Can You Fail a Forklift Licence? Understanding the Assessment Process
Getting your forklift licence isn’t guaranteed – and yes, you might be wondering, can you fail a forklift licence? Whether you’re getting forklift training for the first time or wondering what happens if things don’t go according to plan, understanding the assessment process and potential pitfalls can save you time, money, and career setbacks.
The reality is that failure rates vary significantly based on preparation levels, with unprepared candidates facing the highest risk of not achieving a satisfactory assessment. But failing doesn’t mean the end of your forklift operator aspirations. The system provides opportunities for reassessment, additional training and course adjustments to help you pass and get your high risk work licence.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about forklift licence assessments, from why people fail to how you can avoid being one of the statistics.
We deliver training for the nationally recognised units:
TLILIC0003– Licence to operate a forklift truck
TLILIC0004– Licence to operate an order picking forklift truck
Can You Fail a Forklift Licence Assessment?
Yes, you can fail a forklift licence assessment if you don’t meet the required standards in either the theory or practical components. The assessment process isn’t a formality – it’s a tough test to ensure forklift operators can do high risk work safely in warehouses and industrial environments.
Failure rates are high when candidates are unprepared or lack sufficient training. While specific statistics aren’t published by registered training organisations, industry experts say both the Unit of Competency (UOC) assessments and SafeWork NSW assessments can result in failure.
The good news is that failing doesn’t mean you can’t try again. Reassessment opportunities are available but come with extra costs and potential delays in getting your licence. There’s no limit on how many times you can retake the assessment but each attempt costs extra and may require more training. can you fail a forklift licence? Yes, but here’s how it works.
Two-Stage Assessment Challenge
The forklift licencing process is a two-stage assessment that creates multiple opportunities for failure:
- Stage 1: Unit of Competency (UOC) assessment through your registered training organisation
- Stage 2: SafeWork NSW assessment by jurisdictional authorities
You must pass Stage 1 before you can even attempt Stage 2, so if you fail at any point you’re stopped in your tracks to getting licenced.
Main Reasons People Fail Forklift Licence Tests
Knowing why people fail can help you avoid the same mistakes. The most common reasons are across preparation, practical skills and administrative requirements.
Insufficient Preparation and Study
Many candidates underestimate the knowledge required to operate a forklift safely. The forklift test covers safety protocols, load charts, operational procedures and workplace safety regulations. Just showing up without studying these materials is a recipe for failure.
Advanced and Express Advanced courses require completion of preparatory workbooks or online quizzes before you even start training. Express Advanced courses require 100% completion of two online quizzes – if you don’t complete them you can’t proceed with the course.
Poor Practical Skills Development
Operating forklift trucks safely requires hands-on competency that can’t be learned overnight. Common practical assessment failures are:
- Improper load handling techniques
- Unsafe driving practices around pedestrians and obstacles
- Inadequate pre-start equipment checks
- Poor spatial awareness when maneuvering counterbalance forklift or order picking forklift truck units
- Lack of confidence during high reach operations
Documentation and Administrative Failures
Even well-prepared candidates can fail due to administrative oversights:
- Not completing required pre-course learning before course commencement
- Missing or invalid identification documents for SafeWork NSW assessment
- No valid Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- Not setting up Service NSW accountant and applying for a AEN.
Test Anxiety and Performance Pressure
Nervousness during practical assessments can cause competent operators to make basic operational errors they wouldn’t normally make. The pressure of being assessed can cause overthinking simple tasks and making mistakes that show lack of competency. Can you fail a forklift licence? Yes, but our trainers can help if you are feeling anxious.
Book your forklift training at our Blacktown or Moorebank centre
Two-Stage Assessment Process
Understanding the assessment process is key to success. The process requires passing multiple evaluations before you can legally operate forklifts in workplace environments.
Unit of Competency (UOC) Assessments
UOC assessments must be passed before SafeWork NSW assessment and consist of two parts:
Theory Component: Tests your knowledge of safety rules, load charts, operational procedures and regulatory requirements. This will be multiple-choice questions or short-answer format covering topics like:
- Workplace safety protocols
- Forklift operations procedures
- Hazard identification and risk management
- Load capacity calculations
- Equipment maintenance requirements
Practical Component: Evaluates hands-on forklift operation skills and safety practices. You’ll need to demonstrate:
- Safe operation of different types of forklifts
- Proper load handling and placement
- Pre-use equipment inspections
- Navigation around obstacles and other warehouse operations
- Emergency procedures and risk assessment
- Both theory and practical components must be completed before you can progress to the SafeWork NSW assessment stage.
SafeWork NSW Assessment Requirements
The SafeWork NSW assessment is only available after you have passed both theory and practical UOC assessments. This stage has strict requirements:
- Identification Requirements: You must have a Service NSW account and have verified your ID in the app.
- Documentation: You must apply for an Applicant Enrollment Number (AEN) via Service NSW.
- Time Limits: Specific timeframes apply to complete all assessment components
This is the final verification of your competence to operate forklift trucks in NSW workplaces.
What If I Fail
Failure at any stage stops you from getting licenced but there are options to get back on track.
Reassessment Opportunities and Costs
Reassessments are available for UOC and SafeWork NSW components but come at an extra cost:
Assessment Type
Reassessment Fee Range
Additional Requirements
UOC Components
$150-$200
May require extra training
SafeWork NSW Assessment
Varies by jurisdiction
Must re-pass UOC first
Course Changes
$150
Switching from Express to Standard
Extra training may be required before reassessment especially if practical skills were found to be deficient. Your training provider may recommend areas to focus on based on where you failed.
Course Progression
Failed UOC assessments must be completed before you can book or re-book your SafeWork NSW assessment. This can cause delays in:
- Starting work that requires forklift operation
- Completing job training programs
- Meeting employer certification deadlines
Students switching from Express to Standard courses after failing will incur extra charges, while Express failures may incur up to $150 in course changes.
Documentation and Tracking
All failures are recorded for compliance and safety tracking purposes. This creates a record that may be reviewed by:
- Future employers during background checks
- Regulatory bodies during workplace inspections
- Insurance companies assessing workplace risk
Getting your forklift licence isn’t guaranteed – and yes, you might be wondering, can you fail a forklift licence? A better question is, How to Not Fail Your Forklift Licence?
Success in forklift training requires preparation and attention to detail.
Choose the Right Course
Selecting the right forklift training course for your experience level prevents unnecessary challenges:
Standard Course: Best for beginners with no forklift experience. Provides comprehensive practical training and theory instruction without assuming prior knowledge.### Choose the Right Course
Selecting the right forklift training course for your level of experience prevents unnecessary challenges:
Standard Course: Best for beginners with no forklift experience. No prior knowledge assumed.
Express: Designed for experienced operators. 100% completion of two online quizzes required before attendance.
Choosing a course beyond your current skill level increases failure risk and extra fees if you need to switch to a more suitable option.
Complete All Pre-Course Requirements
Each course has specific requirements to be completed:
- Express & Standard Courses: Online quizzes required before training
- All Courses: USI must be obtained before assessment day
Failure to complete these requirements can prevent you from attending training or assessment, resulting in lost fees and rescheduling delays.
Prepare Thoroughly
Successful candidates always prepare across multiple areas:
Study Materials: Master safety protocols, load charts, operational procedures and regulatory requirements before assessment day.
Practical Training: Attend all scheduled practical training sessions and practice skills like load handling, equipment checks and safe navigation.
Administrative Readiness: Have all required identification documents, passport photos and USI details organized well before assessment.
Focus on Safety-First Mindset
Assessors evaluate not just technical skills but also safety awareness and decision making. Demonstrate:
- Risk assessment before each operation
- Proper communication with other warehouse personnel
- Following established safety protocols even under pressure
- Recognising and responding to potential hazards
Course Prerequisites and Requirements
Meeting basic requirements is essential before you can even start forklift training.
Age and Language Requirements
All forklift licence courses require candidates to be 18+ years old with basic English proficiency to:
- Read safety materials and operational procedures
- Understand verbal instructions from assessors
- Communicate with other workplace personnel during operations
- Complete written assessment materials
Documentation Requirements
Valid documentation is required for certification:
- Unique Student Identifier (USI): Required to receive certificates on assessment day### Photo Identification
- ID verified via Service NSW
- Applicant enrollment Number (AEN)
Missing any required documentation will prevent assessment completion and you will fail despite being competent. Getting your forklift licence isn’t guaranteed – and yes, you might be wondering, can you fail a forklift licence?
Failed Assessments
If you do fail, understanding the retake process helps you get back on track quickly.
Reassessment Process and Fees
Reassessment fees apply for both UOC and SafeWork NSW components, costs vary by:
- Course type originally attempted
- Number of previous attempts
- Specific components that need retaking
- Additional training required
There is no limit to the number of reassessments but costs accumulate with each failure so preparation for retakes is financially important.
Can you fail a forklift licence?
Focus retake preparation on specific areas identified during initial assessment:
Theory Weaknesses: Review safety protocols, operational procedures and regulatory knowledge where gaps were found.
Practical Skill Gaps: Practice specific maneuvers, load handling techniques or equipment operations where competency was lacking.
Administrative Issues: Ensure all documentation, identification and prerequisite requirements are completed.
Alternative Courses
If Express courses are too hard, switching to Standard courses gives you:
- More practical training time
- Extra theory instruction and support
- Better alignment with current skill level
While course switching incurs extra fees, it may be more cost effective than repeated failed attempts at the wrong course level.
Building Confidence
Many retake candidates benefit from:
- Extra informal practice with forklift equipment
- Review sessions on weak areas
- Stress management for assessment anxiety
- Clear understanding of assessment criteria and expectations
The key is to address the specific reasons for failure not just repeat the same preparation.
Broader Consequences
Failing an assessment is recoverable but operating without proper certification carries serious risks that go beyond the training environment.
What are the requirements to obtain a forklift license?
Legal and Financial Penalties
Operating forklift trucks without valid licencing exposes both individuals and employers to:
- WHS Violations: In workplace contexts, penalties for willful or repeated training violations can be up to $161,323 per violation
- Loss of Employment: Many employers will terminate workers found operating without valid certification
- Legal Liability: Accidents involving unlicensed operators can result in criminal charges and civil lawsuits
- Insurance Issues: Claims may be denied if accidents involve unlicensed personnel
Career and Professional Impact – Certification failures can impact long term career:
- Job Delays: Many warehousing and logistics roles require immediate forklift competency
- Professional Reputation: Repeated failures may indicate lack of preparation or commitment to safety
- Promotion Opportunities: Supervisory roles often require demonstrated competence in equipment operation
Industry Trends
Regulatory bodies are cracking down on licencing requirements through:
- Digital tracking of certification status
- More frequent workplace inspections
- Stricter ID verification
- Higher penalties for non-compliance
So proper certification is more important than ever for long term career success in industries that require forklift operations.
Summary
You can fail a forklift licence assessment but understanding the process and preparing properly helps. The main differences between successful and failed candidates are preparation, course selection and administrative requirements.
Remember failure isn’t permanent – reassessment is available and switching to a different course can help align training to your current skill level. But each failure comes with additional costs and delays that can be avoided with proper initial preparation. Getting your forklift licence isn’t guaranteed – and yes, you might be wondering, can you fail a forklift licence?
The investment in forklift training pays off in career opportunities in warehousing, logistics and industry. With proper preparation and course selection you can pass your assessment and start your career as a competent licensed forklift operator.
Take the time to honestly assess your current experience level, complete all prerequisites and invest in thorough preparation. Your career depends on getting certified right the first time. Can you fail a forklift licence? Yes, but with these tips, you will be prepared.
What Is the Difference Between LF and LO Forklift Licence?
Author:
Simone Rennocks, MA in Analytical Psychology, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, BA in Fine Arts
Last updated: 29 July 2025
Simone is the founder and lead trainer at Aus Forklift Training, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID: 91037) delivering accredited forklift licensing and vocational training in Sydney.
Locations: Blacktown – 1/3-5 Tattersall Road | Moorebank – 7/30 Heathcote Road
Phone: 02 8814 8640 | Contact us: https://ausforklifttraining.com.au/contact-us
View our LF Forklift Licence Course → https://ausforklifttraining.com.au/forklift-licence-course
