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Australia · Boat licence

Boat licence practice test: 20 questions with answers

Here are 20 free questions to check what you know before your boat licence test, each with an explanation and where the rule comes from. This boat licence practice test is our own. Most questions are on rules every state here shares, and the rest name the state they apply to. It isn’t a copy of any state’s test, which is set by the state and varies in length and pass mark. So use it as a warm-up, then try your own state’s free official quiz.

  • 20Practice questions on this page
  • 16Right answers for our 80% target
  • 12On rules every state here shares
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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Question 1 of 20

You’re driving a powerboat and meet another powered vessel head on. What should you both do?

20 practice questions in the style of the knowledge test.

What’s in this boat licence practice test?

Twelve questions are on rules that apply in every state this guide covers: give way rules, navigation marks, distress calls and planning a trip. The other eight say which state they’re for, because rules on lifejackets, distances, alcohol, towing and jet skis differ from state to state.

Aim for 16 right out of 20. That’s our own target, not any state’s pass mark.

AreaOur 20
Give way rules, distances and alcohol limits5
Navigation marks4
Emergencies and distress calls3
Lifejackets and safety equipment3
Planning a trip and loading the boat2
Personal watercraft (jet ski) rules2
Licensing1

How do the real state tests differ?

NSW has a 50-question knowledge test in two sections: a section of 20 where every answer must be right, and a section of 30 where you need at least 24. Victoria’s marine licence test has 30 questions and you need 26 right. WA’s Recreational Skipper’s Ticket theory test has 40 questions and you need 34.

NSW, Victoria, WA and Tasmania each run a free official practice quiz. Try yours once you’ve read your state’s handbook.

The free official quizzes and courses →Each state’s handbook →
Sources: Transport for NSW · Queensland Government · Safe Transport Victoria and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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