Upgrade from a general boat driving licence to a personal watercraft (PWC) driving licence

If you have a general boat driving licence that is current, or expired less than 5 years, you can upgrade to a personal watercraft (PWC) driving licence at any time.

A 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.

Applications for a PWC driving licence can be completed at a service centre, or posted if you've completed the requirements with an Authorised Training Provider(ATP).

Holders of a general boat driving licence.

• your proof of identity
• your general boat driving licence
• evidence of having passed the PWC licence knowledge test
• 2 colour passport acceptable photos 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)
• the PDF form – 'Application for a Personal Watercraft Driving Licence'
• your payment.

1. Download and complete the Application for a Personal Watercraft Driving Licence – PDF.
2. Gather your supporting documentation.
3. Visit a service centre and provide the information in person, or post it to:
   Service NSW
   Agency Business Centre
   PO Box 21​
   Parkes NSW 2870

• You won't need to provide practical evidence of boating experience.
• 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 one(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.