How old do you need to be for a boating license?
Boating is fun for all ages. More and more people are experiencing how nice it is to take a boat out on the water and enjoy the tranquility and nature. There is a sense of freedom on the water. However, boating is not something you can just do, especially with a large boat or in a crowded boating area. You must have knowledge of the laws and regulations on the water, special skills for sailing a boat and know what to do when you encounter other boats. After all, it is becoming increasingly crowded on the water in the Netherlands. Many children or young people would like to experience for themselves what it is like to drive a boat, but how old do you actually have to be for a boating license? You can read about it on Alpina.nl.
How old do you have to be to take a boating license exam?
There is no minimum age for taking the Small Boating License exam. For this you do not have to be 18 years old. You can also take the exam for the license at age 12. However, you do not receive your license until you are 18, and you may only drive a boat that requires a license from then on. If you pass the small boat license exam before the age of 18 you will receive a result letter. This does not yet allow you to drive a boat, because the result letter is not yet the actual license. At age 18 you can exchange this letter for a boating license. Until then, you may not drive a boat or sail in an area where a license is required.
How old do you have to be to sail?
Before the age of 18, therefore, you are not allowed to drive a boat that requires a license or to sail in an area where a license is required. Whether you can drive a boat without a license depends on the length and maximum speed of the boat. Your age also plays a role.
Why get your boating license before age 18 anyway?
You may be thinking: why should I get my boating license now if I won't be allowed to sail afterwards anyway? It is often recommended to take the exam now if you want to get your license. This has a number of advantages. First of all, you do not have to take a practical exam now. Should this change in the future, it won't matter to you. A license is valid for life and does not need to be renewed. Also, the theory exam is becoming more and more extensive, making the questions more difficult as well. If you get your boating license now, you won't have to worry about this later.
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