Oregon Boater Education Card Practice Test 2026

1. Question 1 of 12

   What is the minimum age to get an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card?

   • A12
   • B14
   • C10
   • D16
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   Answer: A. 12

   Under ORS 830.086, a person must be at least 12, pass an approved course or equivalency exam, and pay the fee.

2. Question 2 of 12

   What must you do with your Oregon Boating Safety Education Card while operating a motorboat?

   • APost it at the boat ramp before you launch
   • BMail it to the Marine Board once a year
   • CLeave it at home so it does not get wet
   • DCarry it on board and show it to an officer
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   Answer: D. Carry it on board and show it to an officer

   ORS 830.094 requires operators to carry the card on the boat and present it to a peace officer on request.

3. Question 3 of 12

   A 13-year-old in Oregon has a boater card. What may they operate alone?

   • ANothing; they always need an adult
   • BA motorboat up to 100 hp
   • CA motorboat of 10 hp or less
   • DAny motorboat of any size
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   Answer: C. A motorboat of 10 hp or less

   ORS 830.088: a 12- to 15-year-old with a card may operate a motorboat of 10 hp or less.

4. Question 4 of 12

   A 14-year-old with a card wants to drive a 90 hp boat in Oregon. When is this allowed?

   • AOnly when directly supervised by a cardholder 16 or older
   • BOnly on weekdays, when there is less traffic
   • CNever, under any conditions, until age 16
   • DAny time at all, because the teen already holds a boater card
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   Answer: A. Only when directly supervised by a cardholder 16 or older

   A 12- to 15-year-old may operate a motorboat over 10 hp only when accompanied and directly supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible person 16 or older who has a card.

5. Question 5 of 12

   Which renters are exempt from Oregon's boater card rule?

   • ARenters who buy extra insurance from the rental business first
   • BOnly renters who live outside Oregon
   • CRenters 16 or older who complete a dockside checklist
   • DAny renter, of any age, with no checklist
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   Answer: C. Renters 16 or older who complete a dockside checklist

   A person 16 or older who rents a motorboat over 10 hp and completes a dockside safety checklist is exempt.

6. Question 6 of 12

   When is a non-resident exempt from Oregon's boater card rule?

   • AOnly if their boat is under 10 hp
   • BNever; all visitors need an Oregon card
   • CAlways, for any length of stay
   • DWhen they carry a NASBLA-approved card
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   Answer: D. When they carry a NASBLA-approved card

   A non-resident with a NASBLA-approved boater education card in their possession is exempt.

7. Question 7 of 12

   Which of these people is exempt from Oregon's boater card requirement?

   • AA person with a current commercial fishing license
   • BAnyone who holds a valid car driver license
   • CAnyone over 65 who has boated for years
   • DAnyone who owns or works at a licensed boat dealership in Oregon
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A person with a current commercial fishing license

   ORS 830.092 exempts holders of a current commercial fishing license and holders of a valid Coast Guard commercial motorboat operator's license.

8. Question 8 of 12

   On a section of river rated class III or higher, who must wear a life jacket in Oregon?

   • AThe operator and all passengers
   • BOnly the operator
   • COnly children
   • DNo one, if the boat is large
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   Answer: A. The operator and all passengers

   ORS 830.215 requires the operator and all passengers to wear a properly secured life jacket on class III or higher whitewater.

9. Question 9 of 12

   When towing a water-skier in Oregon, who must be on board?

   • AA certified lifeguard with a whistle
   • BOnly the operator; no one else is needed
   • CA licensed captain who holds a Coast Guard operator license
   • DA second person who watches the skier at all times
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   Answer: D. A second person who watches the skier at all times

   ORS 830.365 requires another person, in addition to the operator, in a position to continuously observe the person being towed. A mirror may replace them only in competitive events.

10. Question 10 of 12

    What color "skier down" flag is required when towing in Oregon?

    • ABlue or white
    • BBlack
    • CRed or orange
    • DGreen
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    Answer: C. Red or orange

    ORS 830.365 requires a red or orange skier-down warning flag.

11. Question 11 of 12

    When is towing a skier prohibited in Oregon?

    • AOnly in the rain
    • BBetween sunset and sunrise
    • CBetween noon and 2 p.m.
    • DOn weekends only
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    Answer: B. Between sunset and sunrise

    ORS 830.365 prohibits towing between sunset and sunrise, with some exceptions.

12. Question 12 of 12

    You get a fine for a boater card violation in Oregon. How can the court suspend all or part of the fine?

    • ABy promising the court not to boat for a full year
    • BBy appearing in court and agreeing to take an approved course
    • CBy selling the boat before the court date
    • DBy paying the full fine early, before the hearing
    Show answer

    Answer: B. By appearing in court and agreeing to take an approved course

    Under ORS 830.096, the court must conditionally suspend all or part of the fine if the defendant appears in person and agrees to complete an approved boating safety course.

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