Drone License:
How to Get One
in Canada

Last edited on January 24th 2023

Do I need a Drone License?

If you are operating a drone which weighs 250 grams or above in Canada, obtaining a license is now a necessity, rather than a choice. It does not matter whether you are flying a drone for fun or for business purposes – if you plan to fly a drone in Canada, you must obtain either a basic or advanced operations license. Just as with a driver's license, obtaining a drone license is necessary for anyone operating a drone in the country.

To get your basic license you must pass an online exam. To get your advanced license you must also pass a flight review.

How Do I Get My Drone License?

You have two options when choosing your drone pilot license in Canada; basic or advanced. In order to get your basic drone license all you have to do is pass Transport Canada's basic online exam. To get your advanced license you first have to pass the advanced online exam and then pass an in-person flight review.

Basic vs Advanced

There are only a few differences between what basic and advanced drone operators are allowed to do. Basic drone operators are not permitted to fly their drones in controlled airspace, but advanced operators are. Basic operators must keep their drones at least 30 meters away from the public, while advanced operators have more flexibility in this regard. The type of certificate required for your drone operation is not based on whether it is for professional or recreational purposes. Click here to learn more about the differences between the basic and advanced drone licenses.

What does a Drone License Look Like in Canada?

Here is the License from Transport Canada Looks Like:

What are the Requirements for Basic Drone Pilots?

Before conducting basic operations you are required to hold either a basic or advanced drone license and must be 14 years or older unless under the direct supervision of someone who is 14 years or older who has a basic or advanced license.

2 Steps to Become a Basic Drone Pilot

1. 1. Complete a Course

   Transport Canada recommends taking a course before attempting their online exam. Our online course will prepare you for Transport Canada's basic drone exam. There are about ten hours of course materials. Our course covers all of the topics required by Transport Canada.

2. 2. Pass the Exam

   Once you're done studying, take the Basic Exam. It's administered online by Transport Canada. It consists of 35 multiple choice questions and you must get 65% to pass. If needed, you can retake the exam after 24 hours and as many times as you wish. Click here to learn more about the drone exam.

Ready for Takeoff

After you've passed the basic exam you're ready to go fly your drone!

What are the Requirements for Advanced Pilots?

Before conducting advanced operations you are required to hold an advanced RPAS operators certificate and must be 16 years or older unless under the direct supervision of someone who is 16 years or older who has an advanced RPAS operators certificate.

3 Steps to Become an Advanced Drone Pilot

1. 1. Complete a Course

   Our online course will prepare you for Transport Canada's advanced drone exam. There are about fifteen hours of course materials. Our course covers all of the topics required by Transport Canada.

2. 2. Pass the Exam

   Once you're done studying, take the Advanced Exam. It's administered online by Transport Canada. It consists of 50 multiple choice questions and you must get 80% to pass. If needed, you may retake the exam after 24 hours and as many times as you wish.

3. 3. Pass a Flight Review

   You must pass Transport Canada's Advanced RPAS exam before completing a flight review. A flight review is done in-person and takes about 30 minutes. You have to demonstrate that you know how to operate your drone safely during a short flight. You're also expected to have a brief conversation with the flight reviewer about the rules and your responsibilities. This is the final step to getting your advanced drone license.

Cleared for Takeoff

The advanced drone pilot license (RPAS operators certificate) opens up the skies. Although the flight review is an extra step, advanced pilots have the freedom to legally operate drones within cities and inside controlled airspace.

Conclusion

Obtaining a drone license in Canada is now a necessity for anyone operating a drone in the country, whether for fun or business purposes. There are two options available: a basic or advanced operations license. To obtain a basic license, one must pass an online exam, while an advanced license requires passing an online exam and an in-person flight review. Basic drone operators are not permitted to fly in controlled airspace and must keep their drones at least 30 meters away from the public, while advanced operators have more flexibility. It is important to note that the type of certificate required for your drone operation is not based on whether it is for professional or recreational purposes. After passing the necessary exams and completing a flight review, individuals will be cleared for takeoff and able to legally operate drones within cities and inside controlled airspace.