What if I
Fail a Canadian
Drone Exam?

Last edited on January 25th 2023

Failing a Drone Exam

If you're interested in becoming a certified drone operator in Canada, you'll need to pass Transport Canada's basic or advanced drone exam. These exams, which are administered online, are designed to test your knowledge of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), emergency procedures and much more. But what happens if you don't pass on your first try? In this blog post, we'll explore the options available to you if you fail a drone exam in Canada.

The good news is that if you fail the drone exam, you can retake it as many times as you need to.

Can I retake the drone exam if I fail?

The good news is that if you fail the drone exam, you can retake it as many times as you need to. Transport Canada, the agency responsible for administering the exams, will provide you with a message in the Drone Management Portal stating "Unfortunately, you did not attain the minimum mark." This message will also include a link to the results of your online exam in the form of a report. The report lists how many questions you answered correctly out of the total number of questions in each section and provides recommendations on what to review before your next attempt.

If you fail the basic exam, you'll need to wait 24 hours before you can retake it. The basic exam has a passing grade of 65% and consists of 35 questions, which you'll need to complete within a 90 minute time limit. The advanced exam has a passing grade of 80% and consists of 50 questions, which you'll need to complete within a 60 minute time limit. Both exams cost $10 to take.

It's understandable to feel a little disappointed or frustrated if you fail the drone exam. However, it's important to remember that the exam is designed to be challenging, and that many people don't pass on their first try. By taking the time to review the areas where you need improvement and trying again, you can increase your chances of success on the next attempt.

How Can I Improve My Odds of passing the drone exam?

If you're worried about failing the drone exam, it's natural to scramble to do everything you can to increase your chances of success. The most productive way to prepare for a drone exam is with a comprehensive exam preparation course, such as those offered by FlightPhoto.

Our exam preparation courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to pass the exams on your first try. We offer both a basic exam preparation course and an advanced exam preparation course, each of which is tailored to the specific exam you'll be taking.

Our basic exam preparation course covers all of the key topics you'll need to know in order to pass the basic exam. This includes Canadian Aviation Regulations, drone systems, human factors, meteorology, navigation, flight operations, theory of flight, and radiotelephony. Our advanced exam preparation course covers even more in-depth topics, including advanced airspace rules, advanced meteorology, and advanced flight planning.

Each of our exam preparation courses includes a variety of study materials, including written material, audio recordings, photos, illustrations, and practice quizzes at the end of each section. We also offer one-on-one support from our team of experienced drone pilots, who are available to answer your questions and provide guidance as you study.

By taking a comprehensive exam preparation course, you can gain a deep understanding of the material covered on the exam and build your confidence as you practice. This can help you feel more prepared and less anxious on exam day, which can improve your chances of success.

Exam preparation courses aren't the only way to improve your chances of passing the drone exam. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind as you prepare:

  • Make a study plan: It's important to allocate enough time to study for the exam, and to have a clear plan in place to help you stay on track. Determine how much time you have before the exam, and break your studying into manageable chunks. Set aside specific times each day or week to focus on studying, and create a list of topics you need to cover.
  • Practice with sample questions: Familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you'll encounter on the exam can be helpful in increasing your confidence and reducing test anxiety. Many exam preparation courses, including those offered by FlightPhoto, include practice quizzes to help you get a feel for the exam format.
  • Get plenty of rest before the exam: It's important to be well-rested on exam day to ensure that you're at your best. Make sure you get a good night's sleep before the exam, and try to relax and clear your mind before you begin.
  • Manage test anxiety: It's normal to feel a little nervous before a big exam, but excessive test anxiety can negatively affect your performance. If you're feeling overly anxious, try taking deep breaths, using positive self-talk, or engaging in a relaxation technique such as meditation or visualization.
  • Don't let the fear of failing hold you back from pursuing your dreams of becoming a certified drone operator in Canada. With the right preparation and the support of a team like FlightPhoto, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your goals. Sign up for one of our exam preparation courses today and start your journey to becoming a certified drone operator.

If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again

Even if you do fail the exam, it's important to keep in mind that you have the opportunity to try again. Each time you retake the exam, you'll have the chance to review the material and improve your performance. With persistence and determination, you'll eventually be able to pass the exam and achieve your goal of becoming a certified drone operator in Canada.

So don't give up! With the right preparation and a positive attitude, you can succeed on the drone exam and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a drone operator. We hope you found this blog post helpful, and we wish you the best of luck on your journey to becoming a certified drone operator in Canada.