Apply for a special permit

Complete an application form

Application for a special permit to operate a recreational vessel. (530.2 KB PDF)

Your parent or guardian must also sign the application.

Book a special permit theory exam

To book, phone Service SA on 13 10 84. Testing times are 9:30 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

• Tests can be taken at any Service SA centre except Mile End, Mount Barker, Prospect and Regency Park.
• Pay the $22  fee to do the boat operator's licence theory test.

Prepare for the special permit theory exam

Prepare for the exam by familiarising yourself with boating rules, regulations and safety equipment carriage requirements in the SA Boating Safety Handbook.

Test your knowledge beforehand with our online practice exam. It contains the information that's required for the special permit and confirms that you know the rules and safety requirements of operating a motorboat.

Practice for your boat licence exam online.

Take the special permit theory exam

The exam consists of a series of multiple-choice questions,  based on information in the SA Boating Safety Handbook. The first section of the exam contains questions that must be answered correctly before proceeding with the remaining questions.

For those wishing to operate unsupervised

Upon successful completion of the theory test, a special permit will be issued with the same conditions as would be issued to operate supervised. You are then required to prepare for, and book a practical test. Service SA will forward your application form to Marine Safety SA in anticipation of your practical test booking.

For those who only wish to operate supervised

The Service SA centre will complete the relevant sections of your application form, at this time you will be issued your special permit.

Note successful results are valid for 6 months only from the date of issue.

Special permit holders who only wish to operate supervised

If you only want to operate supervised you must:

• pass the special permit theory exam.

Once you have a special permit you can:

• operate any vessel (other than a personal watercraft) under the direct supervision of a person who holds a boat operator’s licence or a temporary boat operator’s licence
• act as an observer when a person is being towed by a vessel, provided the operator of the vessel holds a boat operator's licence or a temporary boat operator's licence and is at least 18 years of age
• operate a vessel between the prescribed hours of sunrise and sunset.

You'll have the following condition placed on your special permit:

• you must be under the direct supervision of the holder of a boat operator’s licence or a temporary boat operator's licence
• operate a vessel between the prescribed hours of sunrise and sunset.

Prepare for the special permit practical exam (for those wishing to operate unsupervised)

You should practise operating a boat under the supervision of the holder of a boat operators licence. Familiarise yourself with the boat that you will use and practice various manoeuvres that will be required during the test.

You will be expected to show that you:

• can judge speeds of about 4 and 10 knots
• understand which type of vessels permit holders are permitted to operate
• have a practical understanding of the give-way rules
• can execute a figure-eight turn at speed
• can safely retrieve a floating object during a simulated man overboard exercise
• have a practical understanding of navigation beacons
• can safely berth your boat alongside a structure such as a landing or jetty
• can list the safety equipment you would be required to carry onboard your boat in protected, semi-protected and unprotected waters
• have knowledge of the recognised water ski signals and familiarise yourself with the special permit test manoeuvres.

Special permit practical exam (for those wishing to operate unsupervised)

To book a practical exam:

• You will need to provide your own vessel, which:
  • must be registered and equipped with the required safety equipment
  • must be less than 4 metres in length
  • cannot go faster than 10 knots (no greater than 10hp motor accepted).
• You will be asked to nominate a testing location. Available locations are Ardrossan, Beachport, Berri, Blanchetown, Edithburgh, Garden Island, Goolwa, Murray Bridge, O’Sullivan Beach, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Streaky Bay, Wallaroo, Whyalla.

There is no fee for the practical exam.

Book now

On the day of the special permit practical exam, your completed application for a special permit to operate a recreational vessel will be brought to the test location by a Marine Safety Officer.

Once you have passed the special permit practical exam the examining officer will sign and stamp the application form as evidence that you have passed the test.

Lodge your application

Lodge your application at a Service SA centre within 7 months after passing the special permit theory examination, along with:

• evidence of age and identity
• evidence that you have passed the special permit practical exam (for those wishing to operate unsupervised)
• medical documents
• the appropriate fee.

Once your application is processed, you'll receive a special permit which will be valid until the day before your 16th birthday.

You'll have the following condition placed on your special permit:

• operate a recreational vessel that is less than 4 metres in length and has a potential speed of 10 nots or less without supervision
• operate a vessel between the prescribed hours of sunrise and sunset.

When you turn 16 the special permit is no longer valid. You then have to pass a boat licence theory test and pay the appropriate fee to be issued a boat licence.