Drone Registration for Under 18s in the UK

Age Requirements: Flyer ID vs Operator ID

The UK CAA separates drone registration into two distinct credentials, each with different age rules:

• Flyer ID — No minimum age. Anyone of any age can take the Flyer ID theory test. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions about UK drone rules, and you need to score at least 16 out of 20 to pass. It is free, taken online at register-drones.caa.co.uk, and valid for 5 years.
• Operator ID — Must be 18 or older. The Operator ID identifies the person legally responsible for the drone. Since this carries legal liability, the CAA requires the registrant to be at least 18 years old. The cost is £10.33 per year.

This two-part system means a young person can learn to fly and demonstrate their knowledge through the Flyer ID test, while an adult maintains legal oversight and accountability for the aircraft itself.

How It Works in Practice for Young Pilots

When a person under 18 wants to fly a drone in the UK, the process works as follows:

1. A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult (aged 18+) registers for an Operator ID at register-drones.caa.co.uk and pays the £10.33 annual fee.
2. The adult attaches their Operator ID label to the drone. This label must be readable without tools.
3. The young person takes the Flyer ID theory test themselves. They study the Drone Code, take the 20-question test online, and receive their own Flyer ID upon passing.
4. The young person can then fly the drone outdoors, carrying their Flyer ID (digital copy on a phone is acceptable).

The adult who holds the Operator ID takes legal responsibility for the drone and its use. This includes responsibility for any incidents, damage, or regulatory breaches that occur during flight. Parental or guardian supervision during flights is strongly recommended by the CAA, particularly for younger children.

Toy Drones and Gift Drones

Many parents purchase drones as gifts for children, and the registration requirements apply regardless of whether the drone is marketed as a toy. Key points to understand:

• Sub-250g drones: Even lightweight drones under 250g require the person flying them outdoors to hold a Flyer ID. The child should take the Flyer ID test before their first outdoor flight.
• Drones 250g or heavier: An adult must register as the Operator (Operator ID required) in addition to the child obtaining their Flyer ID. The Operator ID label goes on the drone.
• Indoor-only use: Drones flown exclusively indoors do not require any CAA registration. This applies regardless of the age of the pilot or the weight of the drone.
• Camera-equipped drones: If the drone has a camera, an Operator ID is required regardless of the weight of the aircraft. An adult must hold this registration.

When purchasing a drone as a gift for a young person, the adult giving the gift should plan to register as the Operator before the child flies the drone outdoors for the first time.

Schools, Youth Groups, and Drone Clubs

Schools, scout groups, cadet forces, and youth organisations that operate drones as part of their activities can register as the Operator. In this case, the organisation itself holds the Operator ID rather than an individual parent or guardian.

Each young person who actually controls the drone during flight still needs their own individual Flyer ID. The organisation cannot share a single Flyer ID across multiple students or members.

Model aircraft clubs affiliated with the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) or FPV UK may have specific arrangements under Article 16 authorisations. Members of these clubs should check with their club about the specific registration requirements that apply, as some operational rules differ from standard recreational flying.

Supervision and Safety Recommendations

While the CAA does not mandate a specific level of adult supervision for young drone pilots beyond the Operator ID requirement, the following practices are strongly recommended:

• An adult should be present during all flights by young or inexperienced pilots.
• Start with flights in open areas away from people, roads, and buildings.
• Practise in low-wind conditions until the young pilot builds confidence and skill.
• Review the UK Drone Code together before the first flight, covering altitude limits (120m maximum), visual line of sight rules, and Flight Restriction Zones.
• Download the NATS Drone Assist app to check for airspace restrictions before each flight location.

Teaching young people to fly responsibly from the start builds habits that will serve them well as they progress in the hobby or pursue drone-related careers in the future.

When the Young Pilot Turns 18

Once a young pilot reaches 18, they can register for their own Operator ID at register-drones.caa.co.uk and take full independent responsibility for their drone. Their existing Flyer ID remains valid — there is no need to retake the theory test until it expires (every 5 years from the date of issue).

At this point, they should obtain their own Operator ID (£10.33/year), update the label on their drone with their new Operator ID number, and can then fly completely independently without an adult operator.