NSW boat licence (General boat driving licence)
Free NSW boat licence course: the whole knowledge test
Your course
0 of 10 units complete · 0 of 40 steps
Learn everything in the NSW boat licence knowledge test. The course follows the Transport for NSW Boating Handbook chapter by chapter: your licence and the law, lifejackets and safety gear, planning a trip, giving way, safe speed and distance, navigation marks, lights and sound signals, coastal bars, and what to do in an emergency. Where Victoria or Queensland do things differently, we say so.
Unit 1 · Your licence and the law
Start here: who can drive, how to get licensed, and what to check before you borrow, buy or hire a boat in NSW.
0/4Unit 2 · Lifejackets: when to wear and which type
Choose a lifejacket that fits, know when you must wear it, and keep it ready to work.
0/4Unit 3 · Safety equipment for enclosed and open waters
Choose the right checklist for your boat and waters, then make sure every item works and can be reached.
0/4Unit 4 · Before you go: planning, weather and loading
Plan a trip your boat and crew can handle, check the weather, and launch with a balanced load and fuel in reserve.
0/4Unit 5 · Lookout and giving way
Look all around, recognise who must keep clear and act early enough for everyone to stay safe.
0/4Unit 6 · Safe distance, speed, wash, alcohol and towing
Give people room, control your speed and wash, stay sober and plan every tow around the person behind you.
0/4Unit 7 · Navigation marks
Read the colours, shapes and lights so you can choose the safe side of a channel or hazard.
0/4Unit 8 · Lights and sound signals
Show the right lights, recognise other vessels and use sound signals to make your actions clear.
0/4Unit 9 · Waterways, coastal bars, mooring and anchoring
Know the waterway, make a careful bar-crossing decision, keep clear of restricted areas and secure your boat safely.
0/4Unit 10 · Emergencies and the environment
Call for the right help, protect people in the water and leave NSW waterways healthy for the next crew.
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