MN Boating License Practice Test, Minnesota State Law Only
Law-only questions on the watercraft operator's permit, young operators, rentals and personal watercraft, with the Minnesota section under each answer.
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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Bank checked September 30, 2026.
A 15-year-old is found by a juvenile court to have operated a watercraft carelessly under Minn. Stat. 86B.311. What happens to the operator's permit?Minn. Stat. 86B.811, subd. 2
A Minnesota adult operator has no watercraft operator's permit and is not an exempt operator. When may that person still operate a motorboat?Minn. Stat. 86B.303, subd. 1
A Minnesota boater shows a permit on a phone to a conservation officer. What does the statute say about the rest of the phone?Minn. Stat. 86B.302, subd. 4
A visitor who is not a Minnesota resident meets the boating requirements of the home state. For how long may the visitor use Minnesota waters as an exempt operator?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 4
After a Minnesota youth operator's permit is revoked, when does the commissioner issue a new one?Minn. Stat. 86B.811, subd. 2
An accompanying operator sits beside a 13-year-old who is steering. Who is operating and in physical control of the motorboat under Minnesota law?Minn. Stat. 86B.303, subd. 3
Besides being in the motorboat, where must a Minnesota accompanying operator be?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 2
Show all 86 questions (79 more)
The watercraft operator's permit, continued
From July 1, 2026, Minnesota's permit rule reaches motorboat operators 12 or older who were born on or after which date?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 3
How old must an accompanying operator be under Minnesota's watercraft law?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 2
Minnesota may issue a watercraft operator's permit to a person who is at least 11. When does that permit become valid?Minn. Stat. 86B.302, subd. 2
What must a Minnesota accompanying operator hold?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 2
What must a person complete to be issued a Minnesota watercraft operator's permit under section 86B.302?Minn. Stat. 86B.302, subd. 1
When the last step of Minnesota's phase-in takes effect on July 1, 2028, the permit rule will reach operators born on or after which date?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 3
Which motorboat may a person of any age operate in Minnesota without a permit and without an accompanying operator?Minn. Stat. 86B.303, subd. 5
Which of these counts as carrying proof of a Minnesota watercraft operator's permit?Minn. Stat. 86B.302, subd. 3
Which of these people is an exempt operator under Minn. Stat. 86B.30?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 4
Which statement about the water safety course the commissioner must establish is in Minn. Stat. 86B.304?Minn. Stat. 86B.304
Which topic must Minnesota's water safety course include, by statute?Minn. Stat. 86B.304
Operators under 12 and rentals 13
A rented watercraft is loaded beyond its safe carrying capacity. What does Minn. R. 6110.1100 say about it?Minn. R. 6110.1100, subp. 1
A renter took the short boater safety examination at a Minnesota rental business earlier this season. Within how many days does it still count?Minn. Stat. 86B.306, subd. 3
An 11-year-old wants to run a fishing boat with a 40-horsepower motor in Minnesota. What does section 86B.303 require?Minn. Stat. 86B.303, subd. 2
An authorized operator on a Minnesota rental has no permit and is not exempt. What must that operator do before the boat leaves the premises?Minn. Stat. 86B.306, subd. 3
How old must the renter be before a Minnesota motorboat rental business may rent out a motorboat?Minn. Stat. 86B.306, subd. 1
May a 10-year-old operate a personal watercraft in Minnesota if a parent rides along?Minn. Stat. 86B.303, subd. 2
The owner of a motorboat lets a friend's child operate it in a way section 86B.303 forbids. What does the Minnesota statute say about the owner?Minn. Stat. 86B.303, subd. 4
To whom may a watercraft not knowingly be rented under Minn. R. 6110.1100?Minn. R. 6110.1100, subp. 2
What must a Minnesota motorboat rental business give everyone who rents a personal watercraft, at no additional cost?Minn. Stat. 86B.306, subd. 4
What must a Minnesota motorboat rental business list on each rental agreement?Minn. Stat. 86B.306, subd. 2
Which business is left out of Minnesota's definition of a "motorboat rental business"?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 5
Which motorboat may a Minnesota young operator never operate, even with an accompanying operator aboard?Minn. Stat. 86B.303, subd. 2
Who is a "young operator" under Minnesota's watercraft law?Minn. Stat. 86B.30, subd. 7
Personal watercraft 11
A Minnesota personal watercraft is towing a person on a kneeboard with no observer on board. What makes the tow lawful?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
A personal watercraft was built with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch. What must its Minnesota operator do with the lanyard?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
During which hours may a personal watercraft not be operated in Minnesota?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
How may a personal watercraft pass through emergent or floating vegetation in Minnesota?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
What must be attached to a Minnesota personal watercraft in full view of the operator?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
When does Minnesota's 150-foot slow-no wake rule for personal watercraft not apply?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
Which change to a personal watercraft makes it unlawful to operate in Minnesota?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
Which craft is a "personal watercraft" as Minn. Stat. 86B.005 defines it?Minn. Stat. 86B.005, subd. 14a
Who on a Minnesota personal watercraft must wear a Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
Within what distance of a shoreline, dock, swimmer or anchored boat must a Minnesota personal watercraft stay at slow-no wake speed?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
Within what distance of another watercraft is jumping its wake on a personal watercraft named as endangering operation in Minnesota?Minn. Stat. 86B.313, subd. 1
Life jackets 8
A 6-year-old is aboard a Minnesota boat that is under way. Where may the child be without wearing a life jacket?Minn. Stat. 86B.501, subd. 3
Below what age must a child wear a personal flotation device on a Minnesota watercraft that is under way?Minn. Stat. 86B.501, subd. 3
How does Minn. R. 6110.1200 treat a person being towed on water skis for life jacket purposes?Minn. R. 6110.1200, subp. 3
Under Minn. R. 6110.1200, where are wearable personal flotation devices NOT "readily accessible"?Minn. R. 6110.1200, subp. 3
When does Minnesota's child life jacket rule not apply to a recreational boat?Minn. Stat. 86B.501, subd. 3
Which craft may the Minnesota commissioner not require to be equipped with personal flotation devices?Minn. Stat. 86B.501, subd. 1
Which Minnesota watercraft must carry a throwable personal flotation device in addition to the wearable ones?Minn. R. 6110.1200, subp. 3
Who must provide the life jackets on a watercraft that is rented out in Minnesota?Minn. Stat. 86B.501, subd. 2
Wakes, distances and operating rules 10
A conservation officer signals a Minnesota watercraft operator. What must the operator do?Minn. R. 6110.1200, subp. 2
A water area in Minnesota has been marked off as a swimming area under the commissioner's rules. What may a watercraft operator do there?Minn. Stat. 86B.311, subd. 4
How close may a watercraft be operated to a diver's warning flag in Minnesota?Minn. R. 6110.1200, subp. 2
How far from the diver's flag may a Minnesota diver who placed it go, measured on the surface?Minn. Stat. 86B.601, subd. 1
How fast is "slow-no wake" under Minnesota's definition?Minn. Stat. 86B.005, subd. 16a
To which buoy may a Minnesota boater tie up a watercraft?Minn. Stat. 86B.311, subd. 3
When may a passenger sit on the gunwale of a Minnesota motorboat that is under way?Minn. Stat. 86B.311, subd. 5
Which of these is unlawful operation under Minn. Stat. 86B.311, subd. 1?Minn. Stat. 86B.311, subd. 1
Which watercraft may carry or use a siren in Minnesota?Minn. Stat. 86B.515, subd. 2
You approach a Minnesota law enforcement watercraft with its emergency lights activated. What must you do?Minn. Stat. 86B.311, subd. 6
Towing skiers and wake surfing 3
A Minnesota boat is towing a water skier and no one but the operator is aboard. What must the boat have?Minn. Stat. 86B.315, subd. 1
During which hours is towing a person on water skis, and wake surfing, prohibited on Minnesota waters?Minn. Stat. 86B.315, subd. 2
How long may a ski tow rope be in Minnesota before a permit from the local sheriff is needed?Minn. R. 6110.1700
Operating while impaired 4
A Minnesota boat owner has reason to believe a friend is under the influence of alcohol. What does section 86B.33 forbid the owner to do?Minn. Stat. 86B.33, subd. 2
A Minnesota boater is a participant in the ignition interlock device program. Which motorboat may that person operate?Minn. Stat. 86B.33, subd. 2
What can an impaired-operation violation in a Minnesota motorboat affect besides boating?Minn. Stat. 86B.33, subd. 2
Which chapter of Minnesota law applies to a person who operates or is in physical control of a motorboat on waters of the state?Minn. Stat. 86B.33, subd. 2
Accidents and liability 5
A Minnesota watercraft is being operated without the owner's express or implied consent when it causes damage. Is the owner liable under section 86B.341?Minn. Stat. 86B.341, subd. 2
A Minnesota watercraft is in an accident that injures someone. What is the operator's first duty, if it can be done without serious danger?Minn. Stat. 86B.341, subd. 1
After an accident on Minnesota waters, to whom must the operator promptly report it?Minn. Stat. 86B.341, subd. 1
The owner's daughter is in control of the family boat when it causes damage. What does Minnesota law presume?Minn. Stat. 86B.341, subd. 2
What must a Minnesota operator give the injured person or the other boat's occupants after an accident?Minn. Stat. 86B.341, subd. 1
Watercraft licenses and numbers 9
A boat with a valid number from another state is brought to Minnesota. After how many consecutive days in the state does the license exemption end?Minn. Stat. 86B.301, subd. 2
A licensed Minnesota watercraft is sold. By when must written notice of the ownership change reach the commissioner?Minn. Stat. 86B.401, subd. 8
For how long is a Minnesota watercraft license valid?Minn. Stat. 86B.401, subd. 5
For how many days is a Minnesota temporary watercraft license certificate valid?Minn. Stat. 86B.401, subd. 2
The owner of a licensed Minnesota watercraft moves house. By when must the commissioner be told in writing?Minn. Stat. 86B.401, subd. 7
What comes as part of a Minnesota watercraft license and must be on board or available with the signed license certificate?Minn. Stat. 86B.401, subd. 3
Where must the license certificate for a Minnesota motorboat be while the boat is in use?Minn. R. 6110.0200
Where must the license number go on a Minnesota motorboat?Minn. R. 6110.0300
Which watercraft needs no Minnesota watercraft license?Minn. Stat. 86B.301, subd. 2
Equipment and invasive species 5
A person is convicted of violating Minnesota's invasive species chapter with water-related equipment. What must happen before that person keeps using the equipment?Minn. Stat. 86B.13, subd. 1a
What must a watercraft on Minnesota waters have if it is equipped with a marine toilet?Minn. Stat. 86B.535, subd. 1
Which exhaust setup is unlawful on a Minnesota motorboat?Minn. Stat. 86B.521, subd. 1
Which Minnesota watercraft must carry a manufacturer's capacity plate under section 86B.505?Minn. Stat. 86B.505, subd. 1
Which recreational motorboat must have a working marine carbon monoxide detection system on Minnesota waters?Minn. Stat. 86B.532, subd. 1
How this list was compiled: Written from Minnesota Statutes chapter 86B (Water Safety, Watercraft, and Watercraft Titling), sections 86B.005, 86B.13, 86B.30, 86B.301, 86B.302, 86B.303, 86B.304, 86B.306, 86B.311, 86B.313, 86B.315, 86B.33, 86B.341, 86B.401, 86B.501, 86B.505, 86B.515, 86B.521, 86B.532, 86B.535, 86B.601 and 86B.811, read as the full chapter at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/86B/full on 2026-09-30, and from Minnesota Rules parts 6110.0200, 6110.0300, 6110.1100, 6110.1200 and 6110.1700, each read at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/6110/ on 2026-09-30. Each question names its section or part and links to it. That a written test exists is Minn. Stat. 86B.304(a): the commissioner must establish a water safety course and testing program and must prescribe a written test as part of the course; section 86B.302 issues the watercraft operator's permit to a person 12 or older who completes that course and test. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources page https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html, read on 2026-09-30, calls the credential the Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit and prints no question count or pass mark, so none is stored here. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the statute and rule text; nothing is copied from the Minnesota Boating Guide, a course provider's material or another practice test.
How it works
This unofficial MN boating license practice test asks only Minnesota law, chapter 86B and the water safety rules, with the section under each question. Navigation rules are not here; the state's course covers them. Read September 2026.
Read the full guide
The permit by birth date, 25 horsepower and 150 feet
Minn. Stat. 86B.303 asks an operator 12 or older for a watercraft operator's permit, phased in by birth date: from July 1, 2026, anyone born on or after July 1, 2000. Boats other than personal watercraft with 25 horsepower or less are outside the rule. Personal watercraft hold slow-no wake within 150 feet of shore, docks and swimmers (86B.313). Children under ten wear a life jacket underway (86B.501).
What the statute says about the course and written test
Section 86B.304 has the commissioner prescribe a written test as part of a water safety course that must be available online. Section 86B.302 issues the permit to a person 12 or older who completes both. Neither gives a question count or pass mark, so this page shows no pass line.
Keep the two evening rules apart: personal watercraft stop one hour before sunset, and towing stops one-half hour after sunset.
Three 150-foot rules: personal watercraft near shore, any boat near a diver's flag, and the longest tow rope without a sheriff's permit.
Questions and answers
Who has to pass the MN boating license test?
From July 1, 2026, a motorboat operator 12 or older born on or after July 1, 2000, needs the permit, unless exempt or beside an accompanying operator of 21 or older. The birth date moves back again in 2027 and 2028 (Minn. Stat. 86B.30).
Can a child under 12 drive a boat in Minnesota?
Only a motorboat that is not a personal watercraft. Up to 25 horsepower needs no one alongside. Under 75 horsepower, an accompanying operator of 21 or older must be within reach of the controls. More than 75 horsepower is not allowed (Minn. Stat. 86B.303).
What does a renter need to rent a motorboat in Minnesota?
The renter must be 18 or older and hold a permit or be exempt. A listed operator without a permit reviews a summary of the law and takes a short boater safety examination, good for 180 days. Resorts are outside this rule (Minn. Stat. 86B.306).
Did the Minnesota DNR write these questions?
No. This is not a government website, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has not seen or approved anything here. Each answer cites a section of Minnesota Statutes or Minnesota Rules you can open. The permit comes only from the state's course and test.