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How to Get a Forklift License

Contributor
By Pamela Gardapee
eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

Before you drive a forklift, you need to have a license, or both you your employer could have trouble with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if an accident occurs. Getting a forklift license to operate in a work environment requires learning all the rules about operating a forklift, as well as the rules that apply to everyone who moves any type of load with the lift truck. You will also need to be licensed for the different forklifts. The license covers the stand-up forklift and the sit-down lift truck. You will also be tested on both a gas and electric sit-down forklift.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Stand-up forklift training Sit-down forklift training (for both gas and electric)

    How to Get a Forklift License

  1. Step 1

    Obtaining a forklift license requires you to pass a written exam, which asks you questions about typical challenges you might encounter when driving a forklift. You must pass this test before you take the physical part of the testing.

  2. Step 2

    Testing for the sit-down and stand-up forklift begins with the inspection. You will have to check the battery cables, horn, forks and the overall condition of the electric lift. With the gas lift, you will have to safely remove and replace the gas canister on the lift and check the horn and the forks.

  3. Step 3

    Testing is then done for operating the forklift. You will be tested on backing up. You need to beep the horn, look behind you to make sure the way is clear, and then beep your horn again and back up. At intersections, you need to slow down to a stop, beep your horn and proceed with caution.

  4. Step 4

    Moving loads up and down ramps is the next process. You must keep the load tilted slightly downward when going up the ramp and tilted slightly upward when going down the lift.

  5. Step 5

    Moving loads unto a truck is the next step of the testing. The first thing you must do is check the truck tires to make sure that they have wheel chalks in front of the tires. Then you will move a load onto the truck and take the load off the truck.

  6. Step 6

    Removing loads from racks is the last step in the testing. You must know how each lift is operated when removing a pallet and loading pallets into the racks. You will learn this in the classroom. After you pass the physical test, you will be given a certificate or license to operate a forklift.

Tips & Warnings
  • Some companies have on-site testing. If you have a license from a community class, it is valid at any place that you work. Some on-site licenses are only valid for that company.
  • Always use the horn on the forklifts. This is the one thing that will cause you to fail the test.
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