Klar for DroneprøvenFor C0 drones and legacy drones under 250 grams covered by the transitional provision, the A1/A3 exam is normally not required. If the drone has a camera and is not a toy, you must still register as an operator.
Check the class and documentation, not just the weight
C0 is a drone class with its own requirements. Legacy drones without class marking must have been placed on the market before 1 January 2024 to come under the rule for such drones under 250 grams. Read the manufacturer’s documentation and user manual.
Be aware of batteries, propeller guards and other equipment that may change the weight or permitted configuration. Do not assume that the figure on the product page still applies after you have fitted accessories.
Source: EASA: what training is required in the open category?
A camera can trigger the registration requirement
Exemption from the theory exam is not a general exemption from registration. A typical camera drone under 250 grams requires operator registration. The toy exemption applies to drones that are actually classified as toys; CE marking alone is not enough to demonstrate this.
Keep the documentation and check that operator registration and marking are in place before you start flying.
What you still need to check
The open category includes requirements for visual line of sight, a prohibition on flying over assemblies of people, and a normal height limit of 120 metres from the nearest point on the surface of the earth. Local restrictions may be stricter.
Make your site assessment specific: look for people, other aircraft, obstacles and places to land. A light drone or an app that allows take-off does not, in itself, authorise the flight.
- Check current airspace restrictions for the location.
- Choose a route with generous separation margins from others.
- Assess the wind and the possibility of a safe return.
- Respect privacy when using the camera.
Source: Luftfartstilsynet: drone rules and examination routes in Norway
Insurance and your own responsibility
In Norway, drones under 250 grams, including payload, are exempt from the third-party liability insurance requirement when flown in the open category. This exemption does not remove your financial liability if you cause harm.
Consider checking what your existing insurance covers. Distinguish between damage to your own drone and liability for harm to others; these are different types of cover.
Source: Luftfartstilsynet: third-party liability insurance and exemptions
Common questions
Can I fly over a concert with a 249-gram drone?
No. Low weight does not permit flying over assemblies of people in the open category.
Is learning the A1/A3 theory still useful?
Yes. The theory can help you understand planning, airspace and responsibility even if you are exempt from the exam requirement. Additional practice is optional.
Sources and regulatory basis
Regulatory information has been checked against the sources below. Study plans and examples are Kurskompis teaching recommendations. Check current information from the authorities before flying or taking an exam.