As the popularity of drones continues to soar, more people are looking to get involved in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. Whether you’re a recreational pilot or looking to start a career in drone operations, obtaining a drone license is a necessary step to take your passion to the next level. But where do you go to take the test? In this article, we’ll explore the various options available to you, as well as the requirements and benefits of getting a drone license.
Understanding the FAA Part 107 Drone License
Before we dive into where to take the drone license test, let’s first understand what it’s all about. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating drone operations. To fly a drone for commercial purposes, you need to obtain a remote pilot certificate with a small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) rating, also known as the Part 107 drone license.
To qualify for the Part 107 drone license, you need to be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and be in a physical and mental condition to operate a drone safely.
What Does the Drone License Test Cover?
The drone license test covers a range of topics related to drone operations, including:
- Regulations (rules of airspace, right-of-way, etc.)
- Weather (meteorology, clouds, wind, etc.)
- Airspace and navigation (reading aeronautical charts, navigation systems, etc.)
- Aircraft systems (propulsion, controls, instruments, etc.)
- Radiotelephony communications
- Emergency procedures
- Crew resource management
Where to Study for the Drone License Test
There are many resources available to help you study for the drone license test. These include:
- The FAA’s online study guide and sample questions
- Online courses and study materials from companies like King Schools and Gold Seal
- In-person training courses and workshops offered by organizations like the Unmanned Vehicle University
Where to Take the Drone License Test
Now that we’ve covered what the drone license test covers, let’s talk about where to take it. There are over 600 FAA-approved knowledge testing centers across the United States, as well as several online testing options. Here are a few options:
- FAA-Approved Knowledge Testing Centers: The FAA has a list of approved testing centers on their website. These centers are located throughout the United States and offer in-person testing. Some popular testing centers include:
- CATS (Computer Assisted Testing Service) and PSI (Professional Service Industries) testing centers
- Community colleges and universities with aviation programs
- Flight schools and aviation training centers
- Online Testing Centers: In 2020, the FAA approved several online testing centers, including:
- CATS Online
- PSI Online
- Comira Online
These online testing centers use remote proctoring services to ensure the integrity of the test.
What to Expect on Test Day
On the day of the test, you should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled test time. Here’s what you can expect:
- Bring a valid government-issued ID and any required documents (e.g. a medical certificate)
- Be prepared to surrender your phone and any other electronic devices to the test administrator
- You will be given a set of earplugs and a calculator (if required)
- The test is multiple-choice and consists of 60 questions
- You have 2 hours to complete the test
Tips for Passing the Drone License Test
Here are a few tips to help you pass the drone license test:
- Study thoroughly: Make sure you understand the material and practice with sample questions
- Practice with a realistic simulator: Many online courses and study materials include simulators that mimic the actual test
- Get enough sleep and eat a healthy meal: Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you stay focused and alert during the test
Benefits of Getting a Drone License
Getting a drone license is more than just a requirement for commercial drone operations. It also comes with several benefits, including:
- Increased job opportunities: With a drone license, you’ll be eligible for more job opportunities in industries like construction, surveying, and filmmaking
- Increased safety: By understanding regulations and best practices, you’ll be able to operate your drone more safely and avoid potential hazards
- Increased earning potential: With a drone license, you’ll be able to offer more services to clients and increase your earning potential
Other Drone Certifications and Licenses
While the Part 107 drone license is the most well-known, there are other drone certifications and licenses available. These include:
- The FAA’s recreational drone rules: While not a traditional license, these rules require recreational pilots to follow specific guidelines and regulations
- The FAA’s Drone Waiver Program: This program allows drone operators to apply for waivers to the Part 107 rules, such as flying at night or over people
- The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) Tower Technician Training: This training program provides a certification for tower technicians who work with drones
By choosing the right testing center and studying thoroughly, you can get your drone license and take your passion for drones to new heights.
What are the eligibility criteria for taking the drone license test?
To be eligible for the drone license test, you must be at least 16 years old and be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. You must also be in a physical and mental condition to operate a drone safely. Additionally, you’ll need to pass a background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before you can take the test.
If you’re eligible, you’ll need to register for the test through a testing center approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You can find a list of approved testing centers on the FAA website. The test is multiple-choice and covers topics such as drone safety guidelines, airspace classifications, and weather conditions.
How do I prepare for the drone license test?
Preparing for the drone license test involves studying the material covered on the test, including drone safety guidelines, airspace classifications, and weather conditions. You can find study materials on the FAA website, including a study guide and online courses. It’s also a good idea to practice with sample questions to get a sense of what to expect on the test.
In addition to studying, you can take a prep course or online tutorial to help you prepare for the test. These courses cover the material in more detail and can help you identify areas where you need to focus your studying. You can also join a drone community or online forum to connect with other drone operators and get tips and advice on how to prepare for the test.
What is the cost of taking the drone license test?
The cost of taking the drone license test varies depending on the testing center you choose. The FAA has approved several testing centers, each with its own fee. On average, the test costs between $150 and $200. You’ll also need to pay a renewal fee every 24 months, which is currently $150.
In addition to the cost of the test, you may also need to pay for study materials or prep courses. These costs can vary depending on the provider, but on average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for study materials or prep courses.
How long does the drone license test take to complete?
The drone license test typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The test has 60 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll need to answer at least 42 questions correctly to pass. You can take the test at a testing center approved by the FAA, and the test will be proctored by a test administrator.
The test is a closed-book test, meaning you won’t be able to refer to any study materials or notes during the test. You’ll need to rely on your knowledge and understanding of the material to answer the questions correctly. The test administrator will provide you with a calculator and any other materials you may need to complete the test.
What happens if I fail the drone license test?
If you fail the drone license test, you can retake the test as soon as you’re ready. You’ll need to pay the test fee again, which is currently $150-$200. Before retaking the test, you may want to review the material and focus on the areas where you struggled the most.
You can retake the test as many times as you need to, but you’ll need to wait 24 hours before retaking the test. This allows you time to review the material and prepare for the test again. You can also seek additional training or study materials to help you prepare for the test.
How long is my drone license valid for?
Your drone license is valid for 24 months from the date you pass the test. You’ll need to renew your license every 24 months to continue operating your drone for commercial purposes. To renew your license, you’ll need to pass a recurrent knowledge test, which covers the same material as the initial test.
The recurrent knowledge test is also multiple-choice and has 60 questions. You’ll need to answer at least 42 questions correctly to pass. You can take the recurrent knowledge test at a testing center approved by the FAA, and the test will be proctored by a test administrator.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my drone license test?
If you cancel your drone license test, you may be eligible for a refund, depending on the testing center’s policies. Some testing centers may offer a full or partial refund if you cancel with sufficient notice, while others may not offer a refund at all. You’ll need to check with the testing center directly to see if they offer refunds and under what circumstances.
If you’re unsure about taking the test or need to cancel, it’s best to contact the testing center as soon as possible to avoid any fees or penalties. You can also reschedule your test for a later date if needed, but you may need to pay a fee for rescheduling.