Which drone flight license you need depends on the Cx label of your drone. You can think of the Cx mark as a kind of seal of quality. It is regulated by the drone manufacturer and ensures that the drone meets all technical requirements in the European Union.

Does your aircraft not have a Cx label and is it heavier than 249 grams? If yes, you will end up in subcategory A3 and the A1-A3 certificate is mandatory.

The following table shows which drone flight license you need:

Let’s take a look at the different ones Subcategories.

What is the difference between subcategories?

By default you fly in the open category. There are three subcategories: A1, A2 and A3. The basic drone license A1/A3 entitles you – with a suitable aircraft – to fly in the subcategories A1 and/or A3. The additional A2 drone license allows you to operate in the A2 subcategory if the aircraft has a C2 label.

Rules subcategory A1

For drones with the C0 and C1 label or without a Cx label under 250 grams:

• Flights over uninvolved people are permitted up to a group size of 12 people
• Flights over buildings are permitted
• Flying in no-fly zones is prohibited
• Maximum height of 120 meters, in direct view of the drone pilot

Rules subcategory A2

For drones with the C2 label:

• Maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from people or a minimum distance of 5 meters from people in slow flight mode
• Flights over buildings are permitted
• Ban on flights No-fly zones
• Maximum height of 120 meters, in direct view of the drone pilot

Rules subcategory A3

For drones with the C3 and C4 labels. Or if you would like to fly with the C2 label in this category:

• Maintain a minimum distance of 150 meters from buildings, leisure facilities and industry
• Don’t fly in No-fly zones
• Maximum height of 120 meters, in direct view of the drone pilot

Which drone flight license do I need?

Which drone pilot license you need depends on the drone you will fly. You can easily find out which drone flight license you need using our decision support.

What does the training for a drone pilot’s license look like?

A drone flying license can actually be acquired in no time. The training and the exam take place completely online. We will get you fully prepared within four to six hours per certificate.

In the drone license training you will learn about the European laws and regulations for drones: where you can fly your drone, what the requirements are and what you need to pay attention to before and during the flight. Through our demo you can experience how our type of training works.

After you have completed the training, you can start taking the online exam immediately. The drone flight license exam consists of multiple choice questions and you can retake it for free during your access period.

Drone pilot license exam A1/A3

You can start this online exam in our digital learning environment:

• 40 multiple choice questions
• Maximum duration: 60 minutes

Drone pilot license A2 exam

Offer a computer/laptop or iPad with a web camera:

• 30 multiple choice questions
• Maximum duration: 30 minutes

After passing, you can submit your application for the certificate to the RDW. All you have to do is fill out our application form. You will receive the drone flight certificate within a few minutes.

How much does a drone certificate cost?

The training cost per certificate is €99. This includes access to online training and the exam with free retakes. You pay a one-off application fee of €10 to the RDW for the certificate. The certificate is valid for five years in all EU countries, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.

You can find all training courses for the drone flying license on our training page.

After the drone license

You still need to register as a pilot with the RDW if your drone has a camera or weighs more than 249 grams. With this registration you will receive one Operator numberwhich you must stick as a sticker on the drone and enter into your aircraft’s flight app (if your aircraft has a C1 or higher label).

Then you are ready to fly!