Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. What is the Alabama Vessel License?

A. The Alabama Vessel License (also known as the Alabama boating license or boaters license) is proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the State of Alabama. The Alabama Boating License appears as a "V" class on your Alabama Driver's License.

Q. I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Alabama Boater License?

A. If you do not have an Alabama driver's license you will be issued an Alabama "Vessel Only" license by the Department of Public Safety.

Q. How can I get my Alabama boater license?

A. You can obtain your Alabama boater license in 5 easy steps:

1. Study the Alabama Boating Safety Course
2. Make payment for the boating course and boating safety certificate after you've passed Chapter 1
3. Pass the Alabama Boating License Test
4. Receive your boater license completion certificate by mail within 1-2 weeks
5. Go to a Department of Public Safety Driver License Examiner's Office to have your driver's license endorsed, or to obtain a "vessel only" license.

Q. Who needs an Alabama boater license?

A. The boater license is required for all boaters over the age of 12 who operates a motorized vessel on state waters. For more information on boat license requirements, consult the Alabama boating laws and regulations.

Q. How long is the boat safety course and boater license good for?

A. The boater license is good for life. It is renewed automatically with your state driver's license.

Q. How much does the boat safety course cost?

A. There is a one-time fee of $29.95, paid to BoaterExam. Payment is collected after you have passed the first chapter quiz in the online course and includes unlimited retries at the final exam. Learn more about BOATERexam.com's Risk-Free Policy.

Q. Is there a time limit for the boat safety course or boating license test?

A. You can take the boat safety course at any time, day or night. This is a required study course, so you must spend the required time on each page in the study guide; 3 hours of total study time is required to complete the course. There is no time limit during the boating safety test.

Q.What do I need to pass the boating license?

A. You need a grade of 80% or higher on the boating license test to pass. That means 48 correct answers out of 60.

Q. Can I review my Boater Exam answers?

A. Yes, once you have completed the boating license test and submitted all your answers they are graded immediately. You have the opportunity to review all your Boater Exam answers, whether you have passed or failed the Boater Exam.

Q. Are there Boater Exam practice tests or sample boater exam questions available?

A. Throughout the boat safety course, you can take end-of-chapter-quizzes that prepare you for the final exam. These chapter quizzes are short boater exam practice tests that cover the same topics that are present in the boating license test.

Q. Is anyone exempt from obtaining the Alabama Boating License?

A. Yes, there are certain exemptions from the boat safety education requirement. For more information, check out the Alabama Boating Laws page.

Q. What are the technical requirements for the online boating safety course and boating license 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