If you’re taking your IPAF training soon, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect.
Whether you’re working in construction, warehousing or building maintenance, getting your PAL card is a vital step towards working safely with MEWPs on site.
At HOV Training, we deliver IPAF 3A and 3B courses every week at our dedicated indoor facility in Blackwood, and over time, we’ve noticed a pattern: it’s not usually the difficult parts that catch people out but the simple mistakes.
With that in mind, here are some common things we see go wrong during training and how you can avoid them.
1. Ignoring What The Instructor Tells You
Some candidates come in with previous experience and assume they can just breeze through the course. But IPAF has strict criteria, and ignoring instructions (even small ones) can result in a fail.
The instructor isn’t there to trip you up. They’re there to make sure you’re ready. If they stop you and correct something, take it on board. It’s better to make a mistake during training than during the assessment.
2. Not Paying Attention To The Theory
There’s a tendency for some candidates to treat the classroom session as the easy part. But the written theory test is a formal assessment, and people do fail it.
Everything from MEWP categories to daily checks and emergency procedures is covered in the theory, so switching off or skipping over the detail can cost you. The good news is that the content is clear and straightforward. Therefore, as long as you pay attention, you’ll be fine.
3. Confusing 3A & 3B Machines
It’s not uncommon for people to mix up how scissor lifts and boom lifts work. If you’re used to one but not the other, it’s easy to apply the wrong technique, especially when nerves kick in.
During your practical assessment, you’ll be tested on both types. Knowing the key differences, such as platform stability, movement limits, and typical hazards, helps you stay in control. And if you’re not sure which is which, your instructor will walk you through it on the day.
4. Rushing The Pre-Use Checks
This is a big one. You’re expected to carry out proper pre-use inspections as part of your test. That means checking the condition of the machine, looking for damage, testing alarms, and making sure the emergency lowering works.
It’s easy to feel like this part should be quick, but going too fast usually means you miss something, and that’s where people go wrong. Take your time, follow the checklist, and treat it as if you were doing it on a live site.
5. Wearing The Harness Incorrectly
Even though we supply all PPE at our training centre, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. We still see people put harnesses on backwards, fail to clip in properly, or forget to adjust the straps.
Harnesses are especially important when operating boom lifts (3B). Not fitting it correctly, or not clipping in at all, is an automatic fail. If you’re unsure about anything, ask. That’s what the training session is for.
6. Losing Focus When It Matters Most
Some candidates perform well during training, then switch off a bit once the test starts. They forget to lower the guardrails, misjudge platform positioning, or stop paying attention to their surroundings.
The assessment is designed to ensure you can work safely in the real world. Don’t think of it as just another box to tick; it’s your chance to prove you’re competent.
7. Keeping Quiet When Something Doesn’t Make Sense
If you’re unsure about something, speak up. There’s no penalty for asking a question, but there could be one if you guess and get it wrong during the test.
Our instructors are there to support you. Whether it’s a machine control you’ve never seen before or a term you don’t recognise, just ask. You won’t be the first, and you definitely won’t be the last.
Book Your IPAF Training With HOV
Our IPAF 3A and 3B course runs weekly from our indoor training centre in Blackwood, just outside Cardiff. We provide all the equipment and PPE, and our instructors will guide you from start to finish.
Whether you’re getting your first PAL card or renewing an expired one, we’ll make sure you’re ready.
