Indiana Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Indiana boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
You need boater education if you are at least 15 years old and will be operating a motorboat or personal watercraft but do not have an Indiana driver’s license.
Available courses
Indiana courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
- BoatSmart!
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | BoatSmart! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $39.95 | $44.95 | $59.95 | $39.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English; Spanish | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive | 6 Modules |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive | Online & Timed |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo unit. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo activity. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 70% to pass. Retake module if failed. Final exam: 50 questions, 75 minutes, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No | 15 years old |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Eye color and hair color | Ethnicity | Ethnicity | Gender |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the Indiana course may be required to provide:
- Eye color
- Hair color
- Ethnicity
- Gender
Course expiration and extensions
Boaterexam, Boat-Ed, and Ilearntoboat expire after 90 days.
BoatSmart! does not expire.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
BoatSmart! does not offer extensions.
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the unit. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the activity. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 10 questions and have a 24-minute time limit. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. If a quiz is failed, the student must retake the module. The final exam includes 50 questions and has a 75-minute time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing an Indiana course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
No one under 15 years old may legally operate a motorboat greater than 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft.
Boaters who are 15 years old may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft until they become a licensed driver only if they:
- Complete a boater education course approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Have an ID card issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles on board
A person who has never been licensed by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles must successfully complete an approved boater education course and have an ID issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles on board to legally operate a motorboat.
All other motorboat or personal watercraft operators must have a valid vehicle driver’s license to operate on Indiana public waters.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
Students who need a replacement card should visit: