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 truckTLILIC0004– 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 … Continue reading Can You Fail a Forklift Licence?