The boating licence exam
What to expect at the Dutch CBR exam for the Small Boating Licence — format, pass mark, cost and topics.
🇳🇱 Theory only — no practical exam
In the Netherlands you obtain the Small Boating Licence with a theory exam only; there is no compulsory practical test. In many other countries you also have to pass a practical part. For international boaters, the Dutch route is therefore often the fastest and most accessible way to get your licence.
Small Boating Licence 1
For rivers, canals and lakes up to 15 metres (or faster than 20 km/h).
- Legal rules (incl. BPR)
- Traffic & right-of-way rules
- Buoyage and marks
- Lights and day shapes
- Sound signals
- Safety, engine and environment
- Waterways, water levels & basic weather
- Sailing and manoeuvring
Small Boating Licence 2
Extra for open water: large rivers, IJsselmeer, Wadden Sea and tidal inlets.
- Everything from Licence 1
- Tides and currents
- Navigation and chartwork
- Open waters & IVR
- VHF radio and comms
- Meteorology
- Rescue and safety equipment
Sources & reference
The regulations book containing the Dutch navigation rules (BPR) and an excerpt of the VHF radio handbook — mandatory on board. The basis for the theory.
The rules for most Dutch inland waters, on which the exam questions are based.
Wateralmanak part 2 is no longer published as a book. Use digital sources for this, such as Rijkswaterstaat Vaarweginformatie.
Ready to practise?
Practise for free with hundreds of exam questions, flashcards and mock exams — exactly like the real CBR exam.
Figures and fees at 2026 price level. The CBR may change exam requirements and costs — always check the latest information at cbr.nl.