New regulations for drone flyers in the UK from 1 Jan 2026

[Concerto]

Many people who cruise in the UK like to use a drone. From 1 Jan 2026 all drone flyers need to have passed an online theory test if the drone weighs over 100g, reduced from 250g.

Regulator calls on new and existing drone users to learn new rules before taking off | UK Civil Aviation Authority

 

[lustyd]

I don’t know why we ever dropped the requirement. I certainly advised friends and colleagues to take the test regardless. Following any incident it would be useful to show qualification given the low cost. Good to see it return, although I have to re-certify in EU for our trip this year as the UK cert doesn’t travel

 

[bikedaft]

not the hardest of tests...

 

[lustyd]

not the hardest of tests...

That depends. We’re entering via France, and I’m not a French speaker.

 

[WoodyP]

Criminals casing the joint or flying drugs into the prisons may possibly not comply.

 

[lustyd]

Criminals casing the joint or flying drugs into the prisons may possibly not comply.

It’s not something that’s enforced usually, until the aftermath of an incident. Similar to the driving licence, you can choose to ignore it but the consequences when caught will be more severe.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

In the EU if you recertify before your licence runs out, it's €15, otherwise it costs to take the test again (€25). I've got 3 days to recertify.

EDIT: Just re-certified online and it cost €15, and another €12,79 for a credit-card sized proof of licence .... got another 5 years of drone flying in the EU.