How much does a drone licence cost in total?
Official fees are only part of the budget. Here is what you realistically pay for A1/A3 and A2, including course, insurance and learning app.
- Official fees: from €0 to a few dozen euros, by country
- A2 adds an exam and sometimes a certificate fee
- Courses are optional and the biggest cost driver
- Insurance is required in many countries
- DroneAce Premium: €6.49 one-time, no subscription
The total cost of a drone licence has four parts: official fees, optional training, insurance and your learning material. The official part ranges from nothing (for example in Spain or Czechia) to €45 for a hobby pilot in Germany (A1/A3 plus registration). A classroom course can cost many times that, but it is not required for the theory exam.
Official fees for A1/A3
Some authorities offer the online course and exam for free, others charge a fee for issuing the certificate. Germany charges €25, Spain and Czechia charge nothing. The certificate is valid for five years.
Extra costs for A2
The A2 exam is taken with the authority or a designated exam centre. Prices vary by country and provider, and some authorities add a fee for issuing the certificate. Compare whether an offer includes only the exam or also learning material.
Courses, insurance and hidden costs
Paid courses are optional for the theory. They make sense if you want personal coaching or supervised flight practice. Liability insurance is required in many countries and costs a yearly premium depending on your policy.
Registration as a UAS operator
Registration fees also depend on the country: free in Spain and Czechia, €20 for private individuals in Germany, part of a €7 yearly d-flight subscription in Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A1/A3 drone licence really free?
Only in some countries. Spain and Czechia do not charge for the online exam, Germany charges €25. Check your national authority.
What does the A2 drone licence cost?
The A2 exam price is set by the authority or the exam centre and differs between countries. Some authorities add a certificate fee, Germany for example €30.
Do I need an expensive course?
No. The theory exams can be passed with self-study. A learning app like DroneAce costs a one-time €6.49 for Premium, with a free daily practice quota.
What does renewing the licence cost?
That also depends on the country. In Germany renewing or changing the A1/A3 certificate costs €15; elsewhere it may be free.
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