CAA Drone Theory Test Questions and Answers

Complete guide with all 40 questions and highlighted correct answers

If you're a drone enthusiast in the UK, you've probably heard about the CAA Drone Theory Test.

This mandatory test is a crucial step for anyone who wants to fly a drone with a camera, which essentially covers most drones available on the market today.

As the founder of the UK's largest drone pilots for hire network and a holder of a GVC licence, I know first-hand how important it is to pass this test.

The CAA Drone Theory Test was my first step on the path to building a successful drone business.

The test itself is relatively short, taking about 20 minutes to complete.

However, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) does not disclose which answers you got right or wrong, making it challenging to know where you need to improve.

In this blog post, I'll be sharing everything you need to know to pass the CAA Drone Theory Test with flying colours.

CAA Drone Theory Test Answers Guide [2025 Update]

Everything you'll need to know to pass the test is in The Drone and Model Aircraft Code. It's a good idea to read this to ensure you have the most up to date information.

The entire test is open book.

30 Second Summary

The test is free
40 multiple choice questions and a pass mark of 30
You can look at The Drone and Model Aircraft Code during the test if you want to
You should allow at least 30 minutes to complete the test
You can take as long as you like providing you're not inactive for more than 90 minutes
You can take the test as many times as you like
The questions may be in a random order

Pro Tip:

Questions shuffle each time to keep you on your toes, so I recommend using Ctrl+F to search for the question you are on. This will save you precious time during the test!

Start Drone Theory Test

Full CAA Drone Test Answers Below 40/40

Question 1 of 40

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?

Select one

Hover at around 10m or land. Then wait until it's safe to continue with your flight– Correct

Attempt to gain the attention of the air ambulance to warn them of your drone or model aircraft.

Fly towards the air ambulance so that the pilot can see your drone or model aircraft better.

Question 2 of 40

Which of the following statements are correct?

Select one

Drones and model aircraft are only small, so it's safe to fly them if you're under the influence of drink.

Being fit and safe to fly means never flying under the influence of drink, drugs or medicine, or when you're tired or unwell.– Correct

Drones and model aircraft are only small, so it's safe to fly them if you're feeling unwell.

Question 3 of 40

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?

Select one

Hannah only, because her drone is small.

Neither of them, because it's illegal to fly over people, even when they're with you.

Both of them, as long as their friends have agreed it's OK and they fly safely.– Correct

Question 4 of 40

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?

Select one

Ask the emergency services if they need you to fly overhead and get some video of what's going on.

Safely and immediately stop flying until it's clear the incident is over.– Correct

Fly towards the accident to see if you can get some dramatic video of what's happened.

Question 5 of 40

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

Select one

Look on a drone app that displays the correct and up-to-date airspace restrictions.– Correct

Look on the BBC website.

Look at a local newspaper.

Question 6 of 40

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?

Select one

Yes, so long as Pascal can always see his drone and makes sure that it will not fly over anyone.

Yes, because although the cleaning fluid might be a hazard, Pascal is on his own farm.

No, because you must never use your drone or model aircraft to carry dangerous material.– Correct

Question 7 of 40

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?

Select one

Report the near miss to the Civil Aviation Authority.– Correct

Not report what happened because nobody was injured.

Not report what happened because he's worried he may get into trouble.

Question 8 of 40

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?

Select one

So that your operator ID is visible.

So that you can steer and control it safely, even if something happens unexpectedly.– Correct

So that you can tell which way the camera is facing.

Question 9 of 40

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?

Select one

Yes, because he's an experienced flier and knows the route well.

No, you must never fly while you could be distracted by another activity.– Correct

Yes, because he's only going to cycle slowly.

Question 10 of 40

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

Select one

Buy a faster drone or model aircraft so you can do more when you fly.

Make sure you have the right authorisation before you fly.– Correct

Make sure you've memorised the Drone and Model Aircraft Code.

Question 11 of 40

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

Select one

So that air traffic control can see your drone on their radar.

So that your drone performs in the way the manufacturer intends.– Correct

So the drone manufacturer can identify you.

Question 12 of 40

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

Select one

That your drone camera is working.

That there are plenty of people around.

That your drone has enough fuel or battery power to last through your planned flight.– Correct

Question 13 of 40

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?

Select one

Yes, because her drone is below 250g.

Yes, because the beach is a public space.

No, because the beach is crowded and you must never fly over crowds.– Correct

Question 14 of 40

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?

Select one

Yes, as long as he's checked behind the trees first.

Yes, because his drone is quickly back in view.

No, because he must be able to see his drone at all times.– Correct

Question 15 of 40

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?

Select one

Lakes, rivers, canals and other waterways.

Open countryside.

Military ranges and royal palaces.– Correct

Question 16 of 40

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?

Select one

Robin says: "As long as we don't fly over 120m, we're safe to fly in this field."

Scott says: "We can fly in this field because we're outside the airport's boundary."

Ben says: "We must check that the field is outside the airport's flight restriction zone before we fly."– Correct

Question 17 of 40

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?

Select one

Make sure he flies his drone out of direct sight so that he gets the most out of using first-person view.

When flying alone, make sure he uses the first-person view to look out for obstacles that may pose a risk to his flight.

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.– Correct

Question 18 of 40

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.

Select one

Fly at a horizontal distance of 40m from any people who are not with him.

Increase the horizontal distance from any people who are not with him to about 80m.– Correct

Tell anyone nearby to watch out as he's flying there.

Question 19 of 40

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

Select one

A flyer ID shows you've passed this test and know how to fly safely and legally. An operator ID is what you need if you own or are responsible for a drone or model aircraft.– Correct

An 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.

There is no difference between a flyer ID and an operator ID.

Question 20 of 40

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

Select one

Label every drone or model aircraft you're responsible for with your flyer ID.

Label every drone or model aircraft you're responsible for with the same operator ID.– Correct

Label every drone or model aircraft you're responsible for with a different operator ID for each one.

Question 21 of 40

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?

Select one

Share the video with friends and family.

Share the video online without editing it.

Share the video online after deleting the part with her neighbour in it.– Correct

Question 22 of 40

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

Select one

High-risk, complex flying.

Basic, low-risk flying.– Correct

Moderate-risk flying.

Question 23 of 40

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?

Select one

Elsa with her 240g drone.– Correct

Both of them.

Neither of them.

Question 24 of 40

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?

Select one

Yes, because it's not in a residential area.

No, because you must never fly over people, including people in transport.– Correct

Yes, because the traffic is moving fast enough.

Question 25 of 40

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?

Select one

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.– Correct

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.

Assume she can continue to fly because her drone app does not show a flight restriction zone (FRZ) in the area.

Question 26 of 40

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?

Select one

Nilesh says: "We can fly as high as we like, as long as nobody else is around."

Elias says: "We can fly up to 120m from the closest point of the surface of the earth."– Correct

Steve says: "We can only fly up to 70m directly above us because we're already 50m up the hill."

Question 27 of 40

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?

Select one

Both children will need to get a flyer ID. Anna will need to register for an operator ID.– Correct

Both children will need to get a flyer ID and register for an operator ID.

Anna will need to get a flyer ID and register for an operator ID.

Question 28 of 40

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?

Select one

No, because the cyclists wouldn't be able to move out of the way if something happened to Sangeetha's drone.– Correct

Yes, because Sangeetha is flying in the road where she lives.

Yes, because the cyclists are going along a public road and Sangeetha has a right to be there.

Question 29 of 40

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

Select one

Ruth says she's linked her drone camera to her phone and often flies using just the screen.

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.

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.– Correct

Question 30 of 40

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?

Select one

No, because the cottage is a residential site.– Correct

Yes, because any people around are inside the cottage and not out and about.

No, because you're never allowed to fly in the countryside, even if there are no people around.

Question 31 of 40

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

Select one

If you want to fly at night.

If you want to fly for payment or for work.– Correct

If you want to record video when flying.

Question 32 of 40

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?

Select one

Whether the Scouts are allowed to go camping there.

Telling the Scout leader that he plans to fly his drone in the area and that they must stay away.

As the weather conditions are windy, he needs to increase the horizontal distance between his drone and the Scouts to more than 50m.– Correct

Question 33 of 40

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?

Select one

Yes, because he's with friends.

No, you must never drop anything from a drone or model aircraft.– Correct

Yes, because water balloons do not count as dangerous material.

Question 34 of 40

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

Select one

Any drone or model aircraft below 250g.– Correct

Any drone or model aircraft that weighs 250g or over.

Any drone or model aircraft.

Question 35 of 40

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

Select one

That there are no rivers in the surrounding area.

Whether there are any local byelaws that mean you're not allowed to fly from there.– Correct

That there are no trees in the surrounding area.

Question 36 of 40

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?

Select one

You can normally see your drone here and you know the area well, so it's not a problem.

Steadily fly your drone back towards you until you're sure you can see it. Then re-assess before deciding whether to carry on.– Correct

Land as soon as you lose sight of your drone even though you can't see where it's landing.

Question 37 of 40

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

Select one

Yes, because his drone weighs less than 250g.

No, because you must not fly where you'll disturb or endanger animals and wildlife.– Correct

Yes, because there are no people around.

Question 38 of 40

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

Select one

120ft (36m)

120m (400ft)– Correct

400m (1,310ft)

Question 39 of 40

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

Select one

50m

150m– Correct

120m

Question 40 of 40

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?

Select one

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.– Correct

Matt makes sure he's 50m away from the ramblers before starting to fly. He flies 80m above the ramblers.

Rory walks until he's over 50m away from the ramblers. He flies his drone 20m away from them.

Once You Have Passed The Drone Theory Test

Passing the CAA Drone Theory Test is a significant milestone for any drone enthusiast in the UK. It demonstrates your commitment to flying safely and legally, and it opens up a world of opportunities for aerial photography, videography, and more.

With your newly acquired Flyer ID and Operator ID (if required), you can confidently take to the skies knowing that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate your drone responsibly.

As you embark on your drone flying adventures, remember to always prioritize safety and follow the rules and regulations set forth by the CAA.

Keep your Flyer ID with you whenever you're flying, and make sure your Operator ID is clearly visible on your drones.

By setting a good example and flying responsibly, you can help promote a positive image of the drone community and ensure that the UK's airspace remains safe and accessible for all.

So go ahead, spread your wings, and enjoy the incredible views and experiences that drone flying has to offer!