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About the exam
The Small Basic drone exam is a 35-question multiple-choice online test from Transport Canada that you must pass to get your Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations: you have 90 minutes, you need 65% or higher, and you must be 14 or older.
ExamHub is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with Transport Canada. Our free practice questions are based on CARs Part IX and TP 15263. Always confirm current details on the official pages listed at the bottom of this page.
Quick facts
Exam Blueprint & Overview
Practice Questions
Question 1
Under Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IX, what is the weight threshold for a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) requiring registration and pilot certification?
Explanation: A small remotely piloted aircraft has an operating weight of at least 250 g and not more than 25 kg (CAR 900.01). Such an aircraft must be registered (CAR 900.13) and flown by a certificated pilot (CAR 901.54). Subpart 1 of Part IX does not apply to aircraft under 250 g (CAR 901.01).
Question 2
What is the minimum age required for an individual to obtain a Pilot Certificate – Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft (VLOS) – Basic Operations?
Explanation: Under CAR 901.55(a) and 901.54(1)(a), a person must be at least 14 years of age to hold the Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations and to operate under Basic operations. A person under 14 may operate only under the direct supervision of a person permitted to do so (CAR 901.54(2)).
Question 3
What is the maximum permissible altitude for operating a small RPA in uncontrolled airspace under Basic operations, unless otherwise authorized?
Explanation: CAR 901.25(1)(a) prohibits operating a remotely piloted aircraft at an altitude greater than 400 feet (122 m) AGL. The only exceptions are the 100 ft-above-structure allowance in 901.25(1)(b) and an SFOC – RPAS (901.25(2)).
Question 4
Under CAR 901.25(1)(b), what is the maximum altitude an RPA may fly above a building or structure when operated less than 200 feet (61 metres) horizontally from it?
Explanation: CAR 901.25(1)(b) limits the aircraft to 100 feet (30 m) above any building or structure when it is operated less than 200 feet (61 m) horizontally from that building or structure. That allowance can take the aircraft above 400 ft AGL.
FAQ
You need to register the drone and hold a drone pilot certificate. Transport Canada says all drones weighing at least 250 g must be registered, and the Small Basic online exam is the one you pass to get the Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations for small drones (250 g to 25 kg). Flying without meeting the registration requirements may bring a fine of $5,000 (recreational) or $25,000 (commercial). Sources: tc.canada.ca registering-your-drone and drone-operation-categories-pilot-certificates (as of 5 Nov 2026).
The Small Basic exam has 35 multiple-choice questions and you have 90 minutes. If you run out of time, the exam is marked on the answers you gave. Transport Canada says the questions are based on its Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (TP 15263), which it says is not a study guide. Source: tc.canada.ca small-basic exam page (as of 5 Nov 2026).
65% or higher is a pass. On a 35-question exam that means 23 correct answers (23 of 35 is about 66%, 22 of 35 is about 63%). Source: tc.canada.ca small-basic exam page (as of 5 Nov 2026).
You must be 14 or older to take the Small Basic exam. Transport Canada lists the minimum age for certification as 14 for Basic, 16 for Advanced and 18 for Level 1 Complex operations. Sources: tc.canada.ca small-basic exam page and drone operation categories page (as of 5 Nov 2026).
Yes. You take the exam online through the Drone Management Portal and get your result right after you finish. Once you pass, a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations is issued. Transport Canada says the certificate does not expire, but it recommends keeping your skills up to date. Sources: tc.canada.ca small-basic exam page and drone-management-portal (as of 5 Nov 2026).
Wait 24 hours, then try again. There is no limit on retakes: Transport Canada says you can re-take the exam as many times as you wish, and CAR 901.59 sets the same 24-hour wait. If you have technical problems during the exam, Transport Canada says to contact it so it can reset your exam. Sources: tc.canada.ca small-basic exam page and Canadian Aviation Regulations s. 901.59, laws-lois.justice.gc.ca (as of 5 Nov 2026).
Transport Canada charges a fee for the exam, and additional attempts cost the same fee. The Small Basic exam page does not print a dollar amount, so we do not quote one: check the Drone Management Portal before you pay. If you need extra time as an accommodation, Transport Canada says to request it before paying for your exam. Source: tc.canada.ca small-basic exam page (as of 5 Nov 2026).
Yes, if it weighs 250 g or more, including custom-built and kit drones. Drones under 250 g need no registration unless something attached brings them to 250 g or more. You register through the Drone Management Portal (about 3 minutes; you need the make, model, serial number and type of drone and a credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay), then mark the drone with its registration number using permanent marker, a permanent label or engraving. Transport Canada's registration page shows no dollar amount, so check the portal for the fee. Foreign pilots cannot register drones. Source: tc.canada.ca registering-your-drone (as of 5 Nov 2026).
No. Transport Canada's table for Basic operations says no to controlled airspace, even with permission, and no to flying close to or over people. In a Basic VLOS operation the Canadian Aviation Regulations also say stay at least 100 ft (30 m) horizontally from people not involved (s. 901.26), at least 3 nautical miles from an airport and 1 nautical mile from a heliport (s. 901.47), and no higher than 400 ft (122 m) above ground (s. 901.25). Advanced operations (minimum age 16) can fly in controlled airspace with air traffic control permission if the drone meets the requirements. Sources: tc.canada.ca drone operation categories page and laws-lois.justice.gc.ca, SOR/96-433 (as of 5 Nov 2026).
Yes. All 140 questions are free, with no account or signup required. ExamHub is an independent study resource, not affiliated with Transport Canada. The questions are based on CARs Part IX and TP 15263, and the timed test mode uses the real exam's format: 35 questions, 90 minutes, 65% to pass.
Sources
Checked 5 Nov 2026. Always confirm current details with the official pages.