Forklift Theory Test

No. Unlike the DVSA driving theory test there is no single national exam board for forklifts. The theory test is set and marked by your accrediting body, most commonly RTITB, ITSSAR or AITT, as one part of an accredited course that also includes a practical assessment.

Not by law. HSE is explicit that there is no fixed refresher interval and no legal expiry on a certificate of basic training. Re-assessment is triggered by circumstances such as a long gap since last operating, occasional use, unsafe practice or an accident. Many employers set their own three- or five-year refresher policy, but that is company policy, not a legal requirement.

Yes. Training is specific to the type of truck, so moving from a counterbalance to a reach truck needs conversion training. HSE's Approved Code of Practice (L117) sets out three stages: basic training (where the theory test sits), specific job training, and familiarisation on the actual site.

There is no forklift licence as such, but employers need to see evidence of accredited training. Forklift driver / operator: National Careers Service: keep a copy of your forklift training completion certificate for employers. Warehouse operative: Forklift work in warehouses, depots, ports and airports. Construction-site forklift operator: A CSCS card or equivalent is also needed to work on a construction site.

Yes — Forklift Theory Test practice on PassNova is 100% free. There's no paywall and no sign-up needed to start. A free account is optional and only saves your progress and badges.

No. You can start practising Forklift Theory Test instantly with no account, no email and no card. 104 courses are fully free; every Premium question bank has a free 15-question taster.

PassNova has 120 exam-style Forklift Theory Test questions and 4 timed 25-question practice tests, each with a clear explanation, plus topic-by-topic study mode.

Worth knowing before you book: there is no state licensing system for lift truck operators and no legal expiry on a certificate of basic training. HSE is explicit that there is no specific requirement to provide refresher training after set intervals — what triggers re-assessment is the operator and the circumstances, such as a long gap since last driving, occasional use, unsafe practice or an accident. Plenty of employers set three or five years as their own policy, which is sensible, but it is policy rather than law. Training runs in three stages under HSE's ACOP — basic (carried out off the job), specific job, and familiarisation on the actual site — and it is specific to the type of truck, so moving from a counterbalance to a reach truck needs conversion training. Since 2002 new counterbalance, rough-terrain and side-loading trucks must be fitted with an operator restraining system, and where one is fitted it must be used. PassNova's 120 questions cover the operating knowledge; the practical test is taken with an accredited provider. Checked against HSE in August 2026.