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Australia · Theory exams

How to get a pilot licence in Australia, step by step

Start with an aviation reference number (ARN) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and a Part 141 or Part 142 flight training operator. To get a pilot licence in Australia you then need a medical certificate, a theory exam pass, the minimum flying hours and a flight test. The steps are the same in shape for the recreational (RPL), private (PPL) and commercial pilot licence (CPL).

  • ARNThe number you need before booking
  • 16Youngest age, for the RPL
  • Flight testThe last step for each licence
Read how to book an examFree practice test

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How old do you need to be for each licence?

The three licences up to commercial each have a youngest age:

LicenceYoungest ageWhat it lets you do
Recreational (RPL)16Fly a light, single-engine aircraft as pilot in command
Private (PPL)17Command or co-pilot an aircraft in a private operation
Commercial (CPL)18Fly for private and commercial operations

CASA also issues an airline transport pilot licence (ATPL). Its exams need a CPL, or passes in all seven CPL exams, first.

Each licence has its own page, with its limits and minimum hours.

See the RPL →See the PPL →See the CPL →

How do you get a pilot licence in Australia?

CASA’s booking and licence pages give these steps:

  1. Apply for an ARN through the myCASA portal, with proof of identity.
  2. Find a flight training operator: Part 141 for an RPL, or Part 141 or Part 142 for a PPL or CPL.
  3. Get the medical certificate your licence needs.
  4. Meet the English language rule for your licence.
  5. Pass the theory exam, or all seven exams for a CPL.
  6. Fly at least the minimum hours for your licence.
  7. Pass the flight test and apply. For a PPL or CPL, you apply through myCASA and also apply for an aviation security status check.
See how the exams work →Try the practice test →

Which medical certificate do you need?

To take the flight test, CASA asks for one of these:

  • RPL: a Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate, a Class 5 medical self-declaration, or a recreational aviation medical practitioner’s certificate (RAMPC)
  • PPL: a Class 1, Class 2 or Basic Class 2 medical certificate
  • CPL: a Class 1 medical certificate

Once you hold a CPL, you may fly on a Class 2 medical, with limits the CPL page lists.

The English language rules

Every licence asks you to speak and understand English to a set level. The test you sit depends on the licence:

  • RPL: the general English language assessment (GELP), once, if you use an aeronautical radio
  • PPL: Aviation English Language Proficiency (AELP) at level 4, 5 or 6
  • CPL: AELP once, if you use a radio

How long does it take to get a pilot licence?

CASA’s licence pages set minimum flying hours, not a minimum number of weeks. How long it takes depends on how much you fly and study each week, and on your operator’s course.

CASA does set a time limit on the CPL’s seven exams, and the CPL page explains it.

See the exam fees →
Sources: Civil Aviation Safety Authority and 3 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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