Drone Theory Test Answers Take the official test

UK Flyer ID theory test · Updated for 2026

CAA Drone Theory Test Questions and Answers (2026)

All 40 questions from the CAA Flyer ID test, with the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for each. Type a word from your question to find it instantly.

Checked against the Drone Code Updated Independent – not affiliated with the CAA

How to take the test and get your Flyer ID

The test is free, online and open book.

  1. Open the Drone and Model Aircraft Code in another tab. The test is open book, so you can check it at any time.
  2. Go to the CAA's drone registration service at register-drones.caa.co.uk and choose to get a Flyer ID. Children under 13 need a parent or guardian with them.
  3. Take the 40-question test. Allow at least 30 minutes. If a question stumps you, search for it on this page.
  4. Get 30 or more right to pass. Your Flyer ID lasts five years. If you don't pass, take the test again for free.
  5. If you're responsible for the drone and you're 18 or over, register for an Operator ID (£12.34 a year) and label every drone with it.

Flying near people, crowds and buildings 11

1Hannah & Sofia – photo over friends

Hannah and Sofia are out flying with some friends who all want an aerial photo of themselves. Hannah's drone weighs 240g. Sofia's drone weighs 8kg. Which of them is allowed to briefly fly their drone over the group of friends?

  • Correct answer: Both of them, as long as their friends have agreed it's OK and they fly safely.
  • Wrong answer: Hannah only, because her drone is small.
  • Wrong answer: Neither of them, because it's illegal to fly over people, even when they're with you.
Why is this the answer?

The distance rules protect people who aren't involved in your flight. Friends who've agreed to be in the photo are involved, so both drones can briefly fly over them, whatever they weigh, as long as it's done safely.

Drone Code point 4

2Denise – crowded beach

Denise is at the coast and wants to fly her 245g drone out to sea and back over the beach. It's a busy bank holiday weekend and the beach is full. Is she allowed to do this?

  • Correct answer: No, because the beach is crowded and you must never fly over crowds.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because her drone is below 250g.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because the beach is a public space.
Why is this the answer?

You must never fly over crowds, whatever the drone's size. Drones under 250g may fly over people who aren't involved, but not over crowds. A packed bank holiday beach is a crowd, because people are close together and can't move away quickly.

Drone Code point 5

3Raj – 8kg drone at 80m

Raj has an 8kg drone. He flies his drone at a height of 80m in the countryside. What should he do to make sure he keeps flying safely?

  • Correct answer: Increase the horizontal distance from any people who are not with him to about 80m.
  • Wrong answer: Fly at a horizontal distance of 40m from any people who are not with him.
  • Wrong answer: Tell anyone nearby to watch out as he's flying there.
Why is this the answer?

This is the 1:1 rule. If you fly higher than 50m, stay at least as far away horizontally as you are high. At 80m, that means about 80m from people who aren't involved, so a failing drone can't drift or fall onto them.

Drone Code point 4

4Elsa & Nick – local park

Elsa has a 240g drone. Nick has a 6kg drone. They head to a local park. Which of them can fly at this recreational site?

  • Correct answer: Elsa with her 240g drone.
  • Wrong answer: Both of them.
  • Wrong answer: Neither of them.
Why is this the answer?

A park is a recreational site. Drones under 250g may fly within residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas, but heavier ones must stay at least 150m away. So Elsa can fly there and Nick can't.

Drone Code point 6

5Over-1kg drone – busy motorway

You're planning to go flying in some nearby countryside with a drone that weighs over 1kg. When you look at a map, it looks like part of your flight will go over a busy motorway. Are you allowed to fly over the motorway?

  • Correct answer: No, because you must never fly over people, including people in transport.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because it's not in a residential area.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because the traffic is moving fast enough.
Why is this the answer?

A drone of 250g or more must keep 50m from people who aren't involved, and that includes people in cars, lorries and buses. Traffic can't stop or move out of the way, so plan a route that doesn't cross the motorway.

Drone Code point 4

6Sangeetha – cycle race

Sangeetha wants to use her drone to record a cycle race. She plans to fly above the race to get some dramatic footage as the cyclists pass. Is she allowed to do this?

  • Correct answer: No, because the cyclists wouldn't be able to move out of the way if something happened to Sangeetha's drone.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because Sangeetha is flying in the road where she lives.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because the cyclists are going along a public road and Sangeetha has a right to be there.
Why is this the answer?

Racing cyclists can't stop or swerve if a drone falls, and there are often crowds along the route. Keep your distance from people who aren't involved, and never fly over crowds. It doesn't matter that it's a public road or the road where she lives.

Drone Code point 4, point 5

7Marco – holiday cottage

Marco's drone is over 250g. He's out flying in the countryside and there is nobody out and about. He wants to fly his drone over a nearby holiday cottage. There's a car parked outside and it looks like people could be inside the cottage. Is he allowed to fly over the cottage?

  • Correct answer: No, because the cottage is a residential site.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because any people around are inside the cottage and not out and about.
  • Wrong answer: No, because you're never allowed to fly in the countryside, even if there are no people around.
Why is this the answer?

A holiday cottage is a residential site even in the countryside, and people may be inside. With a drone of 250g or more, keep your distance (150m from built-up areas, or at least 50m from a single isolated building) and never fly over it.

Drone Code point 6

8Ciaran – windy day, Scouts 50m away

Ciaran is out flying his drone at a height of 40m. It's a very blustery day and a group of Scouts are camping 50m away. What should Ciaran consider so that he keeps his flight safe?

  • Correct answer: As the weather conditions are windy, he needs to increase the horizontal distance between his drone and the Scouts to more than 50m.
  • Wrong answer: Whether the Scouts are allowed to go camping there.
  • Wrong answer: Telling the Scout leader that he plans to fly his drone in the area and that they must stay away.
Why is this the answer?

Wind at height is often much stronger than on the ground and can push a drone off course. 50m is the minimum distance from people, so on a blustery day add extra space to allow for gusts. Keeping clear is your job, not the Scouts'.

Drone Code point 4, point 15

9Residential areas: which drones can fly

Which of the following can you fly within a residential area?

  • Correct answer: Any drone or model aircraft below 250g.
  • Wrong answer: Any drone or model aircraft that weighs 250g or over.
  • Wrong answer: Any drone or model aircraft.
Why is this the answer?

Drones under 250g (and UK0, UK1 and C0 class drones) are allowed to fly within residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas. Anything heavier must stay 150m away. No drone may fly over crowds.

Drone Code point 6

10Theo – model aircraft over 5kg

Theo has a model aircraft that's over 5kg. What horizontal distance must he be from a residential, recreational, commercial or industrial site when he flies?

  • Correct answer: 150m
  • Wrong answer: 50m
  • Wrong answer: 120m
Why is this the answer?

Drones and model aircraft of 250g or more must stay at least 150m horizontally from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial sites, so that applies to Theo. 50m is the distance from people, and 120m is the height limit.

Drone Code point 6

11Matt, Tim & Rory – ramblers nearby

Matt, Tim and Rory are in the countryside. The three friends head off to fly their drones, which are all above 4kg. They notice a number of people rambling in the open countryside nearby. Which of the friends flies safely?

  • Correct answer: Tim walks along a public footpath in a neighbouring field until he's at least 50m away from anyone before starting to fly. He avoids flying over anyone.
  • Wrong answer: Matt makes sure he's 50m away from the ramblers before starting to fly. He flies 80m above the ramblers.
  • Wrong answer: Rory walks until he's over 50m away from the ramblers. He flies his drone 20m away from them.
Why is this the answer?

With a heavier drone, keep at least 50m horizontally from people who aren't involved and never fly over them, however high you are. Tim does both. Matt flies over the ramblers, and Rory's drone is only 20m from them.

Drone Code point 4, point 5

Where you can fly: airspace, restrictions and height 7

12Checking airspace restrictions

Which of these would be the best way to check if there are any restrictions on whether you can fly at a particular place?

  • Correct answer: Look on a drone app that displays the correct and up-to-date airspace restrictions.
  • Wrong answer: Look on the BBC website.
  • Wrong answer: Look at a local newspaper.
Why is this the answer?

Restrictions change, including temporary ones for events and emergencies. Before every flight, check a drone app or airspace map that shows current, official restrictions. News websites and newspapers aren't a reliable source.

Drone Code point 7, point 8

13Restricted sites: military ranges and royal palaces

Which of the following sites are likely to be protected by restricted airspace that will mean you cannot fly a drone or model aircraft around or over them without permission from them?

  • Correct answer: Military ranges and royal palaces.
  • Wrong answer: Lakes, rivers, canals and other waterways.
  • Wrong answer: Open countryside.
Why is this the answer?

Some sites are protected by restricted airspace, so you can't fly there without permission. These include military ranges, royal palaces, prisons and some government buildings. Rivers, lakes and open countryside aren't restricted just because of what they are.

Drone Code point 8

14Robin, Scott & Ben – field near an airport

Three friends are talking about taking their drones and model aircraft to fly in an empty field near to an airport. The field is outside the fence that marks the airport's boundary. Which of the friends is correct?

  • Correct answer: Ben says: "We must check that the field is outside the airport's flight restriction zone before we fly."
  • Wrong answer: Robin says: "As long as we don't fly over 120m, we're safe to fly in this field."
  • Wrong answer: Scott says: "We can fly in this field because we're outside the airport's boundary."
Why is this the answer?

Airports have a flight restriction zone (FRZ) that usually reaches well beyond the boundary fence. Being outside the fence or under 120m isn't enough. Check an airspace map or drone app, and don't fly inside the FRZ without the airport's permission.

Drone Code point 7

15Sarah – airfield not on her app

Sarah is out in the countryside and about to go flying when she spots a light aircraft parked and equipment that suggests there could be an airfield there. However, her drone app is not showing a flight restriction zone (FRZ) for an airport. What should she do?

  • Correct answer: Assume there must be a small airfield without a flight restriction zone (FRZ), and not fly on or near the airfield as she could pose danger to the safety of aircraft.
  • Wrong answer: Assume the airfield must have closed as her drone app does not show a flight restriction zone (FRZ) in the area, and carry on with her flight.
  • Wrong answer: Assume she can continue to fly because her drone app does not show a flight restriction zone (FRZ) in the area.
Why is this the answer?

Not every airfield has a flight restriction zone, and small airfields, gliding sites and farm strips often don't show up on apps. If you see aircraft or airfield equipment, assume planes could be taking off or landing, and don't fly on or near it.

Drone Code point 7

16Nilesh, Elias & Steve – on a 50m hill

Three friends have hiked up a hill that's 50m high. They're standing at the top of the hill and deciding how high they can fly their drones. Which of them is right?

  • Correct answer: Elias says: "We can fly up to 120m from the closest point of the surface of the earth."
  • Wrong answer: Nilesh says: "We can fly as high as we like, as long as nobody else is around."
  • Wrong answer: Steve says: "We can only fly up to 70m directly above us because we're already 50m up the hill."
Why is this the answer?

The 120m limit is measured from the closest point of the ground beneath your drone, not from where the hill starts. On a hilltop you can fly up to 120m above the ground there. If the ground drops away, for example past a cliff edge, the limit drops with it.

Drone Code point 3

17Local byelaws

Which of the following is one of the things you should check to make sure you can legally fly at a location?

  • Correct answer: Whether there are any local byelaws that mean you're not allowed to fly from there.
  • Wrong answer: That there are no rivers in the surrounding area.
  • Wrong answer: That there are no trees in the surrounding area.
Why is this the answer?

Local byelaws can ban drones and model aircraft from places like parks, beaches and nature reserves. Check with the landowner or council before you fly. Rivers and trees nearby don't make a place illegal to fly from.

Drone Code point 8

18Legal height limit

What is the legal height limit for flying a drone or model aircraft?

  • Correct answer: 120m (400ft)
  • Wrong answer: 120ft (36m)
  • Wrong answer: 400m (1,310ft)
Why is this the answer?

The legal limit is 120m (400ft), measured from the closest point of the ground beneath your drone. Watch the units: it's 120 metres, not 120 feet. Flying higher needs authorisation.

Drone Code point 3

Keeping your drone in sight (VLOS and FPV) 5

19Seeing which way your drone faces

Why is it important that you can always see your drone or model aircraft clearly enough that you can tell which way it's facing?

  • Correct answer: So that you can steer and control it safely, even if something happens unexpectedly.
  • Wrong answer: So that your drone operator ID is visible.
  • Wrong answer: So that you can tell which way the camera is facing.
Why is this the answer?

Keeping your drone in direct sight means seeing it well enough to tell which way it's facing. If you can't, you can't reliably steer it away from a hazard or react when something goes wrong.

Drone Code point 2

20Max – drone behind trees

Max flies his drone behind a group of tall trees. His drone is out of sight until it comes out the other side. Is this safe?

  • Correct answer: No, because he must be able to see his drone at all times.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, as long as he's checked behind the trees first.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because his drone is quickly back in view.
Why is this the answer?

You must keep your drone in direct sight all the time. Even a short spell behind trees means you can't see hazards or other aircraft, or react to them. Checking behind the trees first doesn't make it safe.

Drone Code point 2

21Michael – FPV needs an observer

Michael's drone is fitted with a camera that enables him to fly using first-person view (FPV). What must he do whenever he wants to fly using first-person view?

  • Correct answer: Make sure someone stands next to him as his observer and keeps his drone in direct sight with a full view of the surrounding airspace at all times.
  • Wrong answer: Make sure he flies his drone out of direct sight so that he gets the most out of using first-person view.
  • Wrong answer: When flying alone, make sure he uses the first-person view to look out for obstacles that may pose a risk to his flight.
Why is this the answer?

Flying by first-person view (FPV) means watching goggles or a screen instead of the drone. You must have an observer next to you who keeps the drone in direct sight and watches the surrounding airspace, and the two of you must be able to talk to each other the whole time.

Drone Code point 2

22Ruth, Kelechi & Christina – how you watch your drone

Three friends are talking about how they watch their drones when out flying on their own. Which one is flying safely?

  • Correct answer: Christina says she doesn't use a screen and simply watches her drone because that way she gets the best view of everything in the sky.
  • Wrong answer: Ruth says she's linked her drone camera to her phone and often flies using just the screen.
  • Wrong answer: Kelechi says he always takes his binoculars with him to watch his drone so he can see it when he flies it far away from him.
Why is this the answer?

You must keep your drone in direct sight with your own eyes. Glasses and contact lenses are fine, but binoculars, phone or tablet screens and video goggles don't count. Watching the drone directly also lets you see other aircraft coming.

Drone Code point 2

23Low winter sun glare

You're out flying a drone in an area you know well. It's January and you start to get worried that you might lose sight of your drone in the glare of the low winter sun. What should you do?

  • Correct answer: Steadily fly your drone back towards you until you're sure you can see it. Then re-assess before deciding whether to carry on.
  • Wrong answer: You can normally see your drone here and you know the area well, so it's not a problem.
  • Wrong answer: Land as soon as you lose sight of your drone even though you can't see where it's landing.
Why is this the answer?

If glare or distance means you might lose sight of your drone, bring it steadily back towards you until you can see it clearly, then decide whether to carry on. Landing somewhere you can't see could hit someone, and knowing the area doesn't change the direct-sight rule.

Drone Code point 2, point 15

Other aircraft and emergencies 3

24Air ambulance heading towards you

You're out flying in the countryside. Suddenly, you notice an air ambulance flying in the direction of your drone or model aircraft. What should you do?

  • Correct answer: Hover at around 10m or land. Then wait until it's safe to continue with your flight
  • Wrong answer: Attempt to gain the attention of the air ambulance to warn them of your drone or model aircraft.
  • Wrong answer: Fly towards the air ambulance so that the crew can see your drone or model aircraft better.
Why is this the answer?

Air ambulances and police helicopters often fly low, well within the 120m you're allowed to use. If one comes near, lower your drone or land it, and wait until the aircraft has gone. Never fly towards it or try to get the crew's attention.

Drone Code point 17

25Emergency services at a road accident

You're out flying when you become aware that the emergency services are responding to a nearby road traffic accident. Which of the following should you do?

  • Correct answer: Safely and immediately stop flying until it's clear the incident is over.
  • Wrong answer: Ask the emergency services if they need you to fly overhead and get some video of what's going on.
  • Wrong answer: Fly towards the accident to see if you can get some dramatic video of what's happened.
Why is this the answer?

Emergency incidents can bring temporary airspace restrictions, and emergency helicopters may arrive at low level. Stop flying safely and straight away, and don't start again until the incident is over. Filming the scene or offering to help from the air isn't allowed.

Drone Code point 8, point 17

26Li – hang-glider near miss

Li is out flying his drone when a hang-glider suddenly appears over the brow of a hill. He comes very close to colliding with the hang-glider, but just about manages to drop to a safe height. What must he do following the near miss?

  • Correct answer: Report the near miss to the Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Wrong answer: Not report what happened because nobody was injured.
  • Wrong answer: Not report what happened because he's worried he may get into trouble.
Why is this the answer?

A near miss with another aircraft must be reported to the CAA, even if nobody was hurt. Reports help the CAA spot risks and prevent future collisions. Keeping quiet because you're worried about getting into trouble isn't an option.

Drone Code point 18

Fitness to fly and pre-flight checks 4

27Fit to fly: drink, drugs and tiredness

Which of the following statements are correct?

  • Correct answer: Being fit and safe to fly means never flying under the influence of drink, drugs or medicine, or when you're tired or unwell.
  • Wrong answer: Drones and model aircraft are only small, so it's safe to fly them if you're under the influence of drink.
  • Wrong answer: Drones and model aircraft are only small, so it's safe to fly them if you're feeling unwell.
Why is this the answer?

You must not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and you shouldn't fly if you're tired, unwell or taking medicine that affects you. Size doesn't matter here, because a small drone can still hurt someone if you lose control of it.

Drone Code point 16

28Ameen – flying while cycling

Ameen is an experienced mountain biker and drone enthusiast. His drone does not have follow-me mode. He decides to have a go at flying his drone while slowly cycling along a familiar track that he knows very well. Is he allowed to do this?

  • Correct answer: No, you must never fly while you could be distracted by another activity.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because he's an experienced flier and knows the route well.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because he's only going to cycle slowly.
Why is this the answer?

You must not fly while riding a bike or driving, because you can't give both your full attention. Being experienced, knowing the route and going slowly don't change this. Without follow-me mode, Ameen would be steering the drone and the bike at the same time.

Drone Code point 16

29Firmware updates

Why should you keep your drone's built-in software (firmware) updated, in line with the manufacturer's instructions?

  • Correct answer: So that your drone performs in the way the manufacturer intends.
  • Wrong answer: So that air traffic control can see your drone on their radar.
  • Wrong answer: So the drone manufacturer can identify you.
Why is this the answer?

Firmware updates fix bugs, keep features like geo-awareness and return-to-home working properly, and help protect against cyber attacks. Updating doesn't put you on air traffic control radar or identify you to the manufacturer.

Drone Code point 10, point 11

30Pre-flight check: battery

Which of the following must you check so that you can fly safely?

  • Correct answer: That your drone has enough fuel or battery power to last through your planned flight.
  • Wrong answer: That your drone camera is working.
  • Wrong answer: That there are plenty of people around.
Why is this the answer?

Before every flight, check that the drone's battery or fuel, and the controller's battery, will last the whole flight. Running out of power mid-flight is a common cause of crashes. A working camera is nice to have but isn't a safety check.

Drone Code point 11

Flyer ID, Operator ID, insurance and permissions 6

31Flying beyond the Drone Code

What should you do if you want to fly beyond the rules of the Drone and Model Aircraft Code?

  • Correct answer: Make sure you have the right authorisation before you fly.
  • Wrong answer: Buy a faster drone or model aircraft so you can do more when you fly.
  • Wrong answer: Make sure you've memorised the Drone and Model Aircraft Code.
Why is this the answer?

The Drone Code covers basic, low-risk flying in the Open category. To fly outside it, for example higher than 120m, closer to people or over crowds, you need the right authorisation from the CAA before you take off.

Drone Code point 9

32Flyer ID vs Operator ID

Which of the following best describes the difference between a flyer ID and a drone operator ID?

  • Correct answer: A flyer ID shows you've passed this test and know how to fly safely and legally. A drone operator ID is what you need if you own or are responsible for a drone or model aircraft.
  • Wrong answer: A drone operator ID shows you've passed this test and know how to fly safely and legally. A flyer ID is what you need if you own or are responsible for a drone or model aircraft.
  • Wrong answer: There is no difference between a flyer ID and a drone operator ID.
Why is this the answer?

A Flyer ID shows you've passed the theory test, and anyone flying a drone or model aircraft of 100g or more needs one. The Operator ID belongs to whoever is responsible for the drone. They must be 18 or over, and it's the number you label the drone with.

Drone Code point 27, point 30

33Several drones – one Operator ID

What must you do if you're responsible for several drones or model aircraft that require a drone operator ID?

  • Correct answer: Label every drone or model aircraft you're responsible for with the same drone operator ID.
  • Wrong answer: Label every drone or model aircraft you're responsible for with your flyer ID.
  • Wrong answer: Label every drone or model aircraft you're responsible for with a different drone operator ID for each one.
Why is this the answer?

One Operator ID covers every drone and model aircraft you're responsible for. Label each one with it in block capitals taller than 3mm, somewhere visible or in a compartment you can open without tools. Your Flyer ID doesn't go on the drone.

Drone Code point 30

34Open category: A1 and A3

Which of these best describes the open A1 and A3 subcategories of drone and model aircraft flying?

  • Correct answer: Basic, low-risk flying.
  • Wrong answer: High-risk, complex flying.
  • Wrong answer: Moderate-risk flying.
Why is this the answer?

The Open category covers basic, low-risk flying under the Drone Code. A1 is for the lightest drones flying near people, and A3 is for heavier drones kept well away from people and buildings. Anything riskier needs CAA authorisation.

Drone Code

35Anna, Dan & Ethan – who needs which ID

Anna has two children. Dan is 11 and Ethan is 15. The children own a 500g drone, which they both fly. Anna never goes flying. Which of the following is correct?

  • Correct answer: Both children will need to get a flyer ID. Anna will need to register for a drone operator ID.
  • Wrong answer: Both children will need to get a flyer ID and register for a drone operator ID.
  • Wrong answer: Anna will need to get a flyer ID and register for a drone operator ID.
Why is this the answer?

Anyone flying a drone of 100g or more needs a Flyer ID, whatever their age, so both children do (Dan is under 13, so a parent must be with him when he registers). An Operator ID can only be held by someone 18 or over, so Anna registers as the operator even though she never flies.

Drone Code point 27, point 30

36When insurance is required

When must you always have insurance for flying your drone or model aircraft?

  • Correct answer: If you want to fly for payment or for work.
  • Wrong answer: If you want to fly at night.
  • Wrong answer: If you want to record video when flying.
Why is this the answer?

Insurance is a legal requirement if you fly for payment or for work, and for any drone or model aircraft of 20kg or more. For fun flying with a lighter drone it's optional, though recommended. Night flying and filming don't need insurance in themselves.

Drone Code point 20

Carrying items, privacy and wildlife 4

37Pascal – farm drone, cleaning fluid

Pascal owns a large farm. He sometimes uses a drone to transport items to his farmworkers. One of the farmworkers calls and asks Pascal to use the drone to send over a bottle of chemical cleaning fluid. Can Pascal do this?

  • Correct answer: No, because you must never use your drone or model aircraft to carry dangerous material.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, so long as Pascal can always see his drone and makes sure that it will not fly over anyone.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because although the cleaning fluid might be a hazard, Pascal is on his own farm.
Why is this the answer?

You must never carry dangerous goods, meaning anything poisonous, corrosive or flammable, and chemical cleaning fluid counts. It doesn't matter that it's Pascal's own farm or that he'd avoid flying over anyone.

Drone Code point 13

38Andrea – video through a neighbour's window

Andrea realises she's accidentally recorded some video through a neighbour's window when filming with her drone. What is Andrea allowed to do with the video?

  • Correct answer: Share the video online after deleting the part with her neighbour in it.
  • Wrong answer: Share the video with friends and family.
  • Wrong answer: Share the video online without editing it.
Why is this the answer?

You must respect people's privacy, and footage from inside someone's home is private. Before sharing anything, cut the parts that show people who haven't agreed, or don't share it at all. Showing it to friends and family still counts as sharing.

Drone Code point 21, point 25, point 26

39Gareth – water balloons

Gareth is at a party with a group of friends. He decides to drop some water balloons from his drone. Is he allowed to do this?

  • Correct answer: No, you must never drop anything from a drone or model aircraft.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because he's with friends.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because water balloons do not count as dangerous material.
Why is this the answer?

You must never drop anything from a drone or model aircraft while it's flying, even something harmless like a water balloon, and even at a party with friends. Dropped objects can hurt people or damage property.

Drone Code point 12

40Stefan – nature reserve birds

Stefan wants to fly his 240g drone at a nature reserve to film some nesting birds. Can he do this?

  • Correct answer: No, because you must not fly where you'll disturb or endanger animals and wildlife.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because his drone weighs less than 250g.
  • Wrong answer: Yes, because there are no people around.
Why is this the answer?

You must not fly where you'll disturb or endanger animals, and nesting birds are especially sensitive. Nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest often have extra restrictions too. Weighing under 250g doesn't make it OK.

Drone Code point 8

Key numbers to remember

Most wrong answers in the test get a number wrong. These are the ones the questions use.

NumberWhat it meansDrone Code
120m (400ft)Maximum height, measured from the closest point of the ground beneath your drone.Point 3
50mMinimum horizontal distance from people who aren't involved in your flight, for drones of 250g or more.Point 4
1:1 ruleAbove 50m high, stay at least as far away horizontally as you are high. At 80m high, stay about 80m away.Point 4
150mMinimum distance from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas, for drones of 250g or more.Point 6
50mMinimum distance from a single building that stands at least 50m from any other building.Point 6
Under 250gDrones under 250g (and UK0, UK1 and C0 class drones) can fly over people who aren't involved and within built-up areas. No drone may fly over crowds.Points 4–6
100gFrom this weight you need a Flyer ID. Under 100g you don't need a Flyer ID or an Operator ID.Flying legally
250g, or 100g with a cameraFrom this weight you need an Operator ID.Flying legally
18Minimum age to register for an Operator ID. There's no minimum age for a Flyer ID.Points 30–35
3mmYour Operator ID label must be in block capitals taller than 3mm.Points 30–35
20kgInsurance is compulsory from this weight, and whenever you fly for payment or for work.Point 20
5 yearsHow long a Flyer ID lasts. An Operator ID must be renewed every year (£12.34).Points 27–29

What changed in 2026

New UK drone rules came into force on 1 January 2026. These are the changes that matter for the test.

Drone theory test FAQ

Quick answers about the test, Flyer IDs and Operator IDs.

Is the CAA drone theory test open book?

Yes. The CAA says you can look at the Drone and Model Aircraft Code while you take the test. Each answer on this page links to the part of the Code it comes from.

How many questions are in the CAA drone theory test, and what's the pass mark?

There are 40 multiple-choice questions and you need 30 right to pass. Allow at least 30 minutes. There's no overall time limit, but the test times out if you're inactive for 90 minutes.

Can I retake the drone theory test if I fail?

Yes. The test is free and you can take it as many times as you like.

Do I need a Flyer ID for a drone under 250g?

Since 1 January 2026, yes, if it weighs 100g or more. You don't need a Flyer ID or an Operator ID for a drone or model aircraft under 100g, but you must still follow the Drone Code.

Do I need an Operator ID as well as a Flyer ID?

You need an Operator ID if you're responsible for a drone or model aircraft that weighs 250g or more, or 100g or more with a camera. It costs £12.34 a year and you must be 18 or over. One Operator ID covers all your drones.

How long does a Flyer ID last?

Five years, then you take the test again. Flyer IDs issued under the rules before 2026 last three years.

Is there a minimum age for the drone theory test?

No. Children can take the test and get a Flyer ID, but under-13s need a parent or guardian with them when they register. Children under 12 must be supervised by someone aged 16 or over when they fly. You must be 18 or over to register for an Operator ID.

Is this the official CAA test?

No. This is an independent study aid and isn't affiliated with the CAA. You take the real test for free on the CAA's drone registration website, register-drones.caa.co.uk.