Did you fail your boating license exam? - Legal options and next steps

Did you fail the recreational boating license exam? Despite careful preparation, you may still fail both the theoretical and practical exams for the inland or sea recreational boating license.

As an experienced boating lawyer, I will advise you comprehensively on your legal options in such cases. 

I'll explain what steps you can take if there are discrepancies in your exam grade or if you need to retake the exam. Trust my expertise to protect your interests and ensure a legally sound path to your boating license.

Failed the theory test? Here's what to do!

If you fail the theory exam for your recreational boating license, there are clear options for retaking the exam. You can either register for the theory exam again through your boating school or club, or register yourself directly with your local examination board.

Advantage: 
The repeat examination can also be taken by a different examination board than the last attempt. 
Since 2023, it is no longer necessary to take the theoretical and practical exams with the same association (DSV or DMYV). Do you need legal advice regarding your recreational boating license or support with exam challenges? As an experienced boating lawyer, I am at your side with my expertise!

Theory exam for SBF-See and SBF-Binnen – What you need to know

The theoretical examination for the recreational boating license (SBF-See) consists of two parts: a multiple-choice questionnaire and navigation tasks. 

If you fail just one of these parts, you will still have to take the entire theory test again.

In contrast, the theoretical examination for the inland sports boat license (SBF-Binnen) only includes a multiple-choice questionnaire, without any additional navigation tasks.

Do you need assistance with legal questions regarding your recreational boating license, or would you like to learn about your options after failing a theory test? As an experienced boating lawyer, I am available to provide you with expert advice.

Failed your practical exam? Here's how to pass next time!

If you failed the practical exam for the recreational boating license (SBF), you can easily retake it. You can either re-register through your boating school or club, or register directly with the examination board.

Advantage: 
Since 2023, it is no longer necessary to take the theoretical and practical exams with the same association (DSV or DMYV). The retake can be held with a different examination board than your last attempt. 

Practical boat license exam – procedure & tips

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The practical test for the sports boat license (SBF), both for inland and sea, consists of two parts: nautical knots and driving maneuvers.

In the section on nautical knots, several important knots must be tied correctly and their uses explained. The relevant knots for the SBF Sea and SBF Inland can be easily practiced online on specialized platforms.

The driving maneuvers should ideally be taught by an experienced boat school. 

Important: Even if you fail only one of the two parts of the exam – nautical knots or driving maneuvers – you will have to repeat the entire practical exam.

Do you need legal assistance or have questions about retaking your exam? As an experienced boating lawyer, I am here to provide you with expert advice.

If you fail a part of the pleasure craft license exam, you can retake it the following day at the earliest. However, the exams often only take place every few weeks, as the examination boards only offer appointments at certain intervals depending on their size. Furthermore, exam spots are not always immediately available.

Advantage: You have an unlimited number of retakes until you pass the exam.

Important:
Once you have passed one part of the exam, it remains valid for 12 months. You must successfully complete the second part within this period. After this deadline, any parts of the exam you have already passed will expire, and you will need to re-register completely.

Do you need legal assistance with questions about your recreational boating license exam or missed deadlines? As an experienced boating lawyer, I can provide comprehensive advice on your options.

Costs for the retake exams for the recreational boating license (SBF-Inland & SBF-Sea)

The costs for the retake exam for the inland recreational boating license (SBF-Binnen) vary depending on the chosen option: motor and sail, motor only, or sail only. The fees correspond to the initial registration fee.

For the Recreational Boating License (SBF-See), the fees for retaking the theory exam are approximately €40. Retaking the practical exam costs approximately €35. These amounts also correspond to the regular exam fees for the initial registration.

Do you need legal advice regarding exam fees, missed deadlines, or other questions related to boating licenses? As an experienced boating lawyer, I can provide you with comprehensive and competent support.

Recreational boating license at a glance – deadlines, costs and your legal options

Here are the most important facts about the sports boat license test (SBF):

Deadlines: To obtain the desired recreational boating license (SBF Inland or SBF Sea), all required exams must be successfully completed within 12 months of passing a section of the exam. After this deadline, any sections of the exam already passed will expire.

Number of attempts: There is no limit to the number of retakes. However, the exams are usually only held every few weeks, which can make planning difficult.

Cost: The fees for repeat exams are the same as for the initial registration. Depending on the option (SBF Inland: Motor/Sail, SBF Sea: Theory/Practical), different amounts may apply.

As an experienced boating lawyer, I am at your side if you have missed exam deadlines and need legal solutions, if irregularities occur in the exam assessment, or if you need legal clarity regarding exam fees and retake rights.