Getting Your Canada Drone Licence
A quality drone is always an exciting purchase for people who love gadgets, aviation, or new ways to document the outdoors. Generally speaking, the heavier the drone, the greater its capacity.
A drone is a valuable asset, whatever you intend to use it for. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a YouTuber monetizing aerial footage, becoming a certified drone pilot is the key to your success.
If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, roughly half a pound, you need a drone licence to fly it legally. According to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), flying a commercial drone without a permit could bring fines or other consequences.
In our experience, it’s not worth the risk. Before taking the drone licence exam, here is everything you need to know to boost your aeronautical knowledge.
Eligibility Requirements
Perhaps you’re a novice pilot, or new to operating heavier drones. Either way, a good understanding of the rules underpins your development as a skilled drone pilot.
A Canada drone licence establishes your credentials and demonstrates your commitment to the industry. As a contractor or employee using drones daily, you must know the guidelines Transport Canada sets out.
As mentioned, you need a drone pilot licence if your drone weighs 250 g to 25 kg.
If you are at least 14 years of age, you can get a basic licence. To acquire an advanced pilot certificate, you must be over 16.
Licensed drone operations demand meticulous flight protocols, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. Consequently, some people wonder whether a pre-existing medical condition disqualifies them. Ultimately, everyone has to make that call for themselves.
In terms of eligibility, anyone can fly a drone in Canada. However, if the drone exceeds the weight listed above, a licensed pilot must supervise. Should anything out of the ordinary occur, the onus falls on that licensed supervising operator. Given the potential costs of mishandling these expensive units, many operators prefer to avoid the situation altogether.
Perhaps you want to learn the techniques of flying a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in Canada. If so, work through a reputable drone training provider. You can gain much of the essential knowledge through online course content. In addition, Transport Canada lists approved self-declared flight schools across the country that provide knowledge, testing, and licensing.
Canada drone licence certification is a fairly straightforward process for any Canadian citizen. However, if you are a foreign national already licensed at home, you must still apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). That document applies whether you fly for work or recreation in Canadian airspace.
Failure to comply carries penalties. Specifically, individuals face fines of up to $1,000 for flying a drone without a certificate. On the other hand, corporations in violation of Transport Canada’s policies could owe up to $5,000.
Types of Drone Licences
As a hobbyist or professional drone operator, you need to determine the category of pilot certification you need.
Flying drones fall into four distinct categories of operation.
Basic Operations: This licence limits your flights to “uncontrolled airspace,” categorized as Class G airspace, which does not appear on aviation charts. Your aircraft must stay at least 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) from airports, and at least one nautical mile (1.8 km) from heliports. Furthermore, keep your drone away from all aircraft, and 100 feet (30 metres) from the public at all times. You may fly as high as 122 metres (400 feet), provided you maintain visual contact throughout.
Advanced Operations: You need an advanced drone pilot licence, and possibly special permissions, if your flight path deviates from the basic guidelines above. An advanced certificate grants more freedom. Even so, it doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want in flight. Advanced certification requires more extensive training and testing. Finally, you must ensure you are always using the correct drone for the task at hand.
Medium drones, 25 kg to 150 kg: Since November 4, 2025, these can be flown within visual line of sight on an Advanced Pilot Certificate, provided the aircraft carries a safety assurance declaration covering the operation. An SFOC is no longer required in many circumstances. Typically, these heavier operations involve lift drones that transport supplies or travel extended distances, such as Vertical Take-off and Landing Drones (VTOL).
Drones above 150 kg: A Special Flight Operations Certificate for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SFOC-RPAS) from Transport Canada is still required.
Drones of this size also require a registration number. Specifically, you get one by creating an account through the Canadian government’s drone management portal.
Micro-drones under 250 grams: These need no licence. However, keep caution and common courtesy top of mind whenever you operate them. Moreover, any modifications could add weight, which would require a “Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations” designation.
Study Materials and Resources
Anyone learning the basics, or building on existing knowledge, will find plenty of reference material online. In particular, Transport Canada offers good learning resources and advice to prepare you for the exams.
Becoming a pilot may seem overwhelming for novices, or for businesses looking to license multiple team members at once. Consequently, drone flight schools prove so beneficial.
Drone training centres like Coastal Drone in the Greater Vancouver area help anyone simplify their training and chart a course for success.
Exam Format and Content
Passing the drone piloting exam by Transport Canada is necessary for getting a licence.
You must take a Small Basic Exam to use your drone for basic operations. It has 35 multiple-choice questions, and you get 90 minutes. Furthermore, you need a score over 65% to pass.
As for advanced operations, you need to pass the Small Advanced Exam. Unlike the basic exam, this one has 50 multiple-choice questions. You get 60 minutes, and a score of 80% or higher earns a pass.
However, Transport Canada makes it easy to succeed. If you fail one of the tests, you can retake it after 24 hours. Also, you can redo the exam as many times as you want. Of course, a new exam fee applies every time.
Passing these exams should not be only about meeting regulatory requirements. Rather, it should bring the satisfaction of mastering a new skill.
You want to feel in control at all times. Whether your goal is photography and videography, data collection and scientific research, or aerial mapping, a solid training framework gives you the skills to succeed.
Drones allow you to explore your creativity while showcasing your knack for flight.
Coastal Drone offers a variety of specialty courses geared for professionals looking to enhance their skills.
Exam Administration and Scheduling
Anyone can take the Small Basic Exam at any time. However, it is highly recommended that you seek out training from a recognized drone flight school first.
If you hope to fly commercially, enroll in a reputable institution to receive your pilot’s licence.
Attending a drone pilot training institution gives students a solid grasp of the fundamentals. In addition, it builds a well-rounded understanding of Transport Canada’s regulations. Flight schools offer a comprehensive education that improves your piloting and builds your confidence.
Like the basic certification process, your Small Advanced Exam also happens online. Once you pass, contact a local flight school to book your final flight review.
Maintaining Your Licence
Once you achieve your licence, it is yours to keep. However, Transport Canada requires all drone pilots to keep their training up to date. You can do that by completing recency training sessions, or by attending seminars hosted by the government or your preferred drone flight school.
Drone pilots in Canada must show proof of recency training from within the past two years whenever they fly. Otherwise, failure to produce it could bring significant fines.
Conclusion:
Learning from experts at a credible institution covers everything from basic techniques to advanced maneuvers. Furthermore, formal training boosts your credibility, which attracts more clients as a freelancer. Anything that helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace is a worthy investment.
Recognized drone pilot training institutions follow the regulations Transport Canada sets out. By contrast, improper training could endanger people’s wellbeing and property.
Contact Coastal Drone today to discuss which courses best suit your ambitions and needs.