Australia · NSW general boat and PWC licence
NSW boat licence test: pass mark, questions and fees
50 questions: at least 24 of 30 general questions and all 20 compulsory ones. The test costs $44 from 1 July 2026.
The NSW general boat licence knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. To pass you need at least 24 of the 30 questions in Section A and all 20 questions in Section B [1]. From 1 July 2026 the test costs $44 per attempt at a service centre, and a 1-year boat licence $82 [2]. The PWC test is 15 questions, 12 to pass.
NSW boat licence test format
The general boat licence knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions in two sections [1]:
| Section | Questions | Needed to pass |
|---|---|---|
| Section A: general questions | 30 | 24 (80%) |
| Section B: compulsory questions | 20 | all 20 (100%) |
| Whole test | 50 | at least 44, with both sections passed |
The PWC (jet ski) licence knowledge test is separate: 15 questions, at least 12 correct, and you must already hold a general boat licence or pass that test too [1][3].
What is the pass mark for the NSW boat licence test?
You must pass both sections: at least 24 out of 30 in Section A and every one of the 20 questions in Section B [1]. A total score is not enough on its own, as these five results show:
| Score (Section A + Section B) | Result |
|---|---|
| 50 / 50 (30 + 20) | Pass |
| 44 / 50 (24 + 20) | Pass: the minimum |
| 49 / 50 (30 + 19) | Fail: one compulsory question wrong |
| 46 / 50 (26 + 20) | Pass |
| 43 / 50 (23 + 20) | Fail: Section A below 24 |
The trap: 49 out of 50 can fail. One mistake in the compulsory section fails the test even with a perfect Section A. Those questions cover core safety rules, so learn the Boating Handbook on lifejackets, safety equipment, speed and distance and the rules of the road word for word, not just roughly.
Practise with the real scoring. The book explains the NSW rules in the order of the official Boating Handbook, with 300 practice questions, 3 full 50-question mock tests and 2 PWC mock tests marked the same way: Pass the NSW Boat Licence Test.
NSW boat licence test fees (from 1 July 2026)
| Test | Fee |
|---|---|
| Boat licence knowledge test | $44 |
| Boat and PWC knowledge tests together | $66 |
| PWC knowledge test only (upgrade) | $22 |
At a service centre the test fee is charged again for each attempt [1][2]. You can also sit the test with an Authorised Training Provider as part of a course, which has its own price [1].
Licence fees: 1, 3, 5 or 10 years
| Duration | Boat | Boat, concession or under 16 | PWC | PWC, concession or under 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $82 | $41 | $260 | $130 |
| 3 years | $233 | $117 | $701 | $351 |
| 5 years | $372 | $186 | $1,104 | $552 |
| 10 years | $720 | $360 | $2,077 | $1,039 |
Source: Transport for NSW fee table effective 1 July 2026 [2]. A 10-year boat licence works out at $72 a year, against $82 for a 1-year licence.
What it costs in total: four examples
| Case | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Pass first time, 1-year boat licence | $44 + $82 | $126 |
| Fail once at a service centre, then pass, 1-year licence | $44 × 2 + $82 | $170 |
| Pass first time, 5-year boat licence | $44 + $372 | $416 |
| Both tests together, 10-year boat and 10-year PWC licences | $66 + $720 + $2,077 | $2,863 |
Who needs a boat licence in NSW
You need a licence to drive a recreational vessel at 10 knots (18.5 km/h) or more, and a PWC licence to drive a jet ski at any speed [3]. You can apply from age 12. Under 16, you must not exceed 20 knots, drive between sunset and sunrise or tow anyone [3]. For a general boat licence you also need practical experience: a Boating Licence Practical Logbook completed with an experienced skipper, or an approved course with an Authorised Training Provider [3].
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the NSW boat licence test?
50 multiple-choice questions: 30 general questions in Section A and 20 compulsory questions in Section B.
What is the pass mark for the NSW boat licence test?
You need at least 24 of the 30 questions in Section A and all 20 questions in Section B. One wrong answer in Section B fails the test.
How much is the NSW boat licence test?
From 1 July 2026, $44 for the boat licence knowledge test, $66 for the boat and PWC tests together and $22 for the PWC test alone. The fee applies to each attempt at a service centre.
What is the pass mark for the NSW PWC licence test?
15 questions, at least 12 correct. You must hold a general boat licence or pass that test as well.
Can I resit the NSW boat licence test if I fail?
Yes. You can sit the test again, paying the test fee for each attempt at a service centre. Someone caught cheating cannot resit for 6 weeks.
The book
Pass the NSW Boat Licence Test
The NSW boating rules explained in the order of the official Boating Handbook, with 300 original practice questions, three full 50-question mock tests and two PWC licence mock tests, all marked with the real two-section scoring.
Ebook. Also on other Apple Books and Google Play Books stores.
Sources
- NSW Government, « Practise and book knowledge tests: boat or PWC licence » (format, pass marks, resits), page updated 6 May 2025, consulted 10 November 2026.
- NSW Government, « Fees for boat or PWC licence », fees effective 1 July 2026, consulted 10 November 2026.
- NSW Government, « Get boat or personal watercraft (PWC) licence » (10-knot rule, age, under-16 restrictions, practical experience), page updated 6 May 2025, consulted 10 November 2026.
Figures checked on 10 November 2026. Independent guide: not produced or approved by Transport for NSW or Service NSW. Always check nsw.gov.au before you book or pay.