Question 1

When traveling with a load on a level surface, the forks should be raised approximately:

Accepted Answer

Keeping the forks low (4-6 inches) keeps the center of gravity low and reduces the risk of tipping or the load hitting overhead obstacles.

Question 2

If the load you are carrying blocks your forward view, you are required to:

Accepted Answer

OSHA 1910.178(n)(4) states that if the load obstructs the forward view, the driver shall travel with the load trailing.

Question 3

When approaching a blind intersection, you must:

Accepted Answer

Operators are required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed.

Question 4

Forklifts steer from the rear axle. This causes the rear end to:

Accepted Answer

Rear-wheel steering allows tight turns but causes the counterweight to swing out wide. Operators must watch the rear clearance.

Question 5

When following another lift truck, the safe following distance is:

Accepted Answer

OSHA requires maintaining a safe distance of approximately three truck lengths from the truck ahead.

Question 6

When crossing railroad tracks, you should drive:

Accepted Answer

Crossing diagonally prevents the wheels from dropping into the gap between rails and reduces the shock to the load.

Question 7

Sudden starts and stops can cause:

Accepted Answer

Inertia from sudden stops can cause the load to slide off forks or the forklift's center of gravity to shift dangerously forward.

Question 8

While traveling, the mast should be:

Accepted Answer

Tilting the mast back secures the load against the backrest and shifts the center of gravity rearward for stability.

Question 9

What is the maximum safe speed for operating a forklift?

Accepted Answer

OSHA does not set a specific mph limit. The speed must be safe for the specific conditions (floor traction, pedestrians, load stability).

Question 10

If you are driving an empty forklift on a ramp (grade), you should travel:

Accepted Answer

When EMPTY, the heavy counterweight is the center of mass. The counterweight should be uphill. So, travel with forks facing downhill (forward down, reverse up).

Question 11

When approaching a loading dock edge, you should:

Accepted Answer

A safe distance must be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms to prevent the wheels from sliding off.

Question 12

Before driving over a dockboard or bridge plate, you must ensure:

Accepted Answer

Dockboards must be anchored or pinned to prevent them from shooting out under the wheels of the forklift.

Question 13

When steering a forklift in reverse, the steering is:

Accepted Answer

Steering wheels at the 'rear' (which are leading when reversing) make the truck react very quickly to steering inputs. Over-steering is a common hazard.

Question 14

Running over loose dunnage (wood scraps, plastic) causes:

Accepted Answer

Loose debris can shift under the tires, causing sudden jolts to the steering wheel or sliding.

Question 15

When parking the forklift, you must:

Accepted Answer

Forks must be fully lowered to remove tripping hazards and relieve hydraulic pressure.

Question 16

If you encounter a wet or slippery floor:

Accepted Answer

Traction is reduced on wet floors. Speed must be reduced to prevent skidding or tipping during turns.

Question 17

Turning sharply at high speed is the primary cause of:

Accepted Answer

Centrifugal force pushes the center of gravity sideways. If it exits the stability triangle, the truck tips over sideways.

Question 18

When carrying a wide load:

Accepted Answer

Wide loads are harder to maneuver through aisles. You must watch clearances on both sides and account for tail swing.

Question 19

You are driving a sit-down forklift. You must always look:

Accepted Answer

OSHA requires the operator to look in the direction of, and keep a clear view of, the path of travel.

Question 20

Before driving into a truck trailer, you must verify that:

Accepted Answer

Trailer floors can collapse under the concentrated weight of a forklift. Check the rating and condition.

Question 21

Driving with the load raised high is:

Accepted Answer

A raised load raises the Center of Gravity drastically, making the truck extremely unstable. Travel with load lowered.

Question 22

If a tall load obscures your vision and you cannot drive in reverse (e.g., going up a ramp), you should:

Accepted Answer

If vision is blocked and you must travel forward (like up a ramp), a spotter is required to guide you.

Question 23

When maneuvering in a tight aisle, you should:

Accepted Answer

In tight aisles, the rear counterweight swing often hits racks or products opposite the turn.

Question 24

Under what conditions can you pass another forklift?

Accepted Answer

Passing is prohibited at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations.

Question 25

Stunt driving and horseplay are:

Accepted Answer

OSHA 1910.178(n)(9) explicitly prohibits stunt driving and horseplay.

Question 26

When entering an elevator, you should:

Accepted Answer

Approach elevators squarely to center the weight. Once inside, neutralize controls and shut off power.

Question 27

Using the 'inching pedal' (clutch/brake) allows you to:

Accepted Answer

The inching pedal disengages the transmission, allowing high engine RPM for fast hydraulic lifting while moving slowly or stopped.

Question 28

What surface condition requires the most caution?

Accepted Answer

Slippery or loose surfaces reduce traction and braking ability, increasing the risk of accidents.

Question 29

When transporting a cylindrical load (like a drum) without a special attachment, you should:

Accepted Answer

Unsecured round loads can roll off easily. They must be strapped or choked.

Question 30

If you drive over a pothole, the forklift may:

Accepted Answer

A sudden dip on one side shifts the Center of Gravity rapidly sideways, often causing a tip-over.

Question 31

When traveling outdoors on dirt or gravel, you generally need:

Accepted Answer

Pneumatic tires provide the traction and ground clearance needed for rough or outdoor surfaces.

Question 32

To prevent 'bottoming out' on a ramp, you should:

Accepted Answer

Low-clearance forklifts can get stuck (high-centered) at the top of a steep ramp.

Question 33

When operating in reverse, you should:

Accepted Answer

Mirrors have blind spots. Physical observation is required.

Question 34

If a dock plate is not available, can you use loose steel plates?

Accepted Answer

Improvised plates can slide out. Dockboards must be designed for the load and secured.

Question 35

When turning into an aisle, it is best to:

Accepted Answer

Because of tail swing and the pivot point, squaring the turn (turning late) helps center the truck in the new aisle without hitting the corner.

Traveling & Maneuvering Practice Questions

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