Drone Registration Theory Test in the UK

Test Format and Structure

The CAA theory test is taken entirely online through the registration portal at register-drones.caa.co.uk. It is a required step for obtaining your Flyer ID, which you need before piloting any drone in the UK.

The test presents 20 multiple-choice questions. Each question offers several answer options, and you must select the correct one before moving to the next. There is no time limit on any individual question, so you can take as long as you need to think through each scenario.

This is a knowledge-based assessment only. There is no practical flying element, no video demonstration, and no in-person component. You sit it from your own computer or device at a time that suits you.

What Topics Does the Test Cover?

The questions are drawn from the CAA Drone Code and the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended). The main subject areas include:

• Airspace rules: Maximum flight altitude of 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level, Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs) around airports and airfields, and how to check NOTAMs for temporary restrictions
• Distance and separation: Maintaining safe distances from people, vehicles, buildings, and congested areas — the specific distances depend on your drone category and weight class
• The Drone Code: The CAA's core safety principles — stay below 120 metres, always keep your drone in sight, never fly near airports or airfields, and follow the rules for your drone category
• Privacy law: How the Data Protection Act 2018 applies to drone-mounted cameras, your responsibilities when capturing images or video of other people, and ICO guidance on surveillance
• Weather awareness: Understanding wind limitations, visibility requirements, and how weather conditions affect safe flying
• Emergency procedures: What to do if you lose control, experience a signal failure, or need to perform an emergency landing

Pass Mark, Retakes, and Results

You need to answer at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. That translates to an 80% pass mark. Your results are displayed immediately after you submit the test — there is no waiting period.

If you do not reach the pass mark, you can retake the test straight away. There is no fee for retakes and no limit on how many times you can attempt it. Each retake draws from the same question bank, though the specific questions you see may vary between attempts.

The test is open book. You are permitted to reference the CAA Drone Code, the CAA website, or any other materials while answering. This is not considered cheating — the CAA designed it as a learning exercise as much as an assessment.

After You Pass: Your Flyer ID

Once you pass the theory test, your Flyer ID is generated automatically and appears in your account dashboard. The Flyer ID is free of charge — unlike the Operator ID, which costs £10.33 per year.

Your Flyer ID remains valid for five years from the date you pass the test. After five years, you must retake the theory test to renew it. The CAA sends reminders before your Flyer ID expires.

You should carry your Flyer ID whenever you fly. A digital copy on your phone is acceptable — you do not need a printed card, though having one is also fine. If a police officer or CAA inspector asks to see it, you must be able to produce it.

How Long Does the Test Take?

Most people complete the theory test in 10 to 20 minutes. Since there is no time limit, you can take longer if you prefer to carefully research each question. The overall registration process — creating an account, verifying your email, taking the test, and paying for the Operator ID — typically takes around 30 minutes in total.

If you have already studied the Drone Code and feel confident in your knowledge of UK airspace rules, you may finish even more quickly. The questions are straightforward for anyone who has read through the CAA guidance material.