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How to get your drone licence in Canada

By Wayne Bryant, 12,000-hour captain and TC Advanced RPAS pilot · Updated October 2026

The short answerIf your drone weighs 250 g or more, register it with Transport Canada and earn a pilot certificate (what most people call a drone licence). For a Basic certificate, pass a 35-question online exam. For an Advanced certificate, pass a 50-question online exam and an in-person flight review. Both are done through Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal.

Step 1: Decide which certificate you need

The Basic certificate covers flying in uncontrolled airspace, more than 30 m from people who aren't involved, and away from airports and heliports. You need Advanced to fly in controlled airspace, closer than 30 m to people, or to use newer privileges like EVLOS and sheltered operations. Level 1 Complex is for qualifying lower-risk BVLOS operations.

	Basic	Advanced	Level 1 Complex
Minimum age	14	16	18
Online exam	35 questions, 90 minutes, 65% to pass	50 questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass	Advanced exam, plus Level 1 Complex exam
Ground school	Recommended	Recommended	At least 20 hours required
Flight review	No	Yes, with a flight reviewer	Yes, Level 1 Complex flight review

Exam details from Transport Canada. Fees apply for exams and certificates; check Transport Canada for current amounts.

Step 2: Study for the exam

Transport Canada strongly recommends training before the exam. The questions come from its published knowledge requirements, which cover air law, airspace, weather, navigation, human factors, flight operations and theory of flight. That document lists the topics but isn't a study guide, so most people use a course or a structured guide.

Step 3: Take the online exam

Create an account on Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal.
Pay the exam fee and take the exam online. You get your result as soon as you finish.
If you don't pass, you must wait 24 hours before trying again.
For Basic, your certificate is issued once you pass. For Advanced, keep the reference number you're given; you'll need it to book your flight review.

Step 4: Book your flight review (Advanced)

After passing the Advanced exam, book a flight review with a flight reviewer through a drone flight school. You'll demonstrate that you can plan and fly safely, including site survey and emergency handling. Your drone must be registered and marked before the review.

Step 5: Register and mark your drone

Every drone with an operating weight of 250 g or more must be registered through the Drone Management Portal, and the registration number must be clearly marked on the aircraft. Weigh your drone as you fly it, with battery and accessories.

Step 6: Stay current

Your certificate doesn't expire, but you must complete an accepted recurrent training activity within the previous 24 months and keep proof. Options include a Transport Canada-endorsed safety seminar, self-paced study program, recurrent training program, or passing an RPAS pilot exam.

Carry it when you fly
You must be able to show your pilot certificate and registration when operating. Keep digital or paper copies with your gear. Start at Transport Canada's drone safety pages.

Study with a working captain

My study guides take you through each exam in plain language, at a fraction of the cost of most ground schools.

Canadian Basic Drone Pilot Study GuidePass your basic drone licence exam, with nine plain-language study modules.$39 CAD · Buy now →

Canadian Advanced Drone Pilot Study GuidePrepare for the Advanced exam and flight review.$49 CAD · Buy now →

CARs Part IX Quick Reference Guide v2.0Canada’s drone rules on 18 pages, updated for 2025–2026.$24 CAD · Buy now →

Frequently asked questions

Is a drone licence the same as a pilot certificate?

Yes. Transport Canada issues a Pilot Certificate (Basic, Advanced or Level 1 Complex). Most people call it a drone licence.

How old do you have to be to get a drone licence in Canada?

14 for the Basic exam, 16 for the Advanced exam and 18 for Level 1 Complex. Younger pilots can fly under the direct supervision of a certified pilot.

What happens if I fail the drone exam?

You can try again after 24 hours. Each attempt has the same fee.

Does my drone licence expire?

No, but you must complete an accepted recurrent training activity within the previous 24 months to exercise its privileges.

Current as of October 2026. Independent educational information, not legal advice. Mission Ready Aviation is not affiliated with Transport Canada, the FAA or any drone manufacturer. Always confirm the current rules with the official sources before you fly.