---
title: How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Canada?
description: No minimum age to take the boating license. Certain age restrictions apply.
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/pcoc2021/images/age-hp-restrictions-in-canada.png
---

## What is the minimum age to get the boating license?

There is **no minimum age** to take the course and exam to obtain the pleasure craft operator card (PCOC). There is no requirement to be a Canadian resident to get your [boating license](https://aceboater.com/canada). To operate a pleasure craft for recreational purposes in Canada, completion of a [boater safety course](https://aceboater.com/canada) and passing the Transport Canada Exam are mandatory.

 

![What is the minimum age to get the boating license?](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Enfant%20de%208%20Ans%20Conduit%20Bateau%20avec%20Pre%20%20Ct.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Enfant%20de%208%20Ans%20Conduit%20Bateau%20avec%20Pre%20%20Ct.png)

## Age / Horsepower restrictions in Canada

- **Under 12 years** of age with no direct supervision, a person **may operate a boat with up to 7.5 kW (10 hp);**

- **Ages 12 to under 16** with no direct supervision, a person **may operate a boat with up to 30 kW (40 hp);**

- **Under 16 years** of age, regardless of supervision **may not operate a PWC;**

- **16 years of age or older: no horsepower restrictions **

## Legal age to drive a PWC (Power Watercraft)

You must be **16 years of age** or older to drive a [PWC](https://aceboater.com/personal-watercraft-pwc-boat-licence). No horsepower restrictions 

These rules apply to: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Northwest Territories.

![Legal age to drive a PWC (Power Watercraft)](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/16-years-of-age-pwc.png?width=1100&height=696&name=16-years-of-age-pwc.png)

Step 1

### STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE

- Register and do Chapter one for free.
- Pay only $49.95 (online course, final test and the card included).
- Complete an easy-to-read study guide.

Step 2

### TAKE THE FINAL TEST

- Transport Canada's official final test.
- Free tests retries - Risk free.
- Open-book final test.

Step 3

### PRINT YOUR CERTIFICATE

- Print your temporary card immediately and start boating now! It is valid for 60 days.
- Your official Pleasure Craft Operator Card will be mailed within 30 days.
- The card is good for life.

## Group and Family Discounts More boaters, more savings

Take advantage of our group discounts for family and friends. Register together and get a discount for the online boating course!

-

+

[Buy now](https://course.aceboater.com/en/checkout/index/coursename/pcoc2021)

Save  $ - Pay only  $

$

### A complete 3-hour course… well organized in 6 chapters

Available 24/7

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On all your devices

- Study at your pace
- The card is valid for life
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- [** Follow Ace Boater on YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJABNcQHyTGe3ta_lZJ4exw)
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[![Ace Boater - Boating license and exam online](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/aceboater/brand/ace-boater.svg)](https://aceboater.com/canada)

#### Boating License & Pleasure Craft Operator Card online exam - Accredited Transport Canada

[↑](https://aceboater.com/minimum-age-horsepower-boat-licence-canada#top)

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