FAA Practice Test 2026 — free exam prep

FAA Practice Test

Updated October 2026
Oct 27, 202612 min read
⏱️2 HoursTime Limit
📝60Questions
✅70%Passing Score
💵$175Exam Fee

Did you know? The passing score for most FAA knowledge exams, including the Private Pilot and Part 107 Drone test, is 70%. However, achieving a higher score demonstrates mastery and can impress examiners during your practical checkride. Practice with the free FAA practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (450+ questions with answer explanations).

Candidates preparing for faa sectional chart can build exam confidence with our FAA sectional chart test 2026, which covers all key topics and question formats used in the real assessment.

Free FAA Study Tools

Interactive FAA resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

  • FAA 107 Drone Pilot Test #1 — 25 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
  • FAA flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
  • FAA study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
  • FAA cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
Faa Practice Test - FAA study guide

FAA Practice Test Questions

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FAA Exam Study Guide

Our FAA study guide breaks down essential information for aspiring pilots and drone operators. Whether you are pursuing a private pilot license or commercial drone certification, understanding the FAA regulations and testing procedures is key to your success.

What is the FAA exam?
The FAA exam refers to a series of written knowledge tests required for various pilot and ground instructor certificates. The most common are the FAA Private Pilot written exam and the FAA Part 107 drone test.
Who administers the FAA tests?
The FAA federal aviation administration oversees the exams, but they are administered at authorized testing centers, typically managed by PSI Services.
Do I need an endorsement?
For most manned aircraft exams like the FAA private pilot written exam, you need an endorsement from an instructor. The FAA Part 107 test does not require an endorsement.
What happens if I fail?
If you fail an FAA written test, you can retake it, but you may need an endorsement from an instructor certifying you've received additional training on the deficiency areas.

FAA Test Format and Requirements

Understanding the structure of the FAA exam is crucial for effective preparation. Whether you are taking the FAA Private Pilot written exam or the commercial drone test, the format is similar: computer-based multiple-choice questions.

The standard exam for private pilot certification.

  • Topics: Regulations, Weather, Nav, Systems
  • Questions: Multiple Choice (A, B, C)

Required for commercial drone operations.

  • Topics: Airspace, Weather, Rules, Safety
  • Questions: 60 Scored Questions

For pilots flying in clouds/low visibility.

  • Topics: IFR Charts, Approach Plates, ATC
  • Questions: Detailed Navigation Tasks

Step towards becoming a professional pilot.

  • Topics: Advanced Performance, Regs
  • Questions: 100 Multiple Choice

Highest level of pilot certification.

  • Topics: High Altitude Ops, Systems
  • Questions: Complex Scenarios

FAA Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

60

04260

42 out of 60 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 42 correct✓PASS

FAA Registration and Certification Process

The path to obtaining an FAA license or FAA drone registration involves several structured steps. Here is the general timeline for a private pilot.

You can continue preparing with the faa practice test, which includes answer explanations for every question.

You can continue preparing with the faa written practice test, which includes answer explanations for every question.

  1. Verify Eligibility - Ensure you meet age requirements (17 for private pilot) and English proficiency.
  2. Get Medical Certificate - Visit MedXPress FAA to apply and see an AME for a 3rd class medical (or BasicMed).
  3. Ground School - Enroll in an approved ground school or home study course like the FAA academy materials.
  4. Apply on IACRA - Create an account on IACRA FAA to obtain your FTN (FAA Tracking Number).
  5. Written Exam - Schedule your FAA written exam at a PSI testing center and pass with 70%+.
  6. Flight Training - Complete required flight hours (40 hours minimum, typically 60-70) with an instructor.
  7. Checkride - Pass the oral and practical test with a Designated Pilot Examiner to earn your FAA pilot license.

You can save money on FAA cost by utilizing free study materials and FAA practice test resources online before starting paid flight training. Efficient studying minimizes the need for extra ground instruction hours.

Faa Part Practice Test - FAA study guide

FAA Test Day Checklist

  • ✓Valid Photo ID (Driver's License/Passport)
  • ✓FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
  • ✓Instructor Endorsement (if required)
  • ✓E6B Flight Computer (Mechanical/Electronic)
  • ✓Plotter / Ruler
  • ✓Basic Calculator (Non-programmable)
  • ✓Review Study Guide Notes
  • ✓Arrive 30 Minutes Early

Ready to Get Your Wings?

Join thousands of successful pilots and drone operators who passed their exams using our free FAA practice test resources.

Faa Registration and Certification Process guide - FAA certification study resource

FAA License Renewal

✈️

Pilot Flight Review

24 Months

🚁

Drone Recurrent

24 Months

🩺

Medical

(Class 3)60 Months

For drone pilots, the FAA renewal process can now be completed online for free via the FAA Safety Team website. Private pilots need a biennial flight review with a CFI.

FAA: Pros and Cons

✅Pros
  • +FAA exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
  • +Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
  • +Study materials and practice tests are widely available
  • +Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
  • +Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
❌Cons
  • −Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
  • −Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
  • −Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
  • −Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
  • −Testing center availability may require advance scheduling

Pros and Cons at a Glance

ProsCons
FAA exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domainsExam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clientsRegistration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
Study materials and practice tests are widely availableLimited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employersExam content updates periodically — use current study materials
Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectivelyTesting center availability may require advance scheduling

Sample FAA Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free FAA practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

  1. To act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider, a pilot is required to have made within the preceding 12 months

    • A. at least three flights in a powered glider.
    • B. at least three flights as observer in a glider being towed by an aircraft.
    • C. at least three actual or simulated glider tows while accompanied by a qualified pilot.

Answer: C. at least three actual or simulated glider tows while accompanied by a qualified pilot.

To act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider, a pilot must meet specific recent experience requirements outlined in 14 CFR Part 61.69. This includes having made at least three actual or simulated glider tows while accompanied by a qualified pilot within the preceding 12 months. This regulation ensures the pilot maintains proficiency in the specialized skills needed for safe glider towing operations.

  • An ATC radar facility issues the following advisory to a pilot flying north in a calm wind: "TRAFFIC 9 O'CLOCK, 2 MILES, SOUTHBOUND..." Where should the pilot look for this traffic?

    • A. South.
    • B. North.
    • C. West.
  • Answer: C. West.

    ATC traffic advisories use the 12-hour clock system, where 12 o'clock is directly ahead of the aircraft. If a pilot is flying north, 9 o'clock is directly to their left. This relative direction corresponds to West, indicating where the pilot should look for the traffic.

  • A pilot loses two-way radio communication while operating IFR in IMC. What route should the pilot fly?

    • A. Assigned, then Vectored, then Expected, then Filed (AVEF)
    • B. Direct to the destination only
    • C. The lowest published airway
    • D. Whatever ATC last assigned indefinitely
  • Answer: A. Assigned, then Vectored, then Expected, then Filed (AVEF)

    Under lost communications in IMC, route is flown in order of Assigned, Vectored, Expected, then Filed (AVEF).

  • What is the cure to a pilot's hazardous "anti-authority" attitude?

    • A. I know what I am doing.
    • B. Rules do not apply in this situation.
    • C. Follow the rules.
  • Answer: C. Follow the rules.

    The 'anti-authority' hazardous attitude is characterized by a disregard for rules and regulations, believing they don't apply to oneself. The antidote is to recognize that rules are in place for safety and to follow them diligently. Adhering to established procedures and regulations is crucial for safe aviation operations and preventing accidents.

    Take the full FAA practice test

    FAA Knowledge Test Flashcards

    Tap a card to flip it. Each answer is based on the current FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix and 14 CFR.

    📝

    📝 How many questions are on the FAA private pilot written test?

    The Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions. You get 2 hours to finish and need a score of 70% to pass.

    START PRIVATE PILOT PRACTICE TEST
    ✅

    ✅ What score do you need to pass the FAA written exam?

    The passing score is 70% for both the private pilot and Part 107 knowledge tests. Your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) lists ACS codes for every topic you missed.

    START FAA REGULATIONS PRACTICE TEST
    🚁

    🚁 How many questions are on the FAA Part 107 drone test?

    The Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test has 60 questions, a 2-hour limit and a 70% passing score. You can take it at 14, but must be 16 to hold the remote pilot certificate.

    START PART 107 PRACTICE TEST
    🎂

    🎂 How old do you have to be to take the FAA private pilot written test?

    You can take the private pilot airplane knowledge test at 15. The private pilot certificate itself requires age 17 for airplanes (14 CFR 61.103).

    START PRIVATE PILOT PRACTICE TEST
    📅

    📅 How long is the FAA knowledge test valid?

    You must complete the checkride within 24 calendar months of passing the knowledge test (14 CFR 61.39). After that the result expires and you have to retest.

    START FLIGHT OPERATIONS PRACTICE TEST
    🔁

    🔁 What happens if you fail the FAA private pilot written test?

    You need additional training and a signed endorsement from an authorized instructor before retesting (14 CFR 61.49). Bring the failed AKTR to the testing center.

    START AIRSPACE PRACTICE TEST
    ⏳

    ⏳ How long do you wait to retake the Part 107 test?

    After a failed UAG attempt there is a 14-day waiting period. No instructor endorsement is needed; just present the failed test report.

    START PART 107 PRACTICE TEST
    🆔

    🆔 What do you need before scheduling an FAA knowledge test?

    Create an IACRA profile to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN), then book through PSI, the FAA testing provider. Private pilot applicants also need an instructor endorsement or a pilot-school graduation certificate.

    START FAA REGULATIONS PRACTICE TEST
    ⏱️

    ⏱️ How many flight hours do you need for a private pilot license?

    Part 61 requires at least 40 hours of flight time for an airplane single-engine rating. That includes at least 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight (14 CFR 61.109).

    START CROSS COUNTRY PRACTICE TEST
    🔄

    🔄 How often do you renew a Part 107 drone license?

    The certificate does not expire, but you must complete the free online recurrent training on FAASafety.gov every 24 calendar months (14 CFR 107.65). Private pilots likewise need a flight review every 24 calendar months.

    START PART 107 PRACTICE TEST

    FAA Questions and Answers

    Official Resources

    How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. We have not yet matched this exam's facts to an official source, so confirm fees, dates and rules with the exam body. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy