[xxpor]

But let's say you'd worked in a warehouse for 10 years before, and now wanted to upgrade to forklift driver, and were previously a truck driver. It wouldn't be unreasonable to expect you might do well in forklift training, and be able to get up to speed faster than a random 18 year old who just graduated from HS.

[falcolas]

The forklift analogy is pretty bad; you can get proficient enough to move basic pallets with about around half an hour of effort and instruction if you've driven a car. Using one is more of a matter of thinking through the various moves than being swift and confident with the controls.

Or so says my wife, who is not a truck driver but can drive a forklift.

[xxpor]

I do wonder how long it would take me to get used to driving with rear wheel steering...

[falcolas]

Surprisingly quickly, especially if you’ve ever done any… shenanagains… in reverse.

[ketzo]

Right, which is the main thrust of the linked article. I think it's useful, though, to try and pick apart the boundaries where that argument breaks down; how different of a forklift do you need for your experience to stop applying, etc.

[JAlexoid]

Actually, forklifts are rear wheel steering equipment. So your truck driving experience is not at all relevant... and may be a hindrance.

From my perspective a HS graduate with a lot of hand-eye-coordination experience is a better choice - than you.

[xxpor]

depends what you're looking for, someone who has a CDL is probably a lot better at being responsible with something that can kill someone.