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Pilot, drone, boat and ham radio licence tests

Flying, boating and transmitting on radio all use shared airspace, water or airwaves, so governments ask you to pass a knowledge test first. The aviation regulator usually handles drones and planes, while boat licences and radio certificates each have their own body. Many of these tests are short and some are free, but the theory for a pilot licence is a real course of study.

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United States5 exams Canada4 exams United Kingdom3 exams Australia2 exams New Zealand2 exams

United States

Air, sea and radio in the United States

FAA A&P MechanicUSSoon
FAA Part 107 DroneUSSoon
FAA Pilot Written TestsUSSoon
US Ham RadioUSSoon
USCG Captain LicenseUSSoon
Everything in the United States

Canada

Air, sea and radio in Canada

Canada Drone ExamCASoon
Canada Ham RadioCASoon
Canada Hunter ExamCASoon
Canada Pilot ExamsCASoon
Everything in Canada

United Kingdom

Air, sea and radio in the United Kingdom

UK Drone TestUKSoon
UK Ham RadioUK
UK PPL TheoryUKSoon
Everything in the United Kingdom

Australia

Air, sea and radio in Australia

Australia Boat LicenceAUSoon
Australia Pilot ExamsAUSoon
Everything in Australia

New Zealand

Air, sea and radio in New Zealand

NZ Ham RadioNZSoon
NZ Pilot ExamsNZSoon
Everything in New Zealand

Drones and aircraft

Drone tests are the easiest way in. In the UK, the CAA's Flyer ID comes from a free online theory test, lasts 5 years, and you can get one yourself from age 13. Transport Canada's basic drone certificate also needs only an online exam, and it doesn't expire, while its advanced certificate adds a second exam and a flight review. In the US, commercial drone pilots go through the FAA's Part 107 knowledge test.

Pilot licences ask for much more. New Zealand's private pilot licence needs written exam credits in six subjects, from air law and weather science to human factors and radio communication. In Australia, CASA sets theory exams for each licence level, and the regulators in the US, Canada and the UK each run their own written tests too. Check the rules of the country you'll fly in before you start studying.

Boats and amateur radio

Boat licences in Australia are run by each state. In NSW you need a licence to drive a recreational boat at 10 knots (18.5 km/h) or more, and for any personal watercraft. You can apply from age 12 once you've passed the boating knowledge test and shown practical experience, either with a logbook or a course with an Authorised Training Provider.

Amateur radio, or ham radio, licences come with a test almost everywhere, and volunteers often give it. In the US, FCC-certified Volunteer Examiner Coordinators run the exams from public question pools, and as of October 2026 a new Technician pool runs from 2026 to 2030. Canada uses accredited examiners for its amateur certificate, and in New Zealand an Approved Radio Examiner gives the exam and issues your callsign.

Questions people ask

FAQ

Do I need a licence to fly a drone?

Often, depending on the country and the drone. In the UK, the CAA's Flyer ID is the usual starting point, and the test is free. In Canada, the basic drone pilot certificate comes from passing an online exam, and Transport Canada says you must carry a valid certificate whenever you fly. Commercial flying in the US needs the FAA's Part 107 certificate.

Is the drone theory test online?

In the UK and Canada, yes. The UK's Flyer ID test is taken through the CAA's online service, and Transport Canada's basic and advanced drone exams are online too. Canada's advanced certificate also needs an in-person flight review.

How do I get a ham radio licence?

Pass the exam for your country's entry-level licence, usually with a volunteer or approved examiner. In the US the questions come from public pools published through NCVEC, and in New Zealand the examiner who passes you also issues your callsign. In Canada, ISED's exam generator lets you practise with the same kind of questions examiners use.

What tests do I need for a private pilot licence?

Written theory exams, then a flight test. New Zealand's rules list six subject areas for the PPL: air law, air navigation and flight planning, weather science, aircraft technical knowledge, human factors and radio communication. Other countries cover similar ground, but each regulator sets its own exams.

When do you need a boat licence?

Each state or country draws its own line. In NSW it's when you drive a recreational boat at 10 knots or more, and always for a personal watercraft, which also needs a separate PWC knowledge test on top of the general boat licence.

Sources: UK CAA, Transport Canada, NZ CAA and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

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