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Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan Boating Regulations and Laws

Q. What is the "Michigan Boater Education Card"?

A. The Michigan Boater Education Card (also referred to as the Michigan Boaters License) is proof of competency of the basic rules of the water that all boaters should know.

Q. Do I have to get a Boater Education Card?

A. In Michigan, no one may operate a motor powered vessel over 6 hp if they are between the ages of 12 and 15, except if they successfully completed a state approved Boating Safety Course and have their Boating Safety Certificate onboard with them, or; if they are under the direct supervision of a responsible individual who themselves is at least 16 years of age. A Boating Safety Certificate is also required for all persons at least 14 years of age and born after December 31, 1978.

Q. What is the minimum age to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Michigan?

A. In Michigan, no one may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) if they are under the age of 12 years, under any circumstances. Boaters between 12 and 14 years of age who wish to operate a PWC must:

  • Have taken a safe boating course and be carrying their boating safety certifiate with them
  • Have a boating safety certifcate holding parent or legal guardian accompany them on the PWC
  • Have the lanyard cut-off switch attached to the parent or legal guardian

Q. How do I get my Michigan boaters license?

A. The steps required to get your Michigan boaters license are as follows:

  1. Study the Michigan boating safety course manual
  2. Take the Michigan online boating exam
  3. Pay for your exam
  4. Print off your Course completion certificate
  5. Register for a proctored exam with the Michigan DNR in order to obtain your Michigan Boating Safety Certificate.

For a complete overview of the Michigan online boating exam process, please visit our Michigan Boating License Online Exam Process overview page.

Q. What if I don't pass the Michigan Boating Test?

A. No problem. At BoaterExam.com™, we have a Pay only when you Pass policy. There is no cost to retry the exam if you do not pass. You will receive your score and be allowed to review any of your wrong answers. You can then review the course material and take the exam again at no cost to you.

Q. How much does the exam cost?

A. The cost of the course completion voucher is $29.95 which gives you access to an instant course completion certificate which you will take to your proctored exam session.

Q. What payment methods are accepted?

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Q. What is the "Certificate of Completion"?

A. The Certificate of Completion is a temporary proof of competency and proves that you took a boater education course and passed. This certificate is valid for 60 days from the date you take your exam and should should be carried with you when you boat until your permanent Boater Education Card arrives in the mail.

Q. Do I have a time limit for the exam?

A. No. The exam is not timed but inactive exams will be erased after 12 hours.

Q. Can I write the exam at any time? Day or Night?

A. Yes. The exam is available to you at any time of the day, every day of the week.

Q. How many questions are on the exam?

A. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

Q. What is the passing grade?

A. The passing grade is 80%, or 48 correct answers out of 60 questions.

Q. What are the technical requirements for the online boating test?

  Minimum Recommended
Browser Internet Explorer 5.5+ or
Mozilla Firefox 1.0+
Internet Explorer 7 or
Mozilla Firefox 2.0
Operating System Windows 98 or
Mac OS 9
Windows XP or
Mac OS X
Screen Resolution 800x600 1024x768
Internet Connection dial-up high-speed
 
 

 
 
 
 
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