Boating at 16: D1 boating license, get started! How to get it, quizzes, answers

Official. The D1 boating license, the qualification that allows even 16-year-olds to drive boats with engines up to 115 horsepower and jet skis up to one mile from shore during the day and within six miles of the coast, finally becomes operational.

D1 boating license is a reality. How to earn it

Indeed, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport published on April 18 the executive decree with the single national list of questions for the conduct of the written theory tests. It was the last piece that was missing to set sail this new “simplified” qualification provided for in the Boating Code, which was regulated by a ministerial decree of November 2024, but which precisely lacked implementing provisions. Which, it must be said, have arrived only in part.

The new executive decree in fact establishes yes the quiz list of the mini boating license, but postpones to later provisions the conduct of the exam in telematic mode in nautical schools with video-conference connection with the motorizations. The presence of an official on the premises will be required. See.

Quizzes and answers: here is the single national list

QUIZ Boating License D1 with Algorithm

As expected, the quizzes for the final exam for the D1 boating license were drawn from the list of those for the standard boating license. The data processing system (DPC) at the DMV will ensure, using special algorithms, the randomness of the extraction of the questions and their breakdown by topics as provided for this license (1 for regulations, 2 for engine, 3 for safety, 2 for maneuvering and conduct, 2 for Colreg and maritime signaling, 1 for weather, 1 for navigation, and 3 for regulations). Each sheet therefore will be different from the other. The test includes 15 questions with 3 answers to choose from and is considered passed if the candidate gives at least 12 correct answers in a maximum time of 30 minutes.

D1 boating license, who will take the exams

Pending the development of the telematic mode for remote examination in the nautical schools, the proficiency tests will be held both at the civil DMV offices and at the nautical schools (or their consortia or nautical education centers) but in the presence of DMV officials. It will be the latter who will print out the quiz sheets in advance, take them to the schools and attend the examinations, which will be held at the request of the nautical schools, but given the mandatory presence of DMV personnel, they will be scheduled taking into account the activities of the various offices responsible for the area.

Attestation pending D1 driver’s license

The “physical” issuance of the D1 nautical license will also have to wait: in fact, the relevant printout is not yet available. It will then be replaced by a certificate (with a revenue stamp) issued by the nautical school, stating that the candidate has been recognized as eligible for the issuance of the category D type D1 nautical license. The certificate replaces the nautical license in its entirety by also stating any limitations or prescriptions referred to in the medical certificate, and must be kept on board. When available, the D1 boating license will be issued upon presentation of the printout.

As a reminder, the D1 boating license can be issued from the age of 16 and qualifies to operate motorized vessels up to 115 hp, from sunrise to sunset, for navigation within 6 miles from the coast (1 mile for jet skis); from the age of 18 it also qualifies, in the same manner, to operate boats up to 12 meters.

It can be achieved by attending a training course in nautical schools that consists of a theoretical teaching phase, a phase of individual practical exercises, and passing a final proficiency quiz test. The theoretical teaching has a duration of at least 5 hours, organized by face-to-face lectures with compulsory attendance, lasting no more than 2 hours daily. Individual practical exercises have a duration of at least 5 non-consecutive hours. It is also possible to take the examination as a private candidate at the offices of the DMV by presenting a certificate of performance of the mandatory practical exercises.

Quizzes and answers: CLICK HERE AND DOWNLOAD THE FULL LIST

Fabrizio Coccia