United Kingdom Drone License Guide
How to get your UK Open / A2 CofC / GVC — issued by United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. Cost, exam format, altitude limits, and renewal — all up to date for 2026.
Key data at a glance
| Total cost | Operator ID £11.43/year; A2 CofC £99–£199; GVC £500–£1,200 |
| Renewal cycle | 5 years for Operator ID and CofC |
| License classes | 4 categories |
| Maximum altitude | 120 m (400 ft) AGL |
| BVLOS allowed (standard) | Yes (under specific approval) |
| Remote ID required | Yes |
| Minimum age | 12 years |
| Exam format | Open A1/A3: free online DMARES theory + Flyer ID. A2 CofC: in-person exam at recognised entity (£99–£199). GVC: theory + practical flight assessment + Operations Manual review (£500–£1,200). |
UK CAA drone classes / categories
Open A1/A3
MTOM < 250 g (A1) / < 25 kg (A3)Free Flyer ID online theory test
A2 CofC
MTOM < 4 kg legacy / < 2 kg C2Theory at recognised entity, in-person exam
GVC
MTOM anyGeneral VLOS Certificate — opens Specific Category + PDRA-01
Operational Authorisation
MTOM anyCustom OA for higher-risk ops (BVLOS, urban, > 25 kg)
Operational limits
- A1: over uninvolved people allowed only with C0/C1 drones; never crowds
- A3: 50 m from people, 150 m from residential/commercial
- A2 CofC: 30 m horizontal (5 m low-speed) from uninvolved people
- GVC + PDRA-01: VLOS, populated environments with risk mitigations
- BVLOS, swarms, urban beyond GVC → Operational Authorisation required
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United Kingdom drone license — frequently asked questions
Is the UK drone framework the same as EASA after Brexit?
Mostly aligned but legally separate. UK CAA uses the same A1/A2/A3 + Specific Category framework, but registration is via the UK CAA portal, and an EU operator ID is no longer valid in the UK.
What is the GVC?
General VLOS Certificate — UK CAA's competency certificate that unlocks the Specific Category (PDRA-01) and is required for most commercial drone work.
How much is the UK Operator ID?
£11.43 per year. Required for any drone flyer, even hobby pilots with sub-250g drones equipped with a camera.
Can I use a US Part 107 in the UK?
No — UK CAA does not recognise Part 107. You'll need at least an A2 CofC or GVC plus a UK Operator ID.
Is BVLOS legal in the UK?
Yes, under an Operational Authorisation in the Specific Category. PDRA-01 covers some VLOS ops; BVLOS requires custom SORA-derived applications.
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