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Introduction

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).

Eligibility

Holders of a general boat driving licence.

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 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.

How to apply

  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

More information

  • 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.

Payment methods

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

Last updated: 15 April 2021