Q. What is the Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit?
A.The Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is good for life and does not need to be renewed.
Q. Boating License or Watercraft Operator's Permit... is there a difference?
A. The Watercraft Operator's Permit is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The Watercraft Operator's Permit does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT a Minnesota Boating License!
Q. I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit?
A. Yes. You are not required to have a state driver's license in order to obtain a Watercraft Operator's Permit.
Q. How can I get my Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit?
A. You can obtain your Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit in 3 easy steps:
- Study the Minnesota Boater Safety Education Course
- Make payment for the course after you pass the final exam
- Print a temporary card immediately and receive your permanent card in the mail within 3-5 weeks
Q. Who needs a Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit?
A. Motorboats: In Minnesota, no one under the age of 12 may operate a watercraft with a motor greater than 25 horsepower unless there is a competent adult on the boat who is at least 21 years of age and is within immediate reach of the controls of the motor.
Note: No one under the age of 12 may operate a boat greater than 75 horsepower under any circumstances.
Operators who are between the ages of 12 and 17 years (inclusive) may operate a boat with less than 25 horsepower without restriction. They may only operate a boat which has a motor greater than 25 hp if they have obtained their Watercraft Operator's Permit; or if they are under the direct supervision of a person onboard that is at least 21 years old and within immediate reach of the controls of the motor.
Personal Watercrafts (PWC):No one under the age of 13 years may operator a personal watercraft (PWC). Operators who are currently 13 years of age must be under the direct supervision of a person onboard who is at least 21 years old.
Note: If they have obtained their Watercraft Operator's Permit direct supervision is not required but they must have someone who is at least 21 years of age observing them at all times.
For all those between the ages of 14 and 17 years wishing to operate a PWC, they must either be under the direct supervision of a person onboard who is at least 21 years of age; or have obtained a Watercraft Operator's Permit.
Q. How long is the boat safety course and Watercraft Operator's Permit good for?
A. The Watercraft Operator's Permit is good for life.
Q. How much does the boat safety course cost?
A. There is a one-time fee of $24.95 paid to BOATERexam.com®. Payment is collected only after you have completed the online course and passed the final certification exam.
Q. Is there a time limit to complete the final exam?
A. You can take the final exam at any time, day or night. The exam is not timed but inactive exams will be erased after 24 hours.
Q. Is there a time limit to complete the online course?
A. You can take the online course at any time, day or night. However, courses must be completed within 90 days of payment at which time your access to the course will expire.
Q. What do I need to pass the chapter quizzes final certification exam?
A. You need a grade of 80% or higher to pass the end of chapter quizzes. You need a grade of 70% or higher on the boating license test to pass.
Q. Can I review my BOATERexam.com® answers?
A. Yes, once you have completed the boating license test and submitted all your answers they are graded immediately. You have the opportunity to review all your BOATERexam.com® answers, whether you have passed or failed the final certification exam.
Q. Are there BOATERexam.com® practice tests or sample BOATERexam.com® questions available?
A. Throughout the boat safety course, you can take end-of-chapter-quizzes that prepare you for the final exam. These chapter quizzes are short boater exam practice tests that cover the same topics that are present in the boating license test.
Q. Is anyone exempt from obtaining the Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit?
A. Yes, there are certain exemptions from the boat safety education requirement. For more information, check out the Minnesota Boating Laws page.