Free template · Updated October 21, 2026

Forklift operator evaluation checklist

A printable form for the hands-on part of forklift certification. Use it when a qualified person watches an operator work on the actual truck and site.

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Not affiliated with OSHA. This is a free template, not legal advice. Adapt it to your trucks and workplace.

What the evaluation is for

OSHA rule 29 CFR 1910.178(l) asks employers to make sure every forklift operator is competent. Training has three parts: formal instruction, practical training, and an evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace. Only after all three does the employer certify the operator.

The certification must include the operator's name, the date of training, the date of evaluation, and the identity of the person or people who did the training or evaluation. The checklist below has a box for each of these.

How to use this checklist

Fill in the record first. Operator, truck type, dates of classroom and practical training, and who gave them.
Watch real work. Ask the operator to inspect the truck, travel a normal route, handle and stack a typical load, and park. Mark each check Yes, No or N/A, and add notes.
Decide and sign. Mark the result, sign as evaluator, have the operator sign, and write the date of the next evaluation. File the form with the operator's training records.

When to evaluate again

At least once every three years for every operator.
After the operator is seen driving unsafely.
After an accident or a near miss.
When an evaluation shows the operator is not driving safely.
When the operator is assigned a different type of truck.
When a workplace condition changes in a way that could affect safe operation.

In each of these cases the operator also gets refresher training before the new evaluation.

Forklift Operator Evaluation

Based on 29 CFR 1910.178(l) · forkliftdrill.com

One form per operator and truck type. Mark each observed check: Yes = done correctly, No = needs training, N/A = does not apply on this truck or site.

Training and evaluation record

Operator name

Employer / site

Truck type evaluated (e.g. sit-down counterbalance, stand-up reach, order picker)

Truck make / model / unit ID

Formal instruction completed on (date) and by

Practical training completed on (date) and by

Evaluation date

Evaluator name and title

A. Inspection before use

#	Check	Yes	No	N/A
1	Examines the truck before use and reports defects; does not use a truck with a safety defect
2	Finds the data plate and states the rated capacity and load center
3	Checks forks, carriage, mast and chains for cracks, bends or damage
4	Checks tires and wheels
5	Checks for fluid leaks and for fuel level or battery charge
6	Tests horn, lights, alarms and gauges
7	Tests service brake, parking brake and steering
8	Confirms seat belt or operator restraint and overhead guard are in place

B. Starting and controls

#	Check	Yes	No	N/A
9	Mounts and dismounts safely and fastens the seat belt where fitted
10	Uses each control smoothly and can explain what it does on this truck

C. Traveling

#	Check	Yes	No	N/A
11	Looks in the direction of travel; travels in reverse when the load blocks the forward view
12	Keeps a safe speed; slows and sounds the horn at intersections, corners and blind spots
13	Keeps arms, legs and head inside the operator area
14	Keeps a safe distance from other trucks; yields to pedestrians
15	On grades, drives loaded with the load upgrade and empty with the forks downgrade; does not turn on a grade
16	Crosses dock plates, tracks and rough floors with care; checks that trailers are secured before entering

D. Handling loads

#	Check	Yes	No	N/A
17	Checks the load weight against the rated capacity before lifting
18	Sets fork spread for the load; forks fully under; load centered and stable
19	Lifts and lowers smoothly, tilts back to stabilize, and travels with the load low
20	Stacks and unstacks squarely; no one stands or passes under raised forks
21	Handles only stable, safely arranged loads and secures unstable ones

E. Pedestrians and the workplace

#	Check	Yes	No	N/A
22	Follows site traffic rules, marked aisles and speed limits
23	Carries no passengers; lifts people only on an approved platform under site procedure
24	Names the site's specific hazards, such as narrow aisles, hazardous locations or poor ventilation

F. Parking, refueling and charging

#	Check	Yes	No	N/A
25	When leaving the truck: forks fully lowered, controls neutral, power off, brakes set; wheels blocked on an incline
26	Parks in an authorized place, clear of exits, fire equipment and aisles
27	Refuels or charges only in the designated area, with the engine off and no open flame or smoking

Result and certification

Competent to operate this truck type

Needs more training. Refresher by (date):

Notes

Evaluator signature and date

Operator signature and date

Certified by (employer representative), signature and date

Next evaluation due (no later than 3 years after the evaluation date)

Certification record under 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6): operator name, date of training, date of evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation. Re-evaluate at least every three years, and give refresher training and a new evaluation after unsafe operation, an accident or near miss, a poor evaluation, a different truck type, or a workplace change. Free template from forkliftdrill.com. Not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA. Not legal advice; adapt it to your trucks and site.