Frequently Asked Questions about South Dakota Boating Regulations and Laws

Q. What is the "South Dakota Boater Education Card"?

A. A South Dakota Boater Education Card (also sometimes incorrectly referred to as the South Dakota 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 South Dakota, boater education is not a requirement but doing so will allow you to test your skills to be a better and safer boater. Also, you may be eligible for a savings on marine insurance for having your Boater Education Card.

Q. How do I get my Boater Education Card?

A. The steps required to get your Boater Education Card are as follows:

  1. Study the South Dakota boating safety course manual
  2. Take the South Dakota online boating exam
  3. Pay for your exam
  4. Print off your Certificate of Completion
  5. Wait for your Boater Education Card to arrive in the mail 3-5 weeks later

For a complete overview of the South Dakota online boating exam process, please visit our South Dakota Online Exam Process overview page.

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

A. No problem. At BoaterExam.com™, we have a Pay ony 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 Boater Education Card is $29.95.

Q. What payment methods are accepted?

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A. We accept payments by VISA, Mastercard, and PayPal.

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Q. When will I receive my Boater Education Card in the mail?

A. Your card will arrive in 3-5 weeks from the date you take your exam.

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
 
South Dakota Boater Education Card

Education Requirement

Although there is currently no mandatory education requirements in South Dakota, an Educated Boater is a Safer Boater. By taking a boating safety course, you help ensure our waterways are the safest they can be. Not to mention, completing a course may reduce your boat insurance 10-15%!

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Did you know...?

Many boaters incorrectly use the term "South Dakota Boating License when referring to their Boater Education Card. The Boater Education Card is NOT a boating license. Unlike a driver's license, your Boater Education Card cannot be revoked and is good for life.



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All course material contained herein is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety.
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