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▶ Free on the Play StoreThe SBF Inland (German inland boating license) is the official permit for motorboats with more than 11.03 kW (15 HP) on German inland waterways. The theory exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions (7 basic + 23 specific questions) in 45 minutes – passed with at least 5 of 7 basic and 18 of 23 specific questions correct. The exam draws on the official ELWIS question catalog (253+ questions); Boatpass trains all content with exam simulation and mistake training.
What is the SBF Inland?
The inland boating license (SBF Inland) is the official permit for motorboats on German inland waterways – rivers, canals and inland lakes. It is mandatory for boats with more than 11.03 kW (15 HP) of engine power. For electric motors a limit of 7.5 kW applied so far – with the 2026 reform it is raised technology-neutrally to a uniform 11.03 kW. On some areas (e.g. the Rhine) stricter regional limits apply. See exactly where the line is drawn and when you can boat without a license at all.
The minimum age is 16. The license is administered by the DMYV and is valid indefinitely.
What you study here – the official source
Question & answer catalog · inland waterways
View on ELWIS ↗The date shows when each official edition came into force – not how old the questions are. Every catalog listed here is authoritative for the 2026 exam year. When a new edition is published, we build it in automatically.
This overview as of:July 2026 · The official publication always prevails – the linked ELWIS pages always show the currently valid edition.
SBF Inland exam: structure & passing threshold
Multiple choice
at least 5 correct
at least 18 correct
official ELWIS catalog
After the theory comes a practical exam on the water. The official exam fee for the SBF Inland in 2026 is €130.78 (theory + practice).
Process: from registration to the practical part
You register with a recognized examination board (e.g. DMYV). First you take the theory exam, then comes the practical exam on the water.
What does the SBF Inland cost?
Only the official exam fee of €130.78 (theory + practice) is fixed. The biggest cost block is the preparation course – anyone who learns the theory themselves with the official ELWIS catalog saves exactly that item.
Where may I navigate with the SBF Inland?
The SBF Inland is valid on Germany's inland waterways – i.e. rivers, canals and inland lakes. Under engine the boat length is limited to 20 meters; for longer vessels you need a recreational skipper's certificate. It is not valid for the coastal waters of the North and Baltic Sea – there the SBF Coastal applies.
SBF Inland or Coastal – what do you need?
Inland and Coastal are two separate licenses. Anyone who wants to navigate both areas can take them together more cheaply in a combined exam (around €178.61 instead of twice separately).
Frequently asked questions about the SBF Inland
When do I need the SBF Inland?
How does the SBF Inland theory exam work?
Do I need a course for the SBF Inland?
How long do I have to study for the SBF Inland?
Is the SBF Inland also valid on the North and Baltic Sea?
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The official question catalog comprises 300 questions across 7 topic areas – practice in a targeted way based on your weak spots.
Source: official question catalog (DSV/DMYV) on elwis.de.