Introduction

A personal watercraft (PWC) is a vessel with a fully enclosed hull that may be driven standing up, lying down, sitting astride or kneeling, and includes jet-powered surfboards. A special licence is required to drive one, regardless of the speed at which it's driven.

To obtain a PWC driving licence you must hold a general boat driving licence and have successfully undertaken the PWC licence knowledge test.

If you've already passed the test and completed the requirements with an Authorised Training Provider (ATP), you can post your application or take your documents to a service centre.

Eligibility

If you're aged 12 years or older and you hold a general boat driving licence, you can upgrade to a PWC driving licence at any time. There are licence restrictions for people under 16.

What you need

  • your proof of identity
  • your general boat driving licence
  • evidence of having passed the PWC licence knowledge test
  • 2 colour passport-acceptable photographs, with your name and date of birth printed on the back of each photo
  • evidence of holding an equivalent qualification that can be recognised for the issue of a NSW PWC driving licence (if applicable)
  • your payment
  • the PDF form – 'Application for a Personal Watercraft Driving Licence'.

How to apply

  1. Select the 'Book an appointment' button.
  2. Locate your preferred service centre and 'Select'.
  3. Choose a date and time for your appointment.
  4. Enter your details to confirm your booking.
  5. Download and complete the Application for a Personal Watercraft Driving Licence – PDF.
  6. Make sure you have all the required documentation.
  7. Attend your appointment at the service centre.

If you've completed the requirements with an ATP:

  1. Download and complete the Application for a Personal Watercraft Driving Licence – PDF.
  2. Gather all the necessary documentation.
  3. Post your application to:

    Service NSW
    Agency Business Centre
    PO Box 21​
    Parkes NSW 2870

More information

  • To help you practise for your test, you can take a revision quiz online.
  • When completing the licence application form, you'll be required to provide information about any medical conditions which may affect your ability to operate a PWC.
  • The duration of a PWC driving licence can be 1, 3, 5 or 10 years.
  • Licence fees vary depending on the duration of the licence and whether they are concessional licences.
  • You must be under 16 years of age or hold an eligible concession card at the time of payment to receive a concession.
  • If you hold an unrestricted NSW driver licence (all classes) and a NSW general boat driving licence, you may be eligible to combine these 2 licences on one card. Visit Transport for NSW to make sure you have all the information.

Payment methods

You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.

Last updated: 22 February 2024