This is a study guide for the A17 Telescopic handler theory test
(FREE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)
There are 72 questions, the test is spoken. The practical test will follow the theory.
CPCS A17 Telehandler
1) Using the lifting capacity diagram for A17
Note, this is the mandatory question, you will be given a piece of paper with a diagram on it.
You will have to draw your workings out on it to show you understand how to use it, also tell the examiner the answer.
What is the maximum lifting capacity at maximum height.
3500kg
What is the lifting capacity with the boom angle at 45 degrees and a boom extension of 2.5 metres
2500kg
what is the farthest distance (measured from the front tyres) available to place a 1.3 tonnes load at a height of 4 metres.
5.3m
2) Name three purposes of the raised lugs on tyres
Note, the lugs are the tread on the tyre
Grip, steering and braking.
What can happen to a telehandler if the lugs are severely worn.
Reduced Grip, steering and braking.
3) How can a qualification or card benefit a plant operator?
Proof of skills, career prospects and more money
4) If the telehandler is being travelled or working on the public highway, including adjacent pavement and verges, the Road Traffic Act applies.
What type of licence and which classes should the operator hold.
Full UK and class B
What is the minimum age allowed?
18 years old 3.5 tonne – 7.5 tonne
21 years old, over 7.5 tonne
5) When working in a confined area or space.
What danger can be present with regards to the counterweight of the machine.
The gap is reduced and could hit objects or structures.
When should measures be taken.
When the gap is less than 600mm
What measures should be implemented.
Barriers should be put up to prevent access.
6) What is the main purpose of the Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI) or Load Moment Indicator (LMI)?
Note, the RCI is a series of little coloured lights inside the cab. Green, amber and red, it may also make a beeping sound.
Warns operator when near or exceeding capacity.
7) What is meant by the load centre.
Why must it be known for each lift?
The point of balance of the load
Determines whether the load can be lifted for a given height and reach by the machine.
8) Give FOUR reasons that may cause the machine to tip forwards.
Travelling along slopes
Overloaded
Not using stabilizers
To much reach for the load
9) What is the definition of, or how can a hazard be described?
Note, H.E.L.P.
This is anything that can cause harm to
Health
Environment
Life
Property around you
10) After placing a load, who is responsible for ensuring the load is safe?
The Telehandler operator
11) What would be the effect on the telehandler if a tyre on the front axle is larger or smaller in size than the other tyre on the same axle, or where one tyre has less pressure than the other?
It could cause instability when raising the boom
12) The operator has been asked to drive the machine onto a transporter/trailer.
Who is responsible for the loading operations.
State four actions to be considered by the operator before loading commences.
The transport driver is responsible
Condition of trailer and ramps
Overhead hazard and other proximity hazards
Position of trailer
Ground support
13) If setting up to lift and move loads in a pedestrianised area, state three factors that need to be taken into account.
Noise
Fumes
Barriers put in place
14) What determines the minimum distances that any part of plant and machinery has to be kept from overhead electricity lines.
Voltage and type of support
Explain why a distance should be kept.
Reduce the risk of arching
15) Name FOUR factors to consider and know before picking up a load.
Size
Weight
Load centre
Condition of the load
16) What are the three actions or stages that a tele-handler operator undertakes during pre-use inspections?
Check
record
Report
17) An operator has to travel a tele-handler on the public highway, for which the road traffic act applies. List six requirements that must be followed.
Correct licence
Working lights
Legal tyres
Tax
Insurance
Forks removed
18) State the purpose of the check valve(s) located on the boom cylinder rams.
To prevent the boom lowering unintentionally, due to engine or hydraulic failure
19) Name two factors that determine the weight of a load.
Size and density
20) What problems and hazards can soft ground cause to a loaded forklift?
Machine can get stuck, sink and tip over
21) Using the Operator’s Manual, state the figure for the tyre pressures. Note: The Operator’s Manual for the machine being used for the test MUST be available for reference by the candidate.
Note, you will be shown an example when you do your training.
22) The operator has to use a new type of tele-handler that they are unfamiliar with. What do Regulations (i.e. PUWER 98) and other guidance require the operator to have?
Information
Instruction
Training
23) a) What is the minimum distance allowed near open trenches when travelling with a tele-handler and b) explain why?
More than the depth away
To prevent trench collapse
24) Using the Operator’s Manual, state the cold-starting procedure for the machine. Note: The Operator’s Manual for the machine being used for the test MUST be available for reference by the candidate.
Specifications, tyres, pressures
25) If checking the oil level using a dipstick, why must gloves be worn?
Prevent skin disease
Prevent contamination
26) Which part of the forklift is the load centre usually measured from?
Heal of the forks
27) List six typical subject areas that should be covered in a site induction.
Fire assembly point
First aid
Toilets
Lift plan
Site routes
Emergency exits
28) Why should a tele-handler be re-fuelled at the end of the day?
To reduce condensation build up in the fuel system
29) Name six possible proximity hazards that may be encountered on site when travelling with a load.
Pedestrians, personnel
Other plant, machines
Excavations
Slopes
Uneven ground
Visibility
30) What are the possible outcomes of facing prosecution for not complying with legislation and regulations?
Fine
Prison
Case dismissal
31) Name THREE ways in which an operator can minimise their impact upon the environment whilst using the machine.
Work safely
Punctuality
Lift plan
32) Explain ALL visual checks that must be carried out on all types of quick-hitch attaching systems before use.
No damage to hoses, attachment or coupler
All components fitted correctly
Locking system active
Locking pins in correct holes
33) Give FOUR reasons that may cause the tele-handler to tip over sideways.
Soft ground
Soft tyres
Traveling along slopes
Driving with loads at height
34) Where should the Operator’s Manual be kept and why?
In the cab for easy access
35) As a lifting machine, the tele-handler must be thoroughly examined.
What is the purpose of the examination?
To insure the machine is free from structural defects
Who would carry out the examination?
An authorized and competent person
36) What is the purpose of a roll or ROPS frame?
Provides some protection in the event of a rollover
(Rollover protection structure)
37) What is the meaning of this hand signal (being demonstrated by the Tester)?
Note, you will need to learn the hand signals as they will be used a lot on site.
38) What is the purpose of counterweight(s) on the machine?
To reduce overturning, depending on height and reach
39) Before picking up a load, why should the forks be equally spaced or distanced on the carriage?
For support
40) When working in a confined area or space, name THREE dangers that can be present.
Reduced visibility
Fumes
Noise
41) If a load is being lifted whilst the telehandler is on a slope and facing downhill, what effect could this have on the machine?
Centre of gravity moves forward causing instability
42) What does the Health and Safety at Work Act require employers to do with regards specifically to plant?
Provide and maintain plant so no risk to health
43) Before loading an uncoupled trailer, what THREE precautions must be taken?
Chock wheels
Make sure brakes are applied
Check the rear axle
44) When parking the machine at the end of the shift, name THREE places where the machine should NOT be parked.
Access/egress from buildings
45) Why must the seat belt be worn, even with the cab door closed?
In the event of a roll over, it will hold the operator in seat to minimize injury
46) Name FOUR different types or levels of disciplinary actions or sanctions that can be applied (by employers and judicial bodies) to operators of plant who do not comply with, or follow legislation and regulations.
Verbal
Written
Dismissal
Prosecution
47) Give three reasons why it is important that a tele-handler is not leaning sideways before attempting to lift or place a load.
The forks may not enter clearly
Load could slip off
Could tip machine
48) If the load centre of the load is longer (increased) than stipulated for the model of tele-handler, what effect does it have on the lifting capacity of the machine?
The capacity must be reduced
49) If placing a variety of loads onto a rigid, flatbed transporter, where should the heaviest loads be placed?
Over rear axle
50) When placing onto or lifting a load from a loading out tower:
Why must the tele-handler’s handbrake be on and the transmission in neutral
To prevent unintentional movement
What would the consequences be if this was not done?
It could hit the tower
Lose the load
Cause instability of the machine
51) What three main duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act must employees follow?
Protect themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions
Cooperate with the employer
Avoid interference, intentionally or recklessly with anything provided for safety.
52) An operator has been asked to transport a load along the public highway from one site to another, for which The Road Traffic Act applies. What needs to be taken into account regarding the law?
Depending on the vehicle , movement is restricted to 1000 yards
53) On a semi-automatic quick-hitch bucket attaching system:
What is the purpose of the safety pin
Safety pin holds locking system in place
What checks MUST be made to the pin before use? Name THREE conditions that mirrors on the machine must be in.
Pin in correct hole
Fully locked and secured with lynch pin
54) Name THREE conditions that mirrors on the machine must be in.
Clean, adjusted and unbroken.
55) State FOUR checks that should be made to the forks.
Cracks
Bent
Wear limit
End stops in place
56) How can high wind speeds affect tele-handler operations?
Possibly stop operations, create instability at high reach
57) Why are forklift operators generally regarded as ‘safety-critical’ workers?
Their actions with the machine can harm themselves or others around them
58) Before leaving the cab for a rest break, after parking and switching off the machine, what final action must be carried out?
Remove key to prevent unauthorized use
59) How can a qualification or card benefit a plant operator?
Proof of skills, career prospects
60) What is the purpose of a Method Statement.
Instructions to safely carry out a task
What is required of the operator?
To comply with the method statement
61) Name FOUR ways that wet weather can affect tele-handler operations.
Loss of grip
Increase load weight
Decrease visibility
Soft ground
62) Apart from the operator, who else may need to use the machine’s Operator’s Manual?
The fitter
63) How is it possible that forklifts can still tip over, even when travelling on gentle gradients, are not overloaded and not being driven at excessive speed?
A combination of all of these factors plus turning uphill at speed
64) What is the purpose of a risk assessment?
To identify and place control measures on hazards
65) What is meant by the load centre.
b) why must it be known for each lift?
The point of balance of the load
Determines whether the load can be lifted for a given height and reach by the machine
66) Before travelling with a physically large load, name FIVE factors that must be taken into account by the operator before moving.
The forklift has to be capable and within its limits
The travel route is checked and suitable
Lift plan is in place
Environmental issues eg wind is suitable
Sufficient help is available (e.g banksman)
67) Name THREE ways that a plant operator can contribute in ensuring repeat business with the client or principal contractor.
Work safely
Punctuality
Lift plan
68) What would happen if the steering mode of ‘crab steer’ is selected and the steering wheel rotated clockwise whilst travelling?
Machine would move diagonally right while the operator faces forwards
69) Describe ONE physical method of checking that the attachment is fully secured to the coupler prior to work.
Rotate forward and backwards several times
70) According to regulations (such as Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
(LOLER) 1998) name TWO requirements that must be carried out on any lifting operation.
Planned
Supervised
71) On stabiliser-equipped machines, what must be checked before the stabilisers are lowered?
The ground is able to take machine, support using packing if required
72) If the operator has loaded the machine onto a transporter/trailer on behalf of a driver, what checks must be carried out before they leave the cab?
The machine is in the agreed position
Hydraulic operated components are grounded with pressure released
Neutral
Handbrake on
Key removed
Doors and windows are locked
About the telehandler test
There is a theory test consisting of 72 questions. This is a verbal test, meaning the examiner will ask you the questions and you will answer. You will have the training for this on your course. However, you will not have a lot of time if your course is 3 or 4 days.
I took a course consisting of 1 day theory practice and 2 days practical training. Then the theory and practical tests on the 4th day. If you don’t pass your theory, you can not continue onto your practical. So bear this in mind when booking your course. If you feel this is too much pressure, maybe speak to the course provider to arrange a different day for the practical.
How much does it cost to do a telehandler course?
I paid £1170 for the A17c telescopic handler course, all sizes excluding 360 slew. Be aware, you may have to give so many days notice to cancel a test. So in the event of failure of the theory you would lose your practical test fee. Test fees as of 2021 as I am aware are £120 for the theory, £510 for the practical. This was the cost at the centre I attended.
About the A17 practical test
You will be asked to do your checks around the machine, lights, oil, hydraulic fluid etc. Enter the machine with 3 points of contact, in cab checks, wipers, horn etc. Load a trailer with pallets, pick up a wide load and reverse in a straight line. Stack pallets, then put them back where they were. Go round a chicane, hill start, pick up a heavy load and reverse with the load through the chicane. Take forks off, reverse away and then put them back on.
Then there’s the tower lift, this is placing the load onto scaffolding, equivalent to Maybe 2nd or 3rd floor. This is where you will really have to concentrate. Boom up and tele out above the platform you need to land on, then bring the boom down to land it. Now you need to get the forks out of the pallet. This is just boom up, tele in, boom up, tele in. If the examiner thinks you’re putting too much pressure on the scaffolding, they will stop the test.
Test tips
Every time you stop, handbrake on, observations, move off again.
If you feel your messing up on the chicane, you can stop, reverse to re align, then carry on. You will not fail for this, just get a mark down. It’s better than knocking a bollard over and failing.
Remember your stabilizers, don’t drive off with them still down.
Remember to use your gears on the hill start.
Good luck.