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North Carolina Boater Exam Practice Test 2026

North Carolina requires boating safety education for operators of vessels with motors of 10 hp or more, unless they were born before January 1, 1988, or another exemption applies. This practice test covers North Carolina law (G.S. Chapter 75A) and the national rules taught in approved courses.

  • Boating
  • North Carolina
  • 132 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

It is run by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Practise here for free with 132 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the US Boater Safety Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 12

    Under North Carolina law, boating safety education is required to operate a vessel with a motor of what size?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 10 horsepower or more

    G.S. 75A-16.2 requires boating safety education for operators of vessels propelled by a motor of 10 hp or more on public waters.

  2. Question 2 of 12

    Which North Carolina operators are exempt from the boating education rule because of their birth date?
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    Answer: B. People born before January 1, 1988

    The law exempts a person born before January 1, 1988.

  3. Question 3 of 12

    A teen without boating education wants to drive a 60 hp boat in North Carolina. When is this allowed?
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    Answer: A. When a qualifying adult on board directly supervises

    A person under the onboard, direct supervision of an adult who meets the requirement is exempt.

  4. Question 4 of 12

    What is the penalty in North Carolina for operating without required boating education?
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    Answer: D. An infraction with a $50 fine

    Violating G.S. 75A-16.2 is an infraction with a $50 fine.

  5. Question 5 of 12

    Under North Carolina law, a 15-year-old may operate a personal watercraft only when:
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    Answer: B. A qualifying adult is aboard, or the teen carries proof of age and education

    People under 16 may not operate a PWC, except 14- and 15-year-olds who are accompanied by a qualifying adult on board or who carry proof of age and boating education.

  6. Question 6 of 12

    When is PWC operation prohibited in North Carolina?
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    Answer: B. Between sunset and sunrise

    G.S. 75A-13.3 prohibits operating a personal watercraft between sunset and sunrise.

  7. Question 7 of 12

    In North Carolina, how close may a PWC come to a dock, swimmers or an anchored boat at more than no-wake speed?
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    Answer: C. 100 feet (50 feet in a narrow channel)

    PWCs must stay at no-wake speed within 100 feet of anchored or moored vessels, docks, piers, swimmers and people fishing, or within 50 feet in a narrow channel.

  8. Question 8 of 12

    What kind of life jacket must PWC riders in North Carolina wear?
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    Answer: C. A Coast Guard-approved, non-inflatable life jacket

    Each person riding on or towed behind a PWC must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD. Inflatable PFDs do not meet this rule.

  9. Question 9 of 12

    What blood alcohol concentration makes boating illegal in North Carolina?
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    Answer: A. 0.08 or more

    G.S. 75A-10 prohibits operating a vessel underway with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or while impaired by any substance.

  10. Question 10 of 12

    In North Carolina, a written accident report is due within how long when someone is injured?
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    Answer: B. 48 hours

    Reports are due within 48 hours for death, disappearance or injury, and within 10 days for property damage of $2,000 or more or total loss of a vessel.

  11. Question 11 of 12

    When is water skiing or towing prohibited in North Carolina?
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    Answer: C. From one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise

    G.S. 75A-13 prohibits towing and water skiing from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

  12. Question 12 of 12

    You pass a law enforcement vessel showing a flashing blue light in North Carolina. What must you do?
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    Answer: A. Slow to no-wake speed within 100 feet of it

    G.S. 75A-17 requires no-wake speed within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel showing a flashing blue light, or 50 feet in a narrow channel.

What to know before the test

  • Operators of vessels with a motor of 10 hp or more need boating safety education, unless born before January 1, 1988, or otherwise exempt.
  • No one under 16 may operate a PWC, except 14- and 15-year-olds with a qualifying adult on board or with proof of age and education.
  • PWCs may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
  • Operating a vessel with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is illegal.
  • Accident reports are due within 48 hours for death, injury or disappearance, and within 10 days for damage of $2,000 or more.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs a boater education card in North Carolina?

Anyone operating a vessel with a motor of 10 hp or more on public waters, unless born before January 1, 1988, or otherwise exempt.

How old do you have to be to drive a jet ski in North Carolina?

Generally 16. Teens aged 14 and 15 may operate with a qualifying adult on board or if they carry proof of age and boating education.

What is the fine for not having boating education in North Carolina?

It is an infraction with a $50 fine.

Can you ride a PWC at night in North Carolina?

No. PWC operation is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.

Sources

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