F Endorsement Study Guide - Unit Standard 18496 Forklift Driving Theory and Practical Assessment

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Miles

F Endorsement Study Guide focuses on NZ requirements to drive a forklift on a road, specifically the F (forklift) endorsement linked to unit standard 18496. It explains that the unit standard includes a closed-book theory assessment and a practical assessment that both must be completed to receive the endorsement certificate. The guide references key legislation and codes, covers legal weights and dimensions, lists required vehicle documentation and licence requirements by gross laden weight, and provides safety practices for unloaded and loaded travel. It also outlines six driving conditions and actions to reduce loading and operating risk.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Legislation

Weights and Dimensions for Forklifts

Vehicle Documentation

Licence Requirements

Travelling Safely Unloaded on a Road

Travelling Safely Loaded on a Road

Six Driving Conditions and Hazards

Risk-Reduction Actions Before and During Loading

F Endorsement Study Guide Unit Standard 18496 Demonstrate knowledge and skills for driving a Forklift on a road V 10.03.2025 Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication the contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. It does not override legislation. No liability is assumed by TR Driver Training Limited for any losses by any person relying directly or indirectly on the contents of this publication. If the user of this publication is unsure whether the material is correct, they should make direct reference to the relevant legislation. TR Driver Training is registered and accredited as a private training establishment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) under the Education and Training Act 2020 and its subsequent amendments. The copyright of this publication is the property of TR Driver Training Limited. No part of this may be reproduced in any way without prior written permission, P O Box 12541, Penrose, Auckland 1642, New Zealand. Introduction To drive a forklift on a road, you must have a driver licence for the appropriate class and an F (forklift) endorsement. To gain the endorsement you must complete unit standard 18496. The unit standard consists of two parts: a closed book theory assessment and a practical assessment. The following information is a study guide for the theory assessment. Both theory and practical assessments need to be achieved to receive an F endorsement certificate for your driver’s licence. You need to know certain rules so doing the pre-course study will set you up for success. There are some self-check questions on pages 7 and 8 you can complete once you have read through the study guide. Legislation The following legislation/publications are used as a reference for the requirements of driving a forklift safely on a road. Some keywords are in bold to assist with remembering the correct legislation. | a | Land Transport
(Road User) Rule 2004 | This contains the regulations for the driving of a forklift on a road | | --- | --- | --- | | b | The Road Code | This is a plain English version of the Traffic Regulations Land Transport Road User Rule 2004 | | c | Land Transport Driver Licencing Rule 1999 | Explains the requirements for drivers to be licenced and hold an F endorsement on their licence if driving a forklift on a road | | d | Safety Code for Forklift Operators No. 1 Front Loading Forklifts | This sets out the requirements for the safe operation of a forklift | | e | Truck Loading Code | Identifies the requirements for the safety and security of all loads on vehicles | | f | Approved Code of Practice for training forklift operators and instructors | This contains the requirements for the training of a forklift instructor and operators | Weights and Dimensions for Forklifts All forklifts that operate or are driven on a road must comply with the following: Max front overhang from the front edge of the drivers seat is 3metres Max height is 4.3m or less to clear legal construction or wires over the road Max total width 2.55m or 1.275m from the longitudinal centre line If the load extends more than 200mm on either side of the forklift, hazard warning signs must be used. Vehicle Documentation Any forklift operating on a road must display the following: • Registration Plate • Licence Label • Warrant of Fitness (WOF) Licence Requirements To operate a forklift on a road with. (a) a GLW of 18000kg or less you must have a full Class 1 licence and an F endorsement. (b) a GLW of more than 18000kg has no more than 2 axles, a full Class 2 licence and an F endorsement. When you are driving on a road, you are moving with or, in and out of traffic. Some safety practices you need to apply could be: Travelling safely unloaded on a road • Drive at a safe speed to allow you to stop • Use the give way rules • Use your indicators to warn other traffic • Keep you

FAQs

What qualifications are required to drive a forklift on a road in New Zealand?

You must hold a driver licence for the appropriate class and have an F (forklift) endorsement. To gain the endorsement, you must complete unit standard 18496.

What does unit standard 18496 require for the F endorsement?

Unit standard 18496 includes two assessments: a closed book theory assessment and a practical assessment. Both must be achieved to receive an F endorsement certificate.

What are the key safety practices when travelling with an unloaded forklift?

Drive at a safe speed, use give way rules and indicators, keep forks high enough to avoid hitting obstacles, look in the direction of travel, scan for other road users, and always drive forward.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Miles