INFORMATION ON THE
Drone driver's license
Comparison of remote pilot certificates A1/A3, A2 or STS -
Which qualification do you really need?
Briefly about the remote pilot certificate
A drone pilot's license, also known as a remote pilot's certificate, is a mandatory certificate for flying drones and is obligatory for every drone pilot depending on the intended use. There is no simple "drone pilot's license" in Germany. 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 in accordance with EU Regulation 2019/947 for the respective operational risk or the maximum possible personal injury is the basis for the classification. Drone operation in the open category represents the lowest risk in accordance with DVO (EU) 2019/947 and is possible without a special operating permit if the applicable rules are observed.
This category is particularly suitable for beginners and many commercial applications and is divided into the three sub-categories A1, A2 and A3. In sub-category A1, drones may be flown close to uninvolved persons - provided they are particularly light or CE-certified drones. A2 allows flights with a defined safety distance to people and is primarily intended for larger drones. A3, on the other hand, restricts operation to areas far away from people, e.g. in fields or industrial areas.
For subcategories A1 and A3, the A1/A3 certificate of competence is required, which can be easily completed online. If you want to fly closer to people, you also need the A2 remote pilot certificate. In addition to the A1/A3 certificate, this requires practical self-study and an additional theoretical examination. We have corresponding training courses for both certificates - A1/A3 and A2. The A1/A3 certificate of knowledge must be taken at the LBA, while we offer the A2 remote pilot certificate including e-learning and online examination.
Certificate of Competence A1/A3 | EU Remote Pilot Certificate A2
Operation in the special category requires a detailed risk assessment and is outside the standardized rules of the open category. As a rule, this requires an operating permit from the responsible aviation authority. An exception to this is operation in accordance with a standard scenario (STS) defined by EASA - in this case, notification of operation in compliance with all specified conditions is sufficient.
The special category enables drone operations with increased risk, for example in urban areas, in controlled airspace, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) or in the vicinity of uninvolved persons. The basis for operation is either an individual operating concept including a SORA risk assessment (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) or deployment according to a standard scenario.
The following Standard Scenarios (STS) are currently defined by EASA:
STS-01: Visual flight (VLOS) over controlled terrain in an urban or industrial environment, with a multicopter with a take-off mass of up to 4 kg. STS-02: BVLOS flight (beyond visual line of sight) with additional observer in unpopulated areas, with a multicopter with a take-off mass of up to 25 kg.
An STS certificate of competence is required for operation in accordance with STS. In addition, the UAS used must meet the technical requirements of the respective STS (e.g. CE classification, geo-awareness, emergency functions).
EU Remote Pilot Certificate STS
Mandatory since 2021
The EU drone driver's license has been required by law in Germany since 2021.
Operating category
There are three categories: Open, special and subject to approval.
Subcategories
There is the EU Certificate of Competence (A1/A3) & the EU Remote Pilot Certificates (A2 & STS).
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 does not need to have an A1 / A3 drone certificate of competence, but this may be required 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, it is currently still necessary to be present. Since the end of June 2025, we have also been offering online exams to obtain the EU remote pilot certificate. You will receive your A2 drone pilot license by email from the LBA once you have passed the exam. Our test centers for the face-to-face exam 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) with the EU remote pilot certificate 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(EU Remote Pilot Certificate STS) 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
Recommended trainings & exams (A1/A3 and A2) of the open category:
Our STS training and examination offer in the special category:
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 exam incl. online training | 25,00 € incl. VAT. |
| EU Remote Pilot Certificate (A2) - Online | Droniq | Online exam incl. e-learning | 95,00 € incl. VAT. |
| EU Remote Pilot Certificate (A2) - Presence | Droniq | Presence exam incl. e-learning | 248,00 € incl. VAT. |
| EU remote pilot certificate (A2) - refresher training | Droniq | E-Learning | |
| UAS operation in the special category (EASA mandatory training) | Droniq | Online training with certificate of attendance | 199,00 € incl. VAT. |
| Remote Pilot Certificate STS – Online | Droniq | Online exam incl. e-learning | 199,00 € incl. VAT. |
| Remote Pilot Certificate STS – Refresher Training | Droniq | E-Learning |
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.
Frequently asked questions about drone driving license A2 & STS
and EU proof of competence A1/A3
What is a drone license?
The term drone license describes proof of the knowledge required to operate drones in accordance with the EU Drone Regulation. Depending on the category of use, there are different types of proof of competence:
EU Certificate of Competence A1/A3
EU Remote Pilot Certificate A2
Proof of operation in the special category (e.g. STS)
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 EU Certificate of Competence A1/A3?
The EU Certificate of Competence A1/A3 (also known as Certificate of Competence A1) is the basic qualification for all drone pilots who want to use their drones in the open category A1 or A3. It is acquired through an online course followed by an examination at the Federal Aviation Office.
The A1 A3 certificate of competence applies to:
Category A1: Flying close to uninvolved persons (but not over crowds of people)
Category A3: Flying in areas far away from people and buildings
The certificate of competence is valid for 5 years and is a prerequisite for further qualifications.
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.
What is the special category and when do I need it?
The so-called specific category is for drone pilots who carry out flights outside the standard rules - e.g:
- Flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
- Flights near people with heavy or large drones
- Special application scenarios in the commercial sector
For this you need an additional training and approval procedure according to a standard scenario (STS-01 or STS-02) or your own operational risk assessment procedure (SORA). The A1/A3 certificate of competence and A2 remote pilot certificate are also mandatory requirements here.
How does the examination for the A1 certificate of competence work?
The examination for the A1 certificate of competence takes place as an online examination at the Federal Aviation Authority. It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions on the following topics:
- EU legal requirements
- Airspace structure and flight restrictions
- Security and data protection aspects
- Responsibility of the drone pilot
What proof do I need for commercial use?
The drone license required for commercial operations also depends on the category.
- Category A1/A3: EU Certificate of Competence A1/A3
- Category A2: EU Remote Pilot Certificate A2 + A1/A3
- STS: STS certification incl. A1/A3 + A2, additional certificates such as SORA if necessary
What is the difference between an online course and an exam?
The online course teaches the theoretical basics for the safe operation of drones. This is followed by the online exam at the German Federal Aviation Authority (for A1/A3) or at an approved testing center such as Droniq (for A2, STS), where you can prove your knowledge.
Only those who complete both steps will receive the A1 A3 certificate of competence or the A2 or STS remote pilot certificate.
Is the EU Certificate of Competence A1/A3 also valid abroad?
Yes, the EU A1/A3 certificate of competence is valid in all EU member states and EFTA states (e.g. Switzerland, Norway). This means that drone pilots with a German drone license can also operate their drones legally on vacation or during cross-border operations - provided that the operation complies with category A1 or A3.
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 with us. From the end of June 2025, we will also be offering online exams including e-learning for 49 instead of 95 euros (introductory price until 31.07.2025).
When do I not need a drone license?
You do not need a drone license if you only fly drones weighing less than 250g that do not have a camera or pose no danger to people. However, as soon as a camera is present or you are flying a drone weighing more than 250g, at least the A1 A3 certificate of competence is mandatory - whether privately or professionally.
Still have questions about the drone license?
Not sure which drone license is required for your planned operation?
We will be happy to advise you on A1, A3, A2 and the requirements for the specific category - including the selection of a suitable online course or preparation for the exam at the Federal Aviation Authority.
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. Since the end of June 2025, the A2 drone pilot's license can also be taken online.
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 flight experience in self-study 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.
Our competences
Aviation
professionals
Training content developed by trained flight instructors, drone and commercial pilots.
Satisfied
customers
Over 4,500 successful trainings, exams & e-learnings.
Real
Experts
More than 100 years of know-how in aviation & telecommunications.
Testing
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Droniq is a testing center for remote pilots designated by the LBA: DE.PStf.035.
