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Queensland Boat Licence Practice Test 2026

In Queensland you need a recreational marine driver licence (RMDL) to drive a boat with an engine over 4.5 kW, and a PWC licence as well to ride a jet ski. You get it by passing a BoatSafe course with an approved training provider. Practice test 1 covers Queensland's own rules from Maritime Safety Queensland. The other sets cover the national collision rules, lights, sound signals and IALA A buoys.

  • Boating
  • Queensland
  • 90 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

It is run by Maritime Safety Queensland and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (BoatSafe training providers). Minimum age: 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

    In Queensland, you need a marine licence to drive a recreational boat with engine power greater than what?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 4.5 kW

    A Queensland recreational marine driver licence (RMDL) is needed for a boat with engine power greater than 4.5 kW.

  2. Question 2 of 30

    What is the minimum age for a Queensland recreational marine driver licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 16

    You must be at least 16 to apply for a Queensland marine licence. Interstate licence holders must also be 16 to use their licence in Queensland.

  3. Question 3 of 30

    What must you do before you can apply for a Queensland marine licence (unless you hold a recognised interstate licence)?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Complete and pass a BoatSafe course with a training provider

    You must complete and pass BoatSafe training with an approved provider, or hold a recognised, valid interstate marine licence.

  4. Question 4 of 30

    How long is a BoatSafe statement of competency valid for when you apply for your licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 6 months

    The training provider issues a statement of competency, which is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

  5. Question 5 of 30

    Which form must you give your BoatSafe provider when you enrol?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A medical fitness disclosure statement

    When enrolling in BoatSafe, you complete a medical fitness disclosure statement and give it to the training provider.

  6. Question 6 of 30

    How long is a Queensland recreational marine driver licence valid for?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. For life, with no renewal

    A Queensland marine licence is valid for life and does not need renewing.

  7. Question 7 of 30

    What do you need to drive a personal watercraft (PWC) in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A recreational marine driver licence and a PWC licence

    PWC drivers need both a recreational marine licence (RMDL) and a personal watercraft licence (PWCL).

  8. Question 8 of 30

    When may an unlicensed person drive a boat in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. When a licensed person on board can take immediate control if needed

    An unlicensed person may drive if a licensed supervisor is on board and can take immediate control in case of trouble.

  9. Question 9 of 30

    An unlicensed person is driving a PWC under supervision. Who must wear the kill switch lanyard?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The supervising licence holder

    When an unlicensed person drives a PWC, the supervising licence holder must wear the kill switch safety lanyard.

  10. Question 10 of 30

    You are supervising an unlicensed driver on a PWC. Who else may ride on it?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No one except you, the supervising licence holder

    A supervised unlicensed PWC driver cannot carry passengers other than the supervising licence holder.

  11. Question 11 of 30

    You have moved to Queensland from overseas. Within what time must you get a Queensland marine licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 3 months

    You must get a Queensland marine licence within 3 months of arriving in Australia or getting a resident visa.

  12. Question 12 of 30

    A visitor's recognised overseas boat licence is not in English. What must they carry?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A translation from a NAATI accredited translator

    If an overseas licence is not in English, carry a NAATI accredited translation with it.

  13. Question 13 of 30

    What is the blood alcohol limit for the skipper of a recreational boat in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Less than 0.05

    The skipper of a recreational boat must have a blood alcohol level of less than 0.05.

  14. Question 14 of 30

    What is Queensland's approach to boating under the influence of drugs?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Zero tolerance

    There is zero tolerance for boating under the influence of drugs. Police can take a saliva sample to test for some drugs.

  15. Question 15 of 30

    Which children must wear a lifejacket in an open boat (or the open area of any boat) while it is underway in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Children over 1 and under 12

    Since 1 December 2024, children over one year and under 12 must wear a lifejacket in an open boat or open area of a boat while underway.

  16. Question 16 of 30

    You are boating alone in a 4.2 m open boat that is underway. Must you wear a lifejacket in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Yes

    Wearing a lifejacket is compulsory when boating alone, or with only children under 12, in an open boat under 4.8 m that is underway.

  17. Question 17 of 30

    When must adults wear a lifejacket in an open boat under 4.8 m that is underway in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Between sunset and sunrise

    Lifejackets must be worn between sunset and sunrise in an open boat under 4.8 m that is underway.

  18. Question 18 of 30

    When must everyone in an open boat wear a lifejacket in Queensland, whatever the boat's length?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. When crossing a designated coastal bar

    Lifejackets must be worn when crossing a designated coastal bar in an open boat or in the open area of any boat.

  19. Question 19 of 30

    Which lifejacket level suits Queensland's open waters (beyond partially smooth waters)?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Level 100 or higher

    Beyond partially smooth waters you need a Level 100, 150 or 275 lifejacket.

  20. Question 20 of 30

    By what date did all lifejackets in Queensland have to meet Australian Standard AS 4758?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1 September 2025

    From 1 September 2025, all lifejackets must meet AS 4758. Older lifejackets are being phased out.

  21. Question 21 of 30

    How must an inflatable lifejacket be serviced in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. According to the manufacturer's specifications and timeframes

    Inflatable lifejackets must be serviced as the manufacturer specifies to be fit for purpose. Keep the service records.

  22. Question 22 of 30

    When must a registered boat carry an EPIRB or PLB in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Beyond partially smooth waters and more than 2 nautical miles from land

    An EPIRB is required beyond partially smooth waters when you are more than 2 nautical miles from land.

  23. Question 23 of 30

    Which flares must a registered boat carry in partially smooth waters and beyond in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 2 red hand-held and 2 orange smoke flares

    Registered boats in partially smooth waters and beyond must carry 2 red hand-held flares and 2 orange smoke flares.

  24. Question 24 of 30

    What must every registered boat carry when operating between sunset and sunrise in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A signalling device such as a torch

    All boats operating from sunset to sunrise must carry a signalling device, such as a torch, lantern or glow stick.

  25. Question 25 of 30

    What must the owner or master tell everyone on board in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Where the safety equipment is kept

    Owners and masters must give each person on board information about where the safety equipment is kept.

  26. Question 26 of 30

    Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit within 30 metres of a person in the water in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 6 knots

    Queensland's 'distance-off' rule sets a 6-knot limit within 30 m of a person in the water, anchored or moored boats, and jetties, wharves, ramps and pontoons.

  27. Question 27 of 30

    Do Queensland's 6-knot 'distance-off' limits apply where there are no speed signs?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Yes, they apply throughout Queensland waters with or without signs

    Distance-off limits apply throughout Queensland waterways whether or not there are signs.

  28. Question 28 of 30

    What speed limit applies to a PWC within 60 metres of people in the water, moored boats, jetties or the shore in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 6 knots

    PWC must keep to 6 knots within 60 m of people in the water, anchored or moored boats, structures, boat ramps, jetties, pontoons, bathing reserves and the shore, with some exceptions.

  29. Question 29 of 30

    Where homes are within 100 m of the shoreline on coastal waters, where may a PWC freestyle or wave jump in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Only more than 200 m from the shore

    In coastal waters, freestyling and wave jumping must be more than 200 m from the shore where homes are within 100 m of the shoreline.

  30. Question 30 of 30

    How many people may ride on a 3-seat PWC in Queensland?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 3 people, whatever their ages

    The number of seats sets the limit. Children under 12 no longer count as half a person.

What to know before the test

  • You need a marine licence to operate a boat with engine power greater than 4.5 kW. PWC riders need a marine licence and a PWC licence.
  • You must be at least 16. You get the licence by completing and passing BoatSafe training with an approved provider.
  • The provider gives you a statement of competency, valid for 6 months, to take to a customer service centre. The licence is valid for life.
  • Since 1 December 2024, children over 1 and under 12 must wear a lifejacket in an open boat, or the open area of any boat, while underway.
  • Skippers of recreational boats must have a blood alcohol level under 0.05. There is zero tolerance for drugs.
  • A 6-knot limit applies within 30 m of people in the water, anchored or moored boats, jetties, ramps and pontoons, with or without signs.
  • An EPIRB is required beyond partially smooth waters when you are more than 2 nautical miles from land.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boat licence in Queensland?

Yes, to drive a boat with an engine over 4.5 kW, or to drive a boat or PWC that is towing a person. A PWC also needs a separate PWC licence.

How do I get a Queensland boat licence?

Complete and pass a BoatSafe course with an approved training provider, then take your statement of competency, ID and fee to a customer service centre within 6 months.

How many questions are in the Queensland boat licence test?

Queensland's official pages do not publish a set question count or pass mark. Your BoatSafe provider runs the theory and practical assessment. This practice test uses 30 questions and an 80% target.

How old do you need to be?

At least 16. Interstate licence holders must also be 16 or older to use their licence in Queensland.

Does a Queensland boat licence expire?

No. A Queensland recreational marine licence is valid for life.

Sources

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