Apply for a general boat driving licence

A general boat driving licence is a minimum requirement if you're driving any vessel for recreational purposes at 10 knots (approximately 18.5 km/h) or more, on NSW waters.

To obtain your general boat driving licence, you'll need to:

• provide evidence of practical boating (logbook) experience (with at least 3 trips logged)
• successfully complete the general boat licence knowledge test.

If you've already passed the test and completed the requirements with an Authorised Training Provider (ATP), you can take your documents to a Service NSW Centre.

Once your licence has been granted, you can access it digitally through the Service NSW app.

Eligibility

Anyone aged 12 or over who has successfully completed the general boat licence knowledge test can apply for a general boat driving licence.

What you need

• proof of identity
• evidence of practical boating experience
• evidence of having passed the general boat licence knowledge test
• evidence of holding equivalent qualifications recognised for the issue of a NSW general boat driving licence (if applicable)
• fee payment and concession card (if applicable).

How to apply

1. Gather the required documents.
2. Select the 'Book an appointment' button.
3. Follow the prompts to make an appointment at a service centre.
4. Lodge your application in person at your selected service centre.

More information

• To help you practise for your test, you can take a revision quiz, online.
• The duration of a general boat driving licence can be 1, 3, 5 or 10 years.
• Licence fees vary depending on the duration of the licence, and whether they are concessional licences.
• You must be aged under 16, or hold an eligible concession card at the time of payment, to receive a concession.
• If you hold an unrestricted NSW driver licence (all classes) and a NSW general boat driving licence, you may be eligible to combine these 2 licences on one card. Visit Transport for NSW to make sure you have all the information.

Payment methods

You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.