Take a drone pilot online exam: Overview

Fee: $10

All pilots of drones or “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)” with a maximum takeoff weight of 250 g up to and including 25 kg must pass an online exam.

Eligibility

You must be:

What you need to know before you start

We strongly recommend that you attend a drone flight school before attempting the exam. Online exam questions are based on the Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. However, this document is not a study guide.

To conduct basic operations, you must pass the Small Basic Exam. This is the only knowledge requirement for basic operations.

To conduct advanced operations, you must pass the Small Advanced Exam and an in-person flight review.

Flight reviews are conducted by flight reviewers affiliated with drone flight schools.

Penalties

If you fly a drone without meeting these requirements, you may be fined. Fines are:

  • $1,000 for recreational users
  • $5,000 for commercial users