High Risk Work Licence - Forklift Truck (LF) exam-day guide
High Risk Work Licence - Forklift Truck (LF) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current photo ID, typically a passport or driver licence. The exact ID requirements vary by state and provider, so confirm with the provider which documents are accepted before test day.
Assessment booking confirmation
Bring your booking confirmation or receipt showing the date, time and location of the practical assessment. Confirm the arrival time with the provider, as it is often earlier than the start time.
Enclosed footwear and suitable clothing
Wear safety boots or fully enclosed non-slip shoes, long trousers and a high-visibility shirt or vest if the provider requires one. Confirm the site's dress code with the provider in advance.
Completed pre-assessment paperwork
Some providers send a pre-assessment questionnaire or enrolment form to complete beforehand. Check whether anything must be printed, signed or brought on the day; confirm with the provider.
Logbook or training record
If your course requires a logbook or record of supervised operating hours, bring it completed and signed. Confirm with the provider whether it must be submitted before the practical test.
Know the assessment format
Ask the provider in advance how the practical is structured, for example a pre-start inspection, a series of operating tasks and a written or verbal knowledge component. Knowing the format reduces day-of surprises.
Plan your travel and arrival
Allow extra time for traffic, parking and site induction. Arriving late can mean being turned away; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy when you book.
Rest and avoid alcohol or drugs
Get a normal night's sleep and do not consume alcohol or any impairing substance before the assessment. Fitness-for-work requirements are strict in high-risk work; confirm the provider's specific policy.
Bring water and a snack
Practical assessments can involve waiting time and physical effort. Bring water and a light snack unless the site prohibits food and drink in the yard.
Notify the provider of any health or mobility issue
If you have a condition that affects your ability to operate safely or to hear instructions, tell the provider beforehand so reasonable arrangements can be discussed. Confirm what is required with the provider.
Leave prohibited items behind
Mobile phones, personal music players and other distractions are commonly restricted in the operating area. Confirm the site's rules on phones and personal items with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read your training notes on pre-start checks, load estimation, stability and pedestrian safety. Practise the routine aloud, naming each check in order, because assessors look for a systematic, spoken routine rather than silent habit.
Confirm the assessment location, arrival time, parking arrangements and what to bring by contacting the provider. Clarify whether the practical includes a knowledge component and whether any logbook must be submitted.
Check that your clothing and footwear meet the site's requirements and that your photo ID is current and undamaged. Replace anything that is worn out or non-compliant.
Do a light review of the highest-risk areas: load centre and capacity, stability triangle or trapezium concepts, working near pedestrians, and parking and shutdown procedure. Stop studying early enough to sleep well.
Prepare your bag: photo ID, booking confirmation, logbook if required, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, water and any signed forms. Lay everything out so the morning is calm.
Avoid heavy physical work or a late night. Fatigue shows in slow reactions and missed checks, which are exactly what assessors watch for.
Eat a proper meal, arrive with time to spare, and complete any sign-in or site induction. Listen carefully to the assessor's briefing and ask clarifying questions before the assessment begins.
Do a personal fitness-for-work check: no alcohol, no impairing medication, no illness that affects alertness. If you are unfit, tell the provider rather than proceeding; confirm their rescheduling policy.
Before starting the machine, complete the pre-start inspection in a logical order and state what you are checking and why. Look for damage, fluid leaks, tyre condition, forks, mast chains, seatbelt, horn, lights and controls.
Operate smoothly and deliberately: seatbelt on, forks low and tilted back while travelling, horn at blind corners, safe speed, constant observation. Narrate key decisions if the assessor invites it.
Follow the site's traffic rules and give pedestrians clear right of way. Stop and shut down safely at the end, lower the forks, apply the parking brake and remove the key as instructed.
If you make a mistake, stay calm, correct it safely and continue. Assessors are judging overall safe competence, not a flawless performance; confirm the provider's marking and re-assessment rules beforehand.
Rules to check
Follow all site safety rules and the assessor's instructions at all times. The assessment site is a live workplace, and unsafe behaviour can end the assessment immediately.
Present valid photo identification on arrival. The accepted forms of ID vary, so confirm with the provider which documents are required.
Arrive by the stated time. Late arrival may mean you cannot be assessed and may affect your fee; confirm the provider's late-arrival and rescheduling policy.
Do not operate the forklift or enter the operating area under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any impairing medication. Declare any fitness-for-work concern before the assessment starts.
Ask the assessor before taking breaks, leaving the area or using a mobile phone. Phone and break rules differ between sites, so confirm with the provider.
Treat the assessment as a demonstration of safe habit: wear your seatbelt, keep forks low, sound the horn and keep a lookout. The assessor is observing your routine, not just the final result.
If you do not understand a task or instruction, ask for clarification. Guessing is more dangerous than asking, and clarification is normally permitted.
Scoring and re-assessment rules are set by the provider and the relevant regulator. Ask in advance how you will be marked, what happens if you do not meet the standard, and what appeals or re-sit options exist.