Complete guide: How to pass the A2 drone exam (2025)
Complete guide: How to pass the A2 drone exam (2025)
You have just bought your first drone. The box is opened, the battery is charging, and you can't wait to fly. But then several questions arise: Do I have to register? Do I need a license? Where can I fly legally? What if I make a mistake? You Google it. Flydrone.no. The Civil Aviation Authority. Forum threads from 2019. YouTube videos that contradict each other. After reading this guide, you will know what the A2 certificate is (and if you need it). How to register so that your flying becomes legal in under 10 minutes, how the exam at the traffic station works, and what is required to pass.
In 20 minutes, you will know everything you need. In 3 weeks, you can fly legally and safely - maybe even get paid for it.
What is the A2 drone certificate?
A2 is a drone certificate that allows you to fly drones of medium size at short distances to individuals and crowds. “A2” just describes the category or regulations within which you are allowed to fly. With such a certificate that one can easily obtain, you have the right to fly “close to people” provided that you have a C2-marked drone.
A2 exam: What you need to know
Exam structure
The A2 exam is taken at the traffic station and consists of 30 questions in total. You have a time limit of 60 minutes, and you need at least 23 correct answers to pass. All questions are in multiple-choice format with only one correct answer.
What is tested in the A2 exam?
The A2 exam is based on A1/A3 and A2 knowledge from flydrone.no's online courses. You must have passed the A1/A3 online exam at flydrone.no first. The knowledge you gained through the A1/A3 exam and the A2 course is the curriculum for the exam at the traffic station. This is neither a difficult nor long exam, but you do need to prepare somewhat.
Where do you take the exam?
A2 Drone exam (theory test) is taken at one of the traffic stations of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. You need to book an appointment in advance via vegvesen.no. Traffic stations are located in all major cities in Norway, and you must bring valid identification (photo ID) to the exam. The cost of the A2 exam is 940 kroner, payable upon arrival. The drone exam is offered in both Bokmål and English.
Who needs an A2 certificate?
You need an A2 if:
Your drone weighs 250g-4kg (most DJI Mini, Mavic, Air, etc.) and you want to fly closer than 150m from people
You want insurance for commercial work (many require A2)
You want the flexibility to fly in built-up areas and close to people
You should get an A2 if:
You want to charge for drone work (weddings, real estate, commercial video)
You do NOT need an A2 if:
Maintaining 150m distance from people
Drone under 250g
Before you start: Registration on flydrone.no
Do I need to register?
Yes, registration is mandatory for all drones over 250 grams or drones with cameras. This is something many do not know. Data from the Civil Aviation Authority shows that 62.7% (Civil Aviation Authority's Population Survey on Drones 2024) of drone pilots are unaware of the registration requirement. This is problematic because unregistered flying can lead to fines of up to 15,000 kroner.
The registration takes 5-10 minutes and is done very easily online via flydrone.no. You need BankID for login, and the process is simple and quick. After registration, you will receive an operator number that must be visible on your drone.
How to register (step-by-step)
Go to flydrone.no
Create user with BankID login
Register as an operator and/or pilot
Pay the registration fee (annual cost)
The operator number must be legible without aids and placed in a location that is easily accessible.
The 3 ways to prepare for the A2 exam
There are three main ways to prepare for the A2 exam. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
Option 1: Physical course (1,500-3,000 kroner)
Several providers offer physical courses over one or two full days. You receive structured teaching from an instructor who can answer questions directly.
Advantages:
Structured learning with an experienced instructor
Opportunity to ask questions along the way
Networking with other drone pilots
Everything gathered in one place
Disadvantages:
Expensive (1,500-3,000 kroner in addition to exam fee)
Time-consuming (requires time off work for 1-2 days)
Fixed times that may not fit shift work
Must travel to the course location
Suitable for: Those who need structure, prefer physical attendance, and have the finances and time for it.
Option 2: Flydrone.no online course (free)
Flydrone.no offers a free online course for A2 that you can access after passing the A1/A3 exam. The course does not take long to complete and covers the theoretical basis.
Advantages:
Completely free
Official source from the Civil Aviation Authority
Must be completed anyway (mandatory)
Covers all necessary topics
Disadvantages:
Only theory reading - no practice questions
No exam simulator that mirrors the traffic station
No progress tracking to see where you stand
Not adapted to the exam format (30 questions, 60 minutes)
Difficult to know if you are ready for the traffic station
The reality: Many complete the course and show up at the traffic station without having practiced a single MCQ question - this increases the risk of not passing.
Suitable for: The course is suitable for everyone, but if you want to do this as quickly and painlessly as possible, it is recommended to supplement it with practice on actual exam questions before you show up at the traffic station.
Option 3: DroneKlar app (249-599 kroner) - RECOMMENDED
DroneKlar is Norway's only drone app specifically developed for A2 exam preparation. We built it because we needed such a solution when we ourselves took the exam at the traffic station.
Advantages:
Authentic questions that mirror the real exam
Exam simulator with exact format (30 questions, 60 minutes)
Progress tracking that shows strengths and weaknesses per category
Works offline - practice without internet
Mobile app - practice anywhere (bus, lunch, break room)
75% cheaper than physical courses
Norway's only specialized drone app for A2
Disadvantages:
Costs 249-599 kroner (but cheaper than alternatives)
Suitable for: Most candidates - especially if you work full-time and need flexibility.
We offer 25 free questions so you can test yourself before making a decision.
Your study plan: Pass A2 in 10 days
40-60 minutes a day. Monday to Friday for two weeks. That's all you need.
WEEK 1: Learn all categories
Monday (45 min) - Aviation regulations
Complete 40 questions in Practice Mode
Focus: Airspace classes and altitude restrictions
Tuesday (45 min) - Aviation regulations
Complete 40 new questions
Check "Your progress" - goal: 70%+
Wednesday (45 min) - Operational procedures
Complete 40 questions
Focus: Risk assessment and insurance
Thursday (45 min) - UAS knowledge
Complete 40 questions
Focus: Drone components and batteries
Friday (60 min) - Meteorology + Flight performance
Complete 50 questions (distributed across both categories)
Check "Your progress" - where do you stand?
WEEK 2: Drill weaknesses + exam simulator
Monday (60 min) - First exam simulator
Take complete exam: 30 questions, 60 minutes
Thoroughly review ALL mistakes
Tuesday (45 min) - Drill weak categories
Open "Your progress" - identify categories under 80%
Complete 50 questions in your weakest category
Wednesday (45 min) - Continue drilling
Complete 50 questions in weak category no. 2
Goal: All categories above 80%
Thursday (60 min) - Second exam simulator
Take the full exam again
Goal: 25+ correct (83%)
Thoroughly review all mistakes
Friday (60 min) - Third exam simulator
Last test before the traffic station
If you score 25+: Book the exam
If not: Practice for 2-3 more days and take a new simulator
Weekend: Book the exam on vegvesen.no. You are ready.
How to use "Your progress"
Green (80%+) = You know this
Yellow (70-79%) = Need more practice
Red (<70%) = Drill intensively here
The goal before the exam: All categories green (80%+)
The best times to practice
Morning before work: 30 min
Lunch: 30 min in the cafeteria
Bus/train: “Multiple Choice” is a quick and easy way to learn
Evening: 45-60 min when you have peace
You are ready when:
"Your progress" shows 80%+ in all categories
You score 25+ on at least 2 exam simulators
You feel confident under the time limit (60 min)
Total time spent: 8-9 hours over 10 days. It's that simple.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Based on our experience and research, we have identified five main mistakes made by candidates. Here’s how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Delaying registration
Our research shows that 23.7% plan to register, but never do. This is problematic because unregistered flying is illegal and can lead to fines.
Solution: Register on DAY 1 - before you start studying. Take 10 minutes, go to flydrone.no, and get it done. Then you have it out of the way and can focus on learning.
Mistake 2: Just reading - not using multiple-choice practice
Many think they can simply read their way to the exam. The reality is that reading alone takes a considerable amount of time. It is wise to practice on actual questions to become comfortable with formulations and time constraints.
Solution: Minimum 200-300 questions practiced before the exam. Practice makes perfect, especially when the questions can be tricky in wording.
Mistake 3: Skipping the exam simulator
The 60-minute time limit creates stress if you have never practiced under realistic conditions. Many find they spend too much time on difficult questions and feel rushed at the end.
Solution: Take at least 2 full-length simulators before the real exam. Get comfortable with the time pressure and find your own strategy (flagging difficult questions, doing easy ones first, etc.).
Mistake 4: Not focusing on weak categories
Many spend time practicing what they already know. This is inefficient. If you score 90% in aviation regulations, you don't need to drill more there. Focus on the categories where you score below 80%.
Solution: Use progress tracking to identify weak categories. Drill intensively on these until you reach 85%+. This is a smarter use of your time.
Mistake 5: Thinking "just a hobby" doesn’t need A2
Many start with the thought that this is "just a hobby" so they don't bother getting the certificate. But 64% of drone pilots use the drone for photography and video, and many have needs for drone photography or video.
Reality check: The first paid assignment (wedding, real estate) pays for the entire investment in the certificate and preparation. Having A2 from the start gives you flexibility and you need it if you are going to fly close to people.
On exam day
Knowing what to expect removes much of the nervousness. Here’s a complete rundown of exam day.
Practical preparation (the day before)
Checklist the day before:
Take a final exam simulator for confidence
Check that you have valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
Arrive well-rested
What happens at the traffic station
Arrival: Arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled time for check-in
Identification: Show valid ID to the staff
Payment: Pay the exam fee
Data placement: Assigned a computer in the exam room
Instructions: Brief explanation from staff (about 5 minutes)
Exam starts: 60 minutes shown on the screen
Flagging: You can flag questions you are unsure about
Review: You can go back and check all answers before submission
Submission: Click "Submit Exam" when you are satisfied
Result: Receive results immediately (pass/fail)
During the exam: Tips
Read each question twice. Many fail because they read too quickly and misunderstand the question.
Start with easy questions if you are unsure. Build momentum and confidence before tackling the difficult ones.
Flag difficult questions. Don't get stuck on one question for 5 minutes. Move on, come back to it later.
Use the full 60 minutes. Double-check all answers before submission. Many change 1-2 answers during review and get them right.
What happens after passing the exam?
This is what you have worked toward. Let’s look at what happens immediately after “passing” and what you can do with the A2 certificate.
Immediately after you pass
The certificate is uploaded to your profile on flydrone.no the same day, often within a few hours. You can fly legally with A2 rights as soon as you have completed your self-training. Note that you can do this whenever it suits you, without any form of instructor or supervisor present. The certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of passing.
What you CAN do with A2 (vs without)
Without the A2 certificate (only A1/A3):
You have two options:
A1 - Small drones near people:
Drones under 250 grams or C0/C1-marked drones
Can fly close to people, but NOT over them
Okay for hobby use with small drones
A3 - Far from people:
All drones up to 25 kg
Must maintain at least 150 meters from residential, commercial, and industrial areas
No outsiders in the area
Greatly limits commercial opportunities
With an A2 certificate:
You can fly drones up to 4 kg that are C2-marked.
With a C2-marked drone:
30 meters horizontal distance from people
With slow mode: 5 meters distance from people
The 1:1 rule always applies
What does this mean in practice?
Fly in built-up areas with controlled distances
Get paid for drone work (weddings, real estate, inspections)
Insurance covers commercial work (most require A2)
Professional credibility with clients
Flexibility in project planning
1:1 rule: If you fly 50 meters high, you must maintain at least 50 meters horizontal distance from people. This always applies in A2.
Important: From January 1, 2024, drones in A2 must be C2-marked; otherwise, they must be flown in A3.
What if I DO NOT pass the first time?
This is a real fear for many. Let’s eliminate that fear now.
It’s perfectly fine
You can retake the exam as many times as you want. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You will need to pay a new exam fee, but you can book a new date immediately.
Reality check: With the right preparation (200+ practice questions and 3+ exam simulators), most pass the first time. If you consistently score 25+ on the simulator, you are ready.
Learn from the first attempt
If you do not pass, do this:
Note which categories you missed. The traffic station will not give you a detailed report, but you will likely remember which areas were difficult.
Drill these areas intensively for 1-2 weeks. Don’t repeat the same mistakes - focus on the weaknesses.
Practice with the exam simulator until you consistently score 25+ correct. Don’t book a new exam until you are sure.
“DroneKlar” benefit: Progress tracking shows exactly where you need to focus. This makes preparation much more efficient.
FAQ: A2 Exam
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the A2 exam.
How much does A2 preparation cost in total?
Exam: 940 kroner at the Traffic Station. Registration: about 350 kroner per year (flydrone.no) Preparation: 0 kroner (free) to 3,000 kroner (physical course) DroneKlar: 249-599 kroner (best value)
Total: 1,200-1,600 kroner all included with DroneKlar
How long does it take from start to certificate?
Intensive plan: 2 weeks (about 30min - 1 hour per weekday total)
Fastest: 1 week if you work dedicatedly. The challenge is usually finding a time that suits you at the traffic station
Do I have to take A1/A3 first?
Yes, the A1/A3 course is taken at flydrone.no before you start with A2. These are simple and quick courses designed so that everyone who flies drones has some knowledge before they start to fly.
Do I need practical flight training?
You need to complete practical self-training which you do with your own drone after you have completed the exam at the traffic station. It is only then that you have the “A2 Certificate”.
After you have taken the exam at the traffic station, this is registered on flydrone.no and you can register the practical self-training here. This is something done at your convenience and there is no requirement for anyone to see you fly or for any instructor to be present.
How long is the certificate valid?
5 years from the date of passing. Must be renewed after 5 years.
Note: Flydrone.no registration must be renewed annually. This is a separate cost from the certificate.
Next steps: Start your preparation today
You now have all the information you need. The only thing left is to start.
Your action plan (do this now):
Step 1: Register on flydrone.no (5 minutes)
Go to flydrone.no
Use BankID for login
Note your operator number
Step 2: Test yourself (10 minutes)
Try 25 free questions on DroneKlar
See where you stand today
No credit card needed
Step 3: Choose a study plan (2 minutes)
Intensive (1 week) or alongside work (2-3 weeks)
See prices: 249 kronor (4 days) | 399 kronor (31 days) | 599 kronor (90 days)
Step 4: Book the exam (5 minutes)
When you consistently score 25+ on the exam simulator
Book on vegvesen.no
Select a date 2-3 weeks ahead
Why DroneKlar?
We have created the "DroneKlar" app as Norway's only drone app for A2 preparation. It has authentic questions that mirror a real exam situation with the Exam Simulator.
The simulator provides 30 questions that you must answer within 60 minutes. You can flag questions and review them before submission just like at the traffic station.
Progress tracking - see exactly which categories you need to improve on under the “Your progress” section in the app.
You can practice within 6 relevant categories
Conclusion
You now know everything you need to pass the A2 exam the first time.
Those who prepare correctly pass the first time. 3 hours invested today gives you the entire 2025 season of legal and safe flying.
Don't wait. A survey conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority shows that 23% plan to register but never do. Don’t be part of that statistic. Start today.
The A2 certificate is your key to a professional drone operation. It opens doors to commercial opportunities, gives you flexibility in where and how you fly, and builds credibility for us who operate drones.
Read this if you want to know more about why "The A2 certificate pays off (even if you only fly for fun)".