California Boater Card Practice Test 2026

1. Question 1 of 12

   Since January 1, 2025, who needs a California Boater Card?

   • AOnly operators of boats over 26 feet long
   • BAll operators of motorized vessels, of any age
   • COnly operators who are under 21 years old
   • DOnly people who rent personal watercraft
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   Answer: B. All operators of motorized vessels, of any age

   The phase-in ended on January 1, 2025. Now all persons operating motorized vessels on state waters need the card unless exempt.

2. Question 2 of 12

   When the California Boater Card phase-in began on January 1, 2018, who needed it first?

   • AOperators 60 years old or older
   • BAll operators at once
   • COperators 20 years old or younger
   • DOnly commercial fishermen
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   Answer: C. Operators 20 years old or younger

   The law phased in by age. It started with people 20 or younger in 2018 and added older groups each year.

3. Question 3 of 12

   In which year did the California Boater Card become required for operators of all ages?

   • A2018
   • B2021
   • C2030
   • D2025
   Show answer

   Answer: D. 2025

   Harbors and Navigation Code 678.11 phased in the requirement by age, reaching all ages on January 1, 2025.

4. Question 4 of 12

   How do you get a California Boater Card?

   • ASign a safety form at any marina
   • BBuy a boat registration sticker each year
   • CPass an approved boating course and exam, then apply
   • DPass a written driving test at any California DMV office
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   Answer: C. Pass an approved boating course and exam, then apply

   Complete a NASBLA- and DBW-approved course (classroom, home study or online), pass its exam, then apply for the card.

5. Question 5 of 12

   How long does an approved online boating course for the California Boater Card take, at minimum?

   • AAt least 2 days
   • BAbout 15 minutes
   • CAt least 3 hours
   • DAt least 40 hours
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   Answer: C. At least 3 hours

   Online courses take at least three hours. Classroom or home study courses are usually no more than eight hours.

6. Question 6 of 12

   You rent a motorboat from a rental business in California. Do you need a California Boater Card?

   • AYes, always, before you leave the dock
   • BOnly if you are under 18
   • COnly on weekends
   • DNo, operators of rental vessels are exempt
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   Answer: D. No, operators of rental vessels are exempt

   Operators of rental vessels are on the list of exemptions, but they must carry proof of the exemption.

7. Question 7 of 12

   A friend without a card wants to drive your boat. When may they operate it?

   • AOnly if they have a California driver license
   • BWhen supervised on board by a cardholder 18 or older
   • CWhen the boat stays under 5 mph the whole time
   • DWhen a cardholder is watching from the dock
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   Answer: B. When supervised on board by a cardholder 18 or older

   Anyone under the direct supervision of a card-holding adult 18 or older is exempt.

8. Question 8 of 12

   A resident of another state boats in California for a short trip. When are they exempt from the California card rule?

   • ANever; all visitors need a California card
   • BOnly if their boat is registered in California
   • CFor under 60 days, if they meet their home state's rules
   • DFor any stay of less than one full year
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   Answer: C. For under 60 days, if they meet their home state's rules

   Out-of-state residents temporarily operating in California for under 60 days are exempt if they meet their home state's requirements.

9. Question 9 of 12

   A visitor from outside the United States operates a boat in California. How long can they use the exemption?

   • ALess than 7 days
   • BLess than 90 days, if they meet their home country's rules
   • CLess than 1 year
   • DNone; foreign visitors must always get a California card first
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Less than 90 days, if they meet their home country's rules

   Non-U.S. residents temporarily operating in California for under 90 days are exempt if they meet their home country's requirements.

10. Question 10 of 12

    You meet one of the exemptions from the California Boater Card. What must you do?

    • ACarry proof of the exemption while boating
    • BNothing; exemptions need no proof
    • CRegister the exemption with the DMV
    • DFly a special flag on your boat
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    Answer: A. Carry proof of the exemption while boating

    Exempt operators must carry proof of their exemption on state waterways.

11. Question 11 of 12

    What is the maximum fine for a first conviction for operating without a required California Boater Card?

    • AUp to $1,000
    • BUp to $5,000
    • CUp to $100
    • DUp to $10
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    Answer: C. Up to $100

    A violation is an infraction: up to $100 for the first conviction, $250 for the second and $500 for the third or later. The court also orders a boating course.

12. Question 12 of 12

    You are a California resident with a boater card from another state. What must you do to boat in California?

    • ANothing; any state's card works for residents
    • BPass a California-approved course and get a California card
    • CShow your out-of-state card at a marina office
    • DPay a fee to the state so the out-of-state card can be converted
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Pass a California-approved course and get a California card

    California residents must get a California card. An out-of-state card is only accepted for temporary out-of-state residents.

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