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Marine and boat licence

Get your marine licence and PWC endorsement to drive a boat or jet ski in Victoria.

Steps to follow

  1. 1

    Step 1: Check you're eligible

    You can get a marine licence if you:

    • are at least 12 years old to apply for a restricted marine licence
    • are at least 16 years old to apply for a PWC endorsement
    • pass a basic eyesight test
    • pass the relevant tests or provide a relevant Certificate of Competency.
  2. 2

    Step 2: Schedule your test

    You’ll need to take the following tests:

    1. Eyesight test.
    2. Marine licence knowledge test.
    • There are 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 26 correctly to pass.
    1. Personal Watercraft endorsement test (if you want to use a PWC).
    • There are 15 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 13 correctly to pass.
    • You can only take this test once you turn 16 years old.

    You can take these tests: 

  3. 3

    Step 3: Prepare for the tests

  4. 4

    Step 4: Take the test and get your licence

    To take the test:

    1. Visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre or an accredited training provider.
    2. Bring evidence of identity and a completed marine and boat licence application form (PDF).
    3. Complete your test. 

    If you have a valid Certificate of Competency, visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre and bring:

    • your original certificate from the accredited training provider
    • a completed application for a licence or learner permit form.
  5. 5

    Step 5: Pay for your licence

    If you test at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, you can pay at the counter and get your results immediately. This means that if you pass, you’ll get your licence straight away.  We may need to take a new photo of you for your licence.

    Check the marine licence fees for what you'll need to pay.

    If you took the test with an accredited training provider, you’ll need to come to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to pay. You’ll need to bring all relevant documentation along with you.

Licence restrictions for under 16s

If you're between 12 and 16 years old, you can get a restricted marine licence. 

Restrictions include:

  • You can’t operate a vessel between sunset and sunrise.
  • You can’t tow people or objects.
  • You can’t operate a vessel at speeds of 10 knots or more.

Convert an interstate marine licence

If you have a valid interstate marine licence and want to operate a vessel for more than three months in Victoria, you’ll need to convert your licence.

You can convert if:

  • your marine licence is current (or expired within 5 years)
  • your licence isn’t suspended, cancelled, or disqualified
  • you meet basic medical and eyesight requirements
  • you provide proof of your interstate licence.

How to convert your licence

  1. Book an appointment to convert your licence at VicRoads.
  2. Bring evidence of identity, payment, your interstate licence and a completed application form.

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