The drone exam in Norway

Everyone who flies a drone in Norway must register with Luftfartstilsynet, the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway, via flydrone.no. Most also have to pass the drone exam (dronelappen). The only exceptions are drones that both weigh under 250 grams and have no camera, or that are CE-marked as toys.

Does your drone weigh more than 250 grams or have a camera? Then you need the drone licence. That covers most popular drones, such as the DJI Mini, DJI Air and DJI Mavic series.

Visiting from abroad? An EASA certificate from another EU/EEA country is valid in Norway. See the rules for visitors.

A1/A3 is the most common drone exam and is required for all drones over 250 grams or with a camera. It is the basic exam for hobby and leisure pilots in the open category.

With A1/A3 you can fly drones under 250 grams (or C0/C1 drones) close to people in subcategory A1, or any drone up to 25 kg in subcategory A3 — but then at least 150 metres from built-up areas and people.

The A2 certificate is needed to fly heavier drones (up to 4 kg with a C2 class marking) closer to people. It is essential for professional drone work such as property photography, wedding films, inspections and other jobs in built-up areas.

With A2 and a C2 drone you can fly 30 metres from people, or as close as 5 metres in low-speed mode. The 1:1 rule always applies: if you fly 50 metres high, you must keep at least 50 metres horizontal distance. Read the full A2 guide.

1. 1Register on flydrone.noLog in to Luftfartstilsynet’s portal with ID-porten (for example BankID). Register as a drone operator and pay the annual fee (NOK 230). You get an operator number that must be marked visibly on your drone.
2. 2Complete the compulsory online courseTake the free, interactive online course on flydrone.no, available in English. It covers the basic drone rules, airspace and safety. For A2 you also complete the A2-specific course.
3. 3Practise with DroneTrenerenUse our 500+ practice questions with explanations and realistic mock exams to test yourself. Your stats show your strengths and weaknesses, so you know exactly what to focus on.
4. 4Pass the examTake the A1/A3 exam online at flydrone.no. For A2: book a slot at a Statens vegvesen traffic station via vegvesen.no, turn up with valid ID and pass the exam. The certificate is valid for 5 years.
5. 5Sort out insurance — and fly!Get liability insurance for your drone (check whether your home insurance covers it). For A2 you also complete practical self-training and record it on flydrone.no. Then you are ready to fly legally.

The drone exam covers a wide range of topics. You need to know a little about a lot — and understand how that knowledge affects your flying in practice.

Regulations and formal requirements

Classes and categories (A1, A2, A3), C class markings (C0–C4), documentation, authorisations, operator number and insurance requirements.

Safety and risk

Risk assessment (SORA), emergency procedures, safe distances to people and buildings, the 1:1 rule, low-speed mode and human factors.

Drone technology

Motors, LiPo batteries, sensors, IMU, gyroscope, GPS, compass, maintenance and what affects flight performance.

Airspace and meteorology

Airspace classes, controlled and uncontrolled airspace, restricted areas (R zones), NOTAMs, weather, wind, turbulence and thermals.

You need the drone licence

Almost everyone who flies a drone must register and pass the course and exam. Exceptions: drones under 250 g without a camera, or CE-marked as toys.

Always keep the drone in sight

Visual contact with the drone is required at all times. Do not rely only on the screen — keep an eye on your surroundings.

Know where you cannot fly

Banned near airports, over national parks, military areas, prisons, embassies, city centres (such as R-102 over Oslo) and where emergency services are at work.

Do not fly higher than 120 metres

The maximum height is 120 metres from the closest point on the ground in the open category.

Do not fly over crowds

Flying over concerts, festivals, sports events and other crowds is prohibited.

Test yourself with 12 sample drone exam questions →