  19. I check the battery water level and charge.
  20. I never use an open flame to check the battery water or the fuel level.
    must say
  21. I check that the seat belt works smoothly.
  22. If anything is wrong, I do not use the truck. I take it out of service and report it right away. Only authorized people make repairs.
    must say
  23. I write the problem down on the inspection log.

Source: OSHA forklift standard, 29 CFR 1910.178; OSHA sample daily forklift checklists; OSHA forklift eTool, pre-operation

Pre-use inspection, engine or power off (visual checks): electric truck19 steps - 5 must-say

Say each check out loud, the way you would for the person evaluating you. Steps marked "Must say" are OSHA rules. This is practice: only your employer's in-person evaluation counts for OSHA.

  1. I inspect the truck before I use it, at least once a day. If it runs around the clock, it gets checked after every shift.
    must say
  2. I look under and around the truck for hydraulic oil leaks.
  3. I check the tires for pressure, cuts, gouges, missing chunks, or rubber pulling away from the rim.
  4. I check the forks for cracks, bends, or wear, and I check the top clip retaining pin and the heel.
  5. I look at the mast, lift chains, hydraulic hoses, cylinders, and stops for damage, kinks, or leaks. I never reach into the mast; I use a stick to check chain tension.
  6. I check that the overhead guard is in place.
    must say
  7. I check the overhead guard for broken welds, missing bolts, or other damage.
  8. I check that the load backrest extension and finger guards are attached.
  9. I check that the nameplate and all markings and warning decals are in place and readable.
    must say
  10. I check that the nameplate matches the truck's model, serial number, and attachments.
  11. I check that the operator's manual is on the truck and readable, and that the operator area is free of grease and debris.
  12. I check the hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
  13. I check that the hood latch is fastened.
  14. I check the battery water level and charge.
  15. I check for battery leaks, that the cell caps and terminal covers are on, that no battery cables or connectors are frayed, and that the battery restraint is fastened. I wear a face shield, rubber apron, and rubber gloves to check the electrolyte.
  16. I never use an open flame to check the battery water or the fuel level.
    must say
  17. I check that the seat belt works smoothly.
  18. If anything is wrong, I do not use the truck. I take it out of service and report it right away. Only authorized people make repairs.
    must say
  19. I write the problem down on the inspection log.

Source: OSHA forklift standard, 29 CFR 1910.178; OSHA sample daily forklift checklists; OSHA forklift eTool, pre-operation

Pre-use inspection, engine or power on (operational checks): gas, propane, or diesel truck18 steps - 3 must-say

Say each check out loud, the way you would for the person evaluating you. Steps marked "Must say" are OSHA rules. This is practice: only your employer's in-person evaluation counts for OSHA.

  1. I listen for unusual noises or vibration. If I hear any, I report it right away.
  2. I check that the hour meter and instrument monitors work.
  3. I check that the oil pressure, ammeter, temperature, and fuel gauges work.
  4. I check that the accelerator and the inch control, if it has one, work smoothly.
  5. I check that the service brake works smoothly. If the pedal goes to the floor, the brakes are bad. I check that the brakes also work in reverse.
  6. I set the parking brake and check that the truck does not move.
  7. I check that the steering works smoothly, without too much free play. If it has power steering, I check that the pump works.
  8. I check that forward and reverse both work smoothly.
  9. I check that tilt forward and tilt back both work smoothly.
  10. I raise and lower the forks and check that they move smoothly, with no hesitation.
  11. I check that any attachment, like a side shift, works with no hesitation or extra oil on the cylinders.
  12. I check that the horn works.
  13. I check that the lights work, and the back-up alarm if the truck has one.
  14. If the truck has a safety seat (operator presence switch), I check that it works.
  15. If the truck has a cab, I check that the heater, defroster, and wipers work.
  16. If any part is running hotter than normal, I take the truck out of service until the cause is fixed.
    must say
  17. If the exhaust gives off sparks or flames, I take the truck out of service right away.
    must say
  18. If any control does not work right, I park the truck, take it out of service, and report it. I do not drive a truck that is unsafe.
    must say

Source: OSHA sample daily forklift checklists; OSHA forklift eTool, pre-operation; OSHA forklift standard, 29 CFR 1910.178

Pre-use inspection, engine or power on (operational checks): electric truck16 steps - 2 must-say

Say each check out loud, the way you would for the person evaluating you. Steps marked "Must say" are OSHA rules. This is practice: only your employer's in-person evaluation counts for OSHA.

  1. I listen for unusual noises or vibration. If I hear any, I report it right away.
  2. I check that the hour meter and instrument monitors work.
  3. I check that the battery discharge indicator works.
  4. I check that the accelerator and the inch control, if it has one, work smoothly.
  5. I check that the service brake works smoothly. If the pedal goes to the floor, the brakes are bad. I check that the brakes also work in reverse.
  6. I set the parking brake and check that the truck does not move.
  7. I check that the steering works smoothly, without too much free play. If it has power steering, I check that the pump works.
  8. I check that forward and reverse both work smoothly.
  9. I check that tilt forward and tilt back both work smoothly.
  10. I raise and lower the forks and check that they move smoothly, with no hesitation.
  11. I check that any attachment, like a side shift, works with no hesitation or extra oil on the cylinders.
  12. I check that the horn works.
  13. I check that the lights work, and the back-up alarm if the truck has one.
  14. If the truck has a safety seat (operator presence switch), I check that it works.
  15. If any part is running hotter than normal, I take the truck out of service until the cause is fixed.
    must say
  16. If any control does not work right, I park the truck, take it out of service, and report it. I do not drive a truck that is unsafe.
    must say

Source: OSHA sample daily forklift checklists; OSHA forklift eTool, pre-operation; OSHA forklift standard, 29 CFR 1910.178

Picking up, traveling with, and setting down a load24 steps - 24 must-say

Say each check out loud, the way you would for the person evaluating you. Steps marked "Must say" are OSHA rules. This is practice: only your employer's in-person evaluation counts for OSHA.

  1. I only lift loads within the truck's rated capacity on the nameplate.
    must say
  2. I only handle loads that are stable and safely stacked. I take extra care with an off-center load, and I adjust long or high loads that can affect capacity.
    must say
  3. I put the forks under the load as far as they go, then tilt the mast back carefully to steady it.
    must say
  4. I use the load backrest extension whenever part of the load could fall back toward me.
    must say
  5. I only tilt forward with the forks raised to pick up a load, or when the load is over the rack or stack where I am setting it down. When stacking, I use only enough back tilt to keep the load steady.
    must say
  6. I follow all traffic rules and the plant speed limit, keep the truck under control, and drive at a speed where I can stop safely.
    must say
  7. I look where I am going and keep a clear view of my path.
    must say
  8. If the load blocks my view ahead, I drive with the load trailing (in reverse).
    must say
  9. I slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and anywhere I cannot see around.
    must say
  10. I stay about three truck lengths behind the truck ahead of me.
    must say
  11. I do not pass another truck going my way at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous spots.
    must say
  12. I slow down for turns and turn the wheel in a smooth, even motion.
    must say
  13. I slow down on wet or slippery floors.
    must say
  14. I give the right of way to ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles.
    must say
  15. I go up and down ramps slowly. On a grade over 10 percent with a load, I keep the load on the uphill side, going up or down.
    must say
  16. On any ramp, I tilt the load back if I can, and raise it only high enough to clear the surface.
    must say
  17. I never drive up to a person standing in front of a bench, wall, or other fixed object.
    must say
  18. I never let anyone stand or walk under the raised forks or load, whether the truck is loaded or empty.
    must say
  19. I never let anyone ride on the truck unless riding is authorized and there is a safe place to ride.
    must say
  20. I keep my arms and legs inside the truck, never between the mast uprights or outside the truck's edges.
    must say
  21. On a dock or platform, I stay a safe distance from the edge. I never use the forklift to open or close freight doors.
    must say
  22. Before I drive into a trailer, I make sure its brakes are set and its wheels are chocked, and I check the trailer floor for breaks or weak spots.
    must say
  23. I make sure the dockboard is secured before I drive over it. I cross it slowly and carefully and never go over its rated capacity.
    must say
  24. I cross railroad tracks at an angle (diagonally) wherever I can.
    must say

Source: OSHA forklift standard, 29 CFR 1910.178

Parking and leaving the truck: gas, propane, or diesel truck12 steps - 12 must-say

Say each check out loud, the way you would for the person evaluating you. Steps marked "Must say" are OSHA rules. This is practice: only your employer's in-person evaluation counts for OSHA.

  1. I keep fire aisles, stairways, and fire equipment clear at all times, including where I park.
    must say
  2. I never park closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks.
    must say
  3. I lower the forks all the way to the floor.
    must say
  4. I put the controls in neutral.
    must say
  5. I set the brakes.
    must say
  6. I shut off the power.
    must say
  7. If I am parked on an incline, I block the wheels.
    must say
  8. I know the truck is unattended when I am 25 feet or more away, even if I can see it, or any time I cannot see it. Then I make sure the forks are down, the controls are in neutral, the power is off, and the brakes are set.
    must say
  9. If I get off but stay within 25 feet and can see the truck, I still lower the forks, put the controls in neutral, and set the brakes.
    must say
  10. On a freight elevator, I wait until it is level, drive on slowly and straight, then put the controls in neutral, shut off the power, and set the brakes.
    must say
  11. I shut off the engine before filling the fuel tank and avoid spills. I clean up any spill and put the fuel cap back on before I restart.
    must say
  12. When I find a problem, I report it right away.
    must say

Source: OSHA forklift standard, 29 CFR 1910.178

Parking and leaving the truck: electric truck11 steps - 11 must-say

Say each check out loud, the way you would for the person evaluating you. Steps marked "Must say" are OSHA rules. This is practice: only your employer's in-person evaluation counts for OSHA.

  1. I keep fire aisles, stairways, and fire equipment clear at all times, including where I park.
    must say
  2. I never park closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks.
    must say
  3. I lower the forks all the way to the floor.
    must say
  4. I put the controls in neutral.
    must say
  5. I set the brakes.
    must say
  6. I shut off the power.
    must say
  7. If I am parked on an incline, I block the wheels.
    must say
  8. I know the truck is unattended when I am 25 feet or more away, even if I can see it, or any time I cannot see it. Then I make sure the forks are down, the controls are in neutral, the power is off, and the brakes are set.
    must say
  9. If I get off but stay within 25 feet and can see the truck, I still lower the forks, put the controls in neutral, and set the brakes.
    must say
  10. On a freight elevator, I wait until it is level, drive on slowly and straight, then put the controls in neutral, shut off the power, and set the brakes.
    must say
  11. When I find a problem, I report it right away.
    must say

Source: OSHA forklift standard, 29 CFR 1910.178

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Gas, propane or diesel versus electric

The pre-use inspection differs by what powers the truck, so the list shows both. The differences are mostly under the hood and the power source:

  • Gas, propane or diesel: check the fuel level, the engine oil, the coolant, and look for fuel or oil leaks before you start.
  • Electric: check the battery, the charge level, and the battery connections, and look for corrosion or acid leaks.
  • Both: check the forks, the mast, the tires, the horn, the lights, and the seat belt, and never run a truck with a leak in the fuel or hydraulic system.

The steps the evaluator has to hear

Across the 7 sections, 63 steps are must-say items. They cluster around the same places: the daily inspection, and the load-handling and parking rules that keep the operator and the people around them safe.

  • The daily inspection itself, said out loud, before you touch the truck.
  • The leak checks: a fuel-system or hydraulic leak is a do-not-run item.
  • The load rules: never travel with the load raised, and never lift more than the truck is rated for.
  • The parking rules: forks lowered to the ground, parking brake set, and the truck left where it cannot roll.

Practice saying the checklist out loud

Reading the list is the easy half. The test is speaking it: naming each check and saying the result, in order, without the page.

The exam prep practice tool listens while you speak the checklist, marks the steps you said against this same list, and shows the section you missed. Two scored runs on the forklift check are free.

Forklift certification and training money

Forklift certification is employer-run: your employer or a training provider trains and evaluates you, and the certification stays with the employer, not a state board. Many employers pay for the training, and WIOA grants can cover a forklift course for people who qualify.

The step-by-step version is in the forklift certification guide linked below.

Next step

Practice the steps out loud

Part of the guide: AI interview practice app: what it scores, plans and free guides

Frequently asked questions

Is there an official forklift license?

No. OSHA requires training and evaluation by the employer, but there is no state-issued forklift license. The certification you get stays with the employer, and you re-evaluate every three years.

What is on the forklift test?

A pre-use inspection (engine or power off, then on) and an operating check: pick up, travel with, and set down a load, then park. The list has 7 sections and 123 steps, with 63 must-say items.

How often do I need forklift certification?

OSHA requires evaluation before you operate and again at least every three years, plus retraining after an accident, a near miss, or a change in the truck or the workplace.

What fails the forklift test automatically?

A fuel-system or hydraulic leak that you run the truck with, traveling with the load raised, or parking with the forks raised and no parking brake. The must-say items on this page are the ones the evaluator has to hear.

Is the forklift test the same for electric and gas trucks?

The operating check is the same. The pre-use inspection differs under the hood: gas, propane or diesel trucks check fuel, oil and coolant, while electric trucks check the battery, charge and connections. Both are on this page.

Can I practice the forklift test without a truck?

Yes. The part being scored is remembering the checks and saying them in order, and you can practise that anywhere. The exam prep tool scores your spoken run against this list and shows the section you missed.

For individuals

Practice it out loud until it's automatic

The exam prep tool listens while you speak the steps, scores what you named against this list, and shows the part you missed. Two scored runs on the forklift inspection and operating check are free, then Exam Prep Practice unlocks unlimited runs: $4.99 for 7 days, $9.99 for 30 days, or $14.99 until you pass.

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Last updated: 2026-10-15