Forklift Licence Test Questions: Practise with Answers

The theory examination for the driving authorisation for industrial trucks (the forklift licence) follows DGUV Principle 308-001. It usually comprises 25 to 30 questions in multiple-choice format.

Key facts about the theory examination:

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

The provider determines what counts as a pass: there is no nationally uniform question catalogue. The examination questions are based on the topic areas of DGUV Principle 308-001, but their wording and selection are specific to the provider and region. That means: practising by topic area is the most reliable way to prepare.

The following questions were formulated independently by the machinery and safety experts at Luibl Rental on the basis of the topic areas of DGUV Principle 308-001. They serve as preparation – with no claim to being identical to the questions of any particular provider.

Legal Bases and Operating Instructions

Question 1: Which body of rules prescribes the training and authorisation of forklift drivers?

Answer: DGUV Principle 308-001 (formerly BGG 925) and DGUV Regulation 68 (industrial trucks). Both apply in a complementary way: 308-001 governs training and examination, Regulation 68 governs operation, inspection duties and the operating instructions.

Why this matters: the combination of both standards defines all the duties of employer and driver. Anyone who knows only one standard knows only half the requirement.

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Question 2: Who may operate a forklift in the company?

Answer: Only persons who (1) have reached the age of 18, (2) are physically fit, (3) have completed training to DGUV Principle 308-001 and (4) have been authorised in writing by the business owner. The written authorisation is a duty in its own right.

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

Answer: The employer – not the driver. The instruction must be carried out at least once a year, documented in writing and countersigned by the driver.

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

Answer: Details of (1) permissible payload and load capacity, (2) traffic routes and speed limits, (3) behaviour in the event of malfunctions and accidents, (4) care and supply of operating fluids, and (5) prohibitions (for example no carrying of passengers, no travelling 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 load weight acts on the lifting frame and the front axle. The further the load centre is from the fork root, 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 point 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 – for example through an excessive lifting height while 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 at a defined load centre distance and a defined lifting height. A plate reading "3,000 kg / 500 mm / 3,000 mm" means: with a load centre 500 mm from the front edge of the forks and a lifting height of 3,000 mm, a maximum of 3,000 kg may be picked up. A greater distance or a higher lift reduces the permissible load capacity.

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

Answer: Hydraulic oil and brake fluid levels, tyre condition, fork condition (cracks, deformation), lifting chain, lighting, warning horn and – on an electric forklift – the battery charge level. The brake test (drive, brake abruptly) is likewise part of the daily check before the start of the shift.

Picking Up Loads and Driving with a Load

Question 9: How far do the forks have to be inserted when picking up a pallet?

Answer: The forks must be inserted fully under the pallet – that is, right 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 – as a rule 15–30 cm above the ground. The lifting frame is tilted slightly backwards. With bulky loads that block the forward view, the truck must be driven in reverse.

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

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

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Question 12: When is carrying persons on the forks permitted?

Answer: In principle never. Riding on or carrying persons on the forks, on the load or on the lifting frame is prohibited under DGUV Regulation 68 – even for short distances. Exception: specially approved, inspected personnel-carrying platforms with written permission.

Traffic Rules in the Company

Question 13: What speed applies in warehouse areas?

Answer: The permissible speed is laid down in the operating instructions. Typically: walking pace (approx. 4–6 km/h) in narrow aisle areas, a maximum of 10 km/h on clear 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, to sound the horn in good time and to stop if necessary – including on designated forklift routes.

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Question 15: How should you proceed at junctions with restricted visibility?

Answer: Stop, sound the horn, reduce speed to walking pace. When driving through narrow gateways, make sure that oncoming vehicles and persons are identified – deploy a banksman if necessary.

Drawing on the experience of the Luibl rental fleet team and feedback from qualified forklift drivers across Europe, a few recurring sources of error emerge:

Load capacity confused with the tipping limit: load capacity depends on the load centre distance and the lifting height – it is not an absolute figure. Questions about the load capacity plate are therefore frequently answered incorrectly.

Pedestrian right of way forgotten: intuitively familiar in daily operations, but often not formulated correctly in theory.

Wrong party held responsible for instruction: it is always the employer, not the driver, who is responsible for the annual instruction.

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

The full practice series is compiled above by topic area – with explanations rather than just answer letters, so that the reasoning behind each answer is clear.

The set covers:

• Practice questions organised by the topic areas of DGUV Principle 308-001
• Explanations of the correct answer (not just the answer letter)
• An overview of the most common examination mistakes
• A quick reference of the DGUV regulations and sections relevant to the examination

→ Back to the forklift licence guide

How many questions does the forklift licence examination have?

As a rule 25 to 30 questions, depending on the training provider. There is no nationally uniform question catalogue – the topic areas are set by DGUV Principle 308-001. Anyone who understands the topics (rather than just learning them by heart) is prepared for any phrasing of the questions.

How many mistakes am I allowed in the theory examination?

With most providers the pass mark is 70–80 % correct answers, so 5–7 possible mistakes out of 25 questions. The training provider gives the exact limits before the examination.

Are the examination questions the same everywhere?

No. The questions are drawn up by each training provider on the basis of the DGUV topic areas. Wording and level of detail vary. Preparing for topic areas – rather than for specific question phrasings – is therefore the more reliable strategy.

Can I retake the theory examination?

Yes. Anyone who does not pass the theory examination can retake it after a short waiting period (1–4 weeks depending on the provider) without having to sit the practical examination again. Cost of the 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, deliverable throughout Germany and throughout Europe.

→ Rent forklifts from Luibl Rental → Getting the forklift licence – providers and procedure