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EU drone licence A1/A3 and A2 in Germany

In Germany, anyone who flies a drone of 250 grams or more in the open category needs the EU proof of competency A1/A3, often called the drone licence (Drohnenführerschein). The A2 subcategory also needs the EU remote pilot certificate A2. This page explains both exams at the Federal Aviation Office (LBA) and lets you practise with free original questions in German, with English translations.

Practise with free A1/A3 questionsTake a timed A1/A3 mock test

Practise for the drone licence

How the exam works

  • A1/A3Free LBA online course (about 3 hours), then an online exam
  • RetakesAs often as you like, with no waiting time
  • A1/A3 fee€25 once; renewal €15
  • A2An extra theory exam of 30 questions at a test body named by the LBA; you pass with 75%
  • A2 fee€30 to the LBA plus the test body's exam fee
  • 40 multiple-choice questions from 9 subject areas in 45 minutes; you pass with 75%
  • Minimum age 16; valid for 5 years in all EU countries

Who needs which proof

  • Drones under 250 grams or with class mark C0 in subcategory A1: no proof required, training recommended
  • Drones of 250 grams or more in A1 (class C1) and in A3 (classes C2 to C4, or self-built under 25 kilograms): EU proof of competency A1/A3
  • Flights in subcategory A2: the EU remote pilot certificate A2 as well

How to take the A1/A3 exam

  • Create an account on the LBA online portal; you do not need to register as an operator to take the exam
  • Work through the free online course with texts and videos
  • Do the practice tasks on the portal: 75% correct unlocks the exam
  • Take the online exam; you see the result straight away
  • You get the proof as a PDF and must carry it on every flight, on your phone or printed

A1/A3 exam topics

  • Air safety
  • Airspace restrictions
  • Aviation regulation
  • Human performance limitations
  • Operational procedures
  • UAS general knowledge
  • Privacy and data protection
  • Insurance
  • Security

The EU remote pilot certificate A2

For A2 you first need the A1/A3 proof of competency. Then you complete practical self-training under A3 conditions and declare it yourself. You take the extra theory exam at a test body named by the LBA: 30 questions on meteorology, flight performance and reducing ground risk. Each test body sets the exam time. A retake is usually possible after one week at the earliest. The LBA then issues the certificate as a PDF.

Validity and renewal

The proof of competency is valid for 5 years. While it is valid, you renew it with an exam or refresher training; after it expires, only with a new exam. In your LBA account you can renew once fewer than 12 months remain. Renewal costs €15.

How to prepare

FreeExamPath writes its own practice questions from Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, the EASA guidance material, the German Air Traffic Order (LuftVO) and the Aviation Act (LuftVG). They are not LBA exam questions, and FreeExamPath is not affiliated with the Federal Aviation Office. You need the free official LBA online course anyway: the exam only unlocks after it.

Official information

Questions about the drone licence

How many questions are in the A1/A3 exam?

The LBA online exam has 40 multiple-choice questions from 9 subject areas. You have 45 minutes and pass with 75%.

How much does the drone licence cost?

The A1/A3 proof of competency costs €25 once, even if you retake the exam. Renewal costs €15. For the A2 certificate you pay €30 to the LBA plus the test body's fee.

How long is the drone licence valid?

5 years. You can renew it while it is still valid. The minimum age in Germany is 16.

Are these the official LBA questions?

No. The LBA's practice tasks and exam questions are not public. Our questions are FreeExamPath's own practice questions on the 9 subject areas set in EU law.

Official sources (9) · last checked 18 October 2026