Drone Training Prerequisites: What You Need First

Before you sign up for a drone training course, it helps to know what you need in place first. Prerequisites differ between introductory courses, the A2 Certificate of Competency and the General VLOS Certificate. This neutral guide outlines the common requirements for 2026 so you can prepare. Exact prerequisites vary by provider, so always check directly.

Registration: Operator ID and Flyer ID

For most drones in the UK, you need to register before flying. There are two parts:

• Operator ID — for the person or organisation responsible for the drone. It must be displayed on the aircraft.
• Flyer ID — for the person flying, obtained by passing a free online theory test, where required by the aircraft and operation.

Some courses expect you to already hold these, while introductory courses may help you understand them. Check your provider's expectations.

Age guidance

There is minimum age guidance for being a remote pilot and for registration responsibilities, with arrangements for younger flyers to be supervised in some cases. Training providers will set their own minimum age for enrolment, so confirm this if you are arranging a course for a younger pilot.

Equipment

For theory-only courses, you mainly need a computer or device for online study and the assessment. For practical courses, you typically need:

• A suitable drone in good working order
• Correct registration and identification on the aircraft
• Charged batteries and any required spares
• Appropriate accessories such as spare propellers

Some providers supply a drone for practical sessions, so ask before buying equipment specifically for training.

Basic knowledge and skills

While formal training builds your knowledge, arriving with some grounding helps. Useful preparation includes:

• Understanding the basic Open category rules and your drone's class or weight band
• Being able to take off, hover and land in a controlled way for practical courses
• Familiarity with your drone's app, settings and failsafe features

Insurance and permissions

Depending on how you intend to fly, you may need or want insurance, and certain operations require additional permissions. Training will explain these, but it is worth understanding your intended use so you choose the right qualification.

Checking specific requirements

Because prerequisites differ between qualifications and providers, the safest approach is to decide what you want to fly and where, identify the matching qualification, and then confirm the entry requirements with both the provider and official CAA guidance.

Getting the basics in order before you start — registration, a suitable drone and a clear idea of your goals — makes training smoother and ensures you spend your time learning rather than catching up on admin.