PassEveryTest
English

NSW Boat Licence Practice Test 2026

In New South Wales you need a general boat licence to drive a recreational powerboat at 10 knots or more. Before you get one, you must pass a 50-question knowledge test with two sections. Practice test 1 covers NSW's own licence rules, safe distances, lifejackets and alcohol limits. The other sets cover the national collision rules, lights, sound signals and IALA A buoys.

  • Boating
  • New South Wales
  • 90 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The NSW general boat licence knowledge test has 50 questions. Pass mark: At least 24 of 30 in Section A and all 20 in Section B. It is run by Transport for NSW (NSW Maritime). Minimum age: 12 (restrictions apply until 16). Practise here for free with 90 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Australian Boat Licence Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 30

    When do you need a licence to drive a recreational powerboat in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. When you drive at 10 knots or more

    In NSW you need a boat licence to drive a recreational vessel at 10 knots (18.5 km/h) or more.

  2. Question 2 of 30

    Which of these always needs a licence in NSW, whatever its speed?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A personal watercraft (PWC), such as a jet ski

    Any PWC needs a PWC licence. Paddlecraft, rowing boats and unpowered sailing boats do not need a licence.

  3. Question 3 of 30

    Do you need a NSW boat licence to drive a small powerboat at less than 10 knots?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, a licence is not needed below 10 knots

    Powerboats and engine-assisted sailing boats driven at less than 10 knots do not need a licence in NSW. All the boating rules still apply.

  4. Question 4 of 30

    What is the youngest age at which you can apply for a general boat licence in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 12

    You can apply for a NSW general boat licence from age 12. Extra restrictions apply until you turn 16.

  5. Question 5 of 30

    A 14-year-old holds a NSW general boat licence. Which of these is NOT allowed?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Driving between sunset and sunrise

    Licence holders under 16 must not drive between sunset and sunrise, tow anyone, or take part in races.

  6. Question 6 of 30

    A 15-year-old licence holder wants to drive a boat (not a PWC) at 10 knots or more in NSW. Who must be on board?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A person aged 16 or older who holds a general boat or PWC licence

    Under-16 licence holders driving at 10 knots or more must have a licence holder aged 16 or older on board.

  7. Question 7 of 30

    What must you hold before you can get a NSW PWC licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A general boat licence

    In NSW, you must first get a general boat licence before upgrading to a PWC licence.

  8. Question 8 of 30

    How can you show practical boating experience for a NSW general boat licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Complete the Boating Licence Practical Logbook with an experienced skipper, or an approved practical course

    You need evidence of practical experience: a completed logbook with an experienced skipper present, or an approved course with an Authorised Training Provider.

  9. Question 9 of 30

    What does an under-16 applicant need when applying for a NSW boat licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A parent or guardian present

    Applicants under 16 need a parent or guardian with them when they apply at a service centre.

  10. Question 10 of 30

    How many questions are in the NSW general boat licence knowledge test?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 50

    The general boat licence test has 50 multiple-choice questions in two sections.

  11. Question 11 of 30

    What do you need to pass the NSW general boat licence knowledge test?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 24 of 30 in Section A and all 20 in Section B

    You must answer 24 of the 30 Section A questions correctly and all 20 Section B questions correctly.

  12. Question 12 of 30

    What is the pass mark for the NSW PWC licence knowledge test?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 12 of 15

    The PWC test has 15 questions, and you need at least 12 correct to pass.

  13. Question 13 of 30

    What happens if someone is caught cheating in a NSW boat licence test?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. They cannot resit for 6 weeks and may face fines or jail

    A person who cheats cannot resit the test for 6 weeks, and penalties may include fines and imprisonment.

  14. Question 14 of 30

    When must you carry your licence while boating in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. When driving at 10 knots or more, or when driving a PWC

    You must carry your licence (a digital licence is fine) when driving at 10 knots or more or when driving a PWC.

  15. Question 15 of 30

    What do you need to operate a vessel commercially in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A Certificate of Competency from AMSA

    A recreational licence does not cover commercial work. Commercial operation needs a Certificate of Competency from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

  16. Question 16 of 30

    In NSW, how far must a powered vessel keep from people in the water?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 60 metres

    Powered vessels, including PWC and sailing boats over 5.5 m, must keep at least 60 metres from people in the water.

  17. Question 17 of 30

    In NSW, how far must you keep from a dive flag or float?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. At least 60 metres

    Keep at least 60 metres from a dive flag or float. Divers can be up to 100 metres from their flag, so take extra care within 200 metres.

  18. Question 18 of 30

    Travelling at 6 knots or more in NSW, how far must a powered vessel keep from other vessels, structures and the shore?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 30 metres

    At 6 knots or more, powered vessels must keep 30 metres from other vessels (including moored ones), structures such as jetties and markers, and the shore.

  19. Question 19 of 30

    Within what distance of the shore is irregular riding (circling, weaving, jumping) on a PWC restricted in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 200 metres, in a PWC restriction zone or where homes near the shore can be seen

    PWC must not ride irregularly within 200 metres of shore in a PWC restriction zone, or where homes within 200 metres of the shore are visible from the water.

  20. Question 20 of 30

    How far must you keep from a naval vessel that is underway in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 200 metres from its bow and 60 metres from its sides

    Keep 200 metres from the bow and 60 metres from the side of a naval vessel underway, and 60 metres from one at anchor.

  21. Question 21 of 30

    What is the blood alcohol limit for someone under 18 driving a vessel in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 0.00

    Vessel drivers under 18 must have a blood alcohol level of zero.

  22. Question 22 of 30

    What is the blood alcohol limit for a driver aged 18 or over on a recreational vessel in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Under 0.05

    Drivers aged 18 and over of recreational vessels must be under 0.05.

  23. Question 23 of 30

    Apart from the driver, who else must stay under the alcohol limit in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The observer on a towing vessel and anyone being towed

    NSW alcohol limits apply to the driver, to observers in a vessel towing a person, and to anyone being towed.

  24. Question 24 of 30

    When can NSW police breath test a vessel driver?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. When the vessel is underway, including when drifting

    Police can carry out random breath and drug tests on vessels underway, including vessels that are drifting.

  25. Question 25 of 30

    In NSW, when must people on a powerboat 4.8 m or shorter wear a lifejacket on open waters?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At all times

    On open waters and when crossing coastal bars, everyone on a boat up to 4.8 m must wear a lifejacket (Level 100 or above) at all times.

  26. Question 26 of 30

    On enclosed waters in NSW, when must people on a boat 4.8 m or shorter wear a lifejacket?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. When the skipper is alone (including with children under 12 aboard) or at night

    On enclosed waters, lifejackets (Level 50S or above) must be worn on boats up to 4.8 m when boating alone or between sunset and sunrise.

  27. Question 27 of 30

    When must everyone on a powerboat over 4.8 m wear a Level 100 lifejacket in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. When crossing a coastal bar

    On boats over 4.8 m, everyone must wear a Level 100 or above lifejacket when crossing coastal bars.

  28. Question 28 of 30

    Who must wear a lifejacket on a PWC in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Everyone, including the driver, passengers, observer and anyone being towed

    Everyone on or towed by a PWC must wear a Level 50S or above lifejacket at all times. Inflatable lifejackets are not recommended.

  29. Question 29 of 30

    What does NSW law say about servicing inflatable lifejackets?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Servicing them is a legal requirement

    Servicing your inflatable lifejacket is a legal requirement in NSW, so it works when you need it.

  30. Question 30 of 30

    What is the maximum speed for a vessel towing a person in NSW?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 60 knots

    NSW limits the speed of any vessel towing a person to 60 knots.

What to know before the test

  • You need a licence to drive a recreational vessel at 10 knots (18.5 km/h) or more, and to drive any personal watercraft (PWC) at any speed.
  • The general boat licence test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need 24 of 30 in Section A and all 20 in Section B.
  • The PWC licence test has 15 questions and you need 12 correct. You must hold a general boat licence first.
  • You can apply from age 12. Licence holders under 16 must not drive between sunset and sunrise, in races or while towing anyone.
  • You need proof of practical experience: a completed Boating Licence Practical Logbook or an approved practical course.
  • Drivers under 18 must have zero alcohol. Drivers aged 18 or over of recreational vessels must be under 0.05.
  • Powered vessels must keep at least 60 m from people in the water, and 30 m from other vessels, structures and the shore at 6 knots or more.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boat licence in NSW?

Yes, if you drive a recreational powerboat at 10 knots or more, or any personal watercraft. Paddlecraft, rowing boats and unpowered sailing boats do not need a licence.

How many questions are in the NSW boat licence test?

There are 50 multiple-choice questions in two sections. You must get at least 24 of the 30 Section A questions and all 20 Section B questions right.

Where do I sit the test?

Through an Authorised Training Provider as part of your course, or at a service centre after booking and paying the test fee. A free interpreter can be arranged by calling 13 14 50.

Is there a time limit?

The official test page does not state a time limit. Check with the service centre or your training provider when you book.

How old do you have to be to get a boat licence in NSW?

You can apply from age 12. Applicants under 16 need a parent or guardian with them, and licence holders under 16 have extra restrictions.

What happens if I fail?

You can sit the test again, and each attempt at a service centre has a fee. Anyone caught cheating cannot resit for 6 weeks.

Sources

Related tests