Cost of a
Drone License
in Canada

Last edited on January 11th 2024

How Much Does a Drone License Cost in Canada?

The cost of a drone license in Canada can be a concern for aspiring operators. In this blog post, we'll explore the various costs associated with obtaining a drone license in Canada, including the fees for Transport Canada's exams, the cost of exam preparation courses, and the price of a flight review. We'll also discuss the benefits of each of these options and provide you with a total cost estimate for getting your drone license. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced operator, understanding the costs and benefits of obtaining a drone license is important for making informed decisions.

The cost of getting your drone license in Canada depends on whether you're seeking a basic or advanced license.

Cost of the Drone Exams

To fly your drone in Canada you must pass an exam, issued by Transport Canada. There are two exams available: the basic operator exam and the advanced operator exam. The basic operator exam is limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes and consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. The advanced operator exam is limited to 1 hour and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. To pass the basic operator exam, you must achieve a score of at least 65% on the multiple-choice questions. To pass the advanced operator exam, you must achieve a score of at least 80%. Both exams cost $10 each, and if you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before attempting it again. However, you can retake the exam as many times as you wish until you pass.

Exam Preparation Course

Obtaining your drone license in Canada is a crucial step towards becoming a responsible and proficient drone operator. To give yourself the best chance of success on the exam, it is highly recommended that you take a preparation course. Transport Canada strongly advises completing a preparation course before attempting the exam, as it can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass with confidence. At FlightPhoto, our online courses are specifically designed to help you prepare for the basic or advanced exam, whichever is relevant to your needs. Our courses include written content, images, illustrations, and multiple-choice quizzes to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the material. By taking one of our exam preparation courses, you can feel prepared and ready to tackle the exam with confidence. Don't let the opportunity to become a licensed drone operator pass you by - invest in your future and sign up for one of our comprehensive exam preparation courses today.

Cost & Benefits of the Basic Exam Preparation Course

FlightPhoto's basic exam preparation course is $95 and is designed to help you pass the basic operator exam on the first try. The course covers all of the topics that will be covered on the exam and includes practice questions to help you get familiar with the format of the test. The benefits of the basic exam preparation course include:

• Increased chances of passing the exam on the first try: By taking the time to study and practice, you'll be more prepared for the exam and have a better chance of passing on the first attempt.
• Time and cost savings: If you don't pass the exam on the first try, you'll have to pay the $10 exam fee again and wait 24 hours before attempting it again. Preparing for the exam without a course is a time consuming task. By preparing using our basic course, you can save both time and money.
• Confidence: Going into the exam feeling confident and prepared can make a big difference in your performance.

Cost & Benefits of the Advanced Exam Preparation Course

FlightPhoto's advanced exam preparation course is $299 and is designed to help you pass the advanced operator exam on the first try. The course covers all of the topics that will be covered on the exam and includes practice questions to help you get familiar with the format of the test. The benefits of the advanced exam preparation course include:

• Increased chances of passing the exam on the first try: By taking the time to study and practice, you will be more prepared for the exam and have a better chance of passing on the first attempt.
• Time and cost savings: If you don't pass the exam on the first try, you'll have to pay the $10 exam fee again and wait 24 hours before attempting it again. Preparing for the exam without a course is a time consuming task. By preparing using our advanced course, you can save both time and money.
• Confidence: Going into the exam feeling confident and prepared can make a big difference in your performance.
• Comprehensive coverage: The advanced exam is more in-depth and covers a wider range of topics than the basic exam. The advanced exam preparation course covers all of these topics in detail to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of all the material.

Cost of a Flight Review

A flight review is one of the two requirements to obtain your advanced operator certificate. Flight reviewers are Transport Canada-approved drone pilots who can administer flight reviews. 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. Flight reviews typically cost between $200 and $300.

Total Cost to Get Your Drone License

Now that we've gone over the costs associated with getting your drone license in Canada, let's take a look at the total cost. To get your basic drone license, you'll need to take the basic operator exam and pass it on the first try. The cost of this will be $10 for the exam fee and $95 for the basic exam preparation course, for a total of $105.

To get your advanced drone license, you'll need to study for the exam, take the advanced exam, and complete a flight review. The cost of this will be $10 for the exam fee, $299 for the advanced exam preparation course, and $200-300 for the flight review, for a total of $509-$609.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of getting your drone license in Canada depends on whether you're seeking a basic or advanced license. The basic license will cost $105, while the advanced license will cost $509-$609. With a drone license, you'll be able to operate your drone legally and potentially earn money through professional drone services. Make the smart choice and take the first step towards becoming a licensed drone operator today.