INFORMATION ON THE
Drone driver's license
Briefly about the drone license
A drone pilot's license is a mandatory certificate for flying drones and is obligatory for every drone pilot depending on the intended use. In Germany, there is no simple "drone driver's license". With the implementation of EU law in 2020, the national "proof of sufficient knowledge to pilot unmanned aerial vehicles" - colloquially referred to as a drone driver's license - was replaced.
Since January 2021, uniform drone rules have applied throughout Europe, which are regulated in Regulations (EU) 2019/947 and 2019/945. Drone operations are divided into the following three UAS operating categories:
Open (OPEN) | Special (SPECIFIC) | Subject to approval (CERTIFIED)
The risk assessment according to DVO (EU) 2019/947 for the respective operational risk or the maximum possible personal injury is the basis for the classification. Drone operation in the open operating category represents the lowest operating risk and is possible without an operating license if the applicable rules are observed.
Depending on the operating restrictions, the requirements for the remote pilot and the technical requirements for the UAS, operation in the open category is divided into the following subcategories A1, A2 and A3, for which the A1/A3 certificate of competence or the A2 remote pilot certificate is required.
Certificate of Competence A1/A3 | EU Remote Pilot Certificate A2
Mandatory since 2021
The EU drone driver's license has been required by law in Germany since 2021.
Operating category
There are three operating categories: Open, special and subject to authorization.
Subcategories
There is the EU Certificate of Competence (A1/A3) & the EU Remote Pilot Certificate (A2).
Increased security
The drone license ensures safe and responsible drone use.
Anyone flying a drone with a take-off mass of less than 250 g is not generally required to have a certificate of competence, although this may be necessary depending on the application. In any case, you must register as a UAS operator. You should also be aware of the legal requirements and comply with them. You can find the free training material from the Federal Aviation Office here.
Which drone license is right for you?
The EU certificate of competence (A1/A3) in the open category
The EU certificate of competence (A1/A3) is the basic certification for drone pilots for flights with the lowest operational risk. This certificate allows the flying of drones with a maximum take-off mass of 250 g up to a weight of 25 kg.
With the A1 certificate of competence and a C0 or C1 classified drone (max. take-off mass 250-900 grams), it must be ensured that no crowds of people are flown over.
With the A3 certificate of competence and a C3 or C4 drone (as well as with all non-C-classified existing drones), drone operations may only take place at a safe distance from people and residential areas.
The exam for the A1/A3 certificate is conducted via online training and covers theoretical knowledge on the topics of air law & safety, human performance, operational procedures and general UAS knowledge.
You can take the online course for the A1/A3 drone license exclusively for €25.00 at the Luftfahrt Bundesamt (LBA).
The EU Remote Pilot Certificate (A2) of the open category
Das EU Fernpiloten Zeugnis (A2) ist für Drohnenpiloten notwendig, die eine C2-Drohne mit höheren Startmasse (<900 Gramm bis <4 Kilogramm) in komplexeren Umgebungen fliegen möchten. Diese Zertifizierung ermöglicht das Fliegen näher an unbeteiligten Personen, jedoch nicht über Menschen-Ansammlungen. Um das A2 Fernpiloten Zeugnis zu erlangen, müssen Piloten eine weiterführende Theorie-Prüfung bestehen und praktische Flugerfahrung nachweisen. Die Prüfung umfasst detailliertere Kenntnisse in den Bereichen Meteorologie, Flugdynamik und Risikomanagement.
Droniq is your expert for the A2 drone license.
You can easily learn the theory for your EU remote pilot certificate from home in our online course. If you have any questions, our experienced trainers will be happy to help you on your way to obtaining your license. In order to take an exam, you will need to be present. You will receive your A2 drone license by email from the LBA once you have passed the exam. Our test centers are represented at various locations in Germany. These include Frankfurt, Mönchengladbach, Cottbus and Kamenz and many more.
Flying in the special category with operating license (ConOps and SORA) and under standard scenarios (STS)
For special applications, such as flight operations in agriculture, building inspections, securing company premises or film production, which cannot be operated under the open category regulations, flight operations must be approved by the state aviation authorities or the LBA with an operational description and a risk assessment (ConOps and SORA) or under the conditions of the so-called standard scenarios (STS). Standard scenarios are an alternative operating variant to an operating permit in the special category. Here, specific risk mitigation measures have been defined and the UAS operator declares compliance with them. There are special licenses and clear requirements for flying in the special category under standard scenarios (currently STS-01 and STS-02).
These require further training and examinations that provide specific knowledge and practical skills to operate the C5 and/or C6 classified drones safely and efficiently in the specific areas of operation. This drone license ensures that professional drone pilots have the necessary skills to perform complex tasks reliably and safely.
According to AMC1 UAS.SPEC.050(1)(d) and UAS.SPEC.050(1)(e), all remote pilots, UAS operators and all support personnel involved in flight operations must also complete mandatory training as required by EASA. Our EASA-compliant training "UAS operations in the special category" was developed by leading experts in the implementation of legally compliant training and is also crucial for the safety and legal compliance of UAS operations in the special category in accordance with EASA requirements.
These subdivisions of the EU drone pilot license ensure that drone pilots have the appropriate knowledge and skills to control their drones responsibly and without risk, depending on the application. To protect people, the environment and to comply with data protection regulations.
Find the right drone
driver's license
Overview of drone license prices
Our price comparison shows the price of each drone license and bundle:
| Drone driver's license | Operator | Includes | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU certificate of competence (A1/A3) | Federal Aviation Office | Online training & online exam | 25,00 € |
| EU Remote Pilot Certificate (A2) Bundle | Droniq | Online training & presence exam | 248,00 € |
| UAS operation in the special category (EASA mandatory training) | Droniq | Online training with certificate of attendance | 199,00 € |
DRONIQ - true expert status
DRONIQ specializes in training and testing for the A2 and STS drone pilot licenses. As a certified training company and recognized testing center, Droniq offers comprehensive training programs that optimally prepare drone pilots for the theoretical and practical requirements of the EU Remote Pilot Certificate. With many years of experience and in-depth specialist knowledge, we ensure that participants not only successfully pass the exams, but also acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to fly drones safely and responsibly.
Our training courses are not only tailored to individuals. Companies also benefit from tailor-made training programs from our trainers. These have been specially tailored to their needs and areas of application. Whether for inspections, agricultural applications or film production - theory training courses are offered that meet the latest standards and offer participants real added value. With Droniq as your partner, you are ideally equipped for the challenges and opportunities that drone flying brings.
Our competences
Aviation
professionals
Training content developed by trained flight instructors, drone and commercial pilots.
Satisfied
customers
Over 4,200 successful trainings, exams & e-learnings.
Real
Experts
More than 100 years of know-how in aviation & telecommunications.
Testing
site
Droniq is a testing center for remote pilots designated by the LBA: DE.PStf.035.
Frequently asked questions about
Drone driver's license
Who needs an EU drone license?
Every drone pilot who wants to fly a drone weighing over 250 grams or operate a drone with a camera requires an EU drone license. Appropriate proof is also required for drone flights near people or in more complex environments.
What is the difference between the EU Certificate of Competence (A1/A3) and the EU Remote Pilot Certificate (A2)?
The A1/A3 certificate allows the flying of drones up to 25 kg in simple environments with low risk for uninvolved persons. It requires an online test. The A2 certificate, on the other hand, allows flights in more complex environments, closer to uninvolved people, and requires an advanced theoretical examination and practical flight experience.
How and where can I get my drone license?
The certificate of competence (A1/A3) can be obtained online from the Federal Aviation Office. For the EU Remote Pilot Certificate (A2), the specialized training company Droniq offers both theoretical online courses and examinations. These are conducted on site at special training centers. The test centers are represented at several locations in Germany.
How much does the drone license cost?
The costs vary depending on the type of driving license and the provider. The A1/A3 certificate can be purchased online from the LBA for 25 euros. The A2 certificate, on the other hand, includes more extensive training and a comprehensive test. It does not matter at which location the exam is taken. The remote pilot certificate bundle consists of e-learning for targeted exam preparation and the face-to-face exam and costs 248 euros from us.
What requirements do I have to meet to obtain a drone license?
For the A1/A3 certificate, the pilot must be at least 16 years old and pass an online exam with multiple choice questions. For the A2 certificate, additional practical flying experience and the passing of a more comprehensive theoretical examination are required.
Do I have to have insurance for my drone?
Yes, drone liability insurance is mandatory for all drone flights. This insurance covers damage that could arise from the operation of the drone.
Can I also obtain a drone license as a company?
Yes, companies can book training courses and examinations for their employees. Droniq offers customized training programs that are specifically tailored to the needs and areas of application of companies.
