GVC Renewal Course
12,000+ Pilots Trained
CAA-Accredited
UK's Leading Training Provider
If you originally trained with Coptrz or currently hold an active General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC), renewing with us is the most streamlined way to maintain your operational permissions and remain compliant with UK drone legislation.
At Coptrz, we’ve trained over 12,000 commercial drone pilots, from police forces to infrastructure surveyors, and we know exactly what it takes to keep you certified, operational, and legally flying.
Who Is This For?
This course is designed for remote pilots whose GVC is still valid but is due to expire within the next 6 months. You are eligible to start the renewal process within this timeframe to continue holding a CAA Operational Authorisation (PDRA-01) for the next 5 years.
Please note: If your GVC has already expired, you will need to complete a full GVC course.
Why Renew with Coptrz?
Over 12,000 trained pilots
Industry-leading expertise across public safety, defence, infrastructure, and surveying.
Fast-track compliance
We help you hit every CAA requirement without the confusion.
Nationwide access
Practical flight assessments (if required) can be booked at a location near you.
Expert support
Our knowledgeable training team includes ex-industry and CAA regulation experts.
What’s Included?
- 90-minute multiple-choice theory assessment.
- Delivered online via Coptrz Academy - our E-Learning Platform.
We will review your submitted documents to ensure compliance.
Required Documents:
- Flight Logs: Your logbook must show at least 2 hours of flight time within the last 90 days (4 hours if certified for both Multirotor and Fixed Wing) - sufficient flight logs mean no practical assessment required.
- Current GVC Certificate.
- Valid Flyer ID.
- Proof of Identification – Such as a driving license or passport.
- Only required if sufficient flight currency cannot be demonstrated through your logbook or if any required documents are missing.
- Conducted by a Coptrz-qualified assessor at one of our training centres
- Guidance on submitting your renewal to the CAA
- Help with navigating PDRA-01 renewal process and Operator responsibilities
What You’ll Need Before Booking
- Your original GVC certificate – must be valid and expire within the next 6 months to be eligible.
- Valid Flyer ID.
- Completed Logbook with proof of recent flight time (2 hours in the last 90 days for single category, 4 hours for multirotor and fixed wing).
- Drone suitable for PDRA-01 (if a flight assessment is needed).
- Proof of Identification (e.g., driving licence or passport).
GVC Validity and CAA Fees (Updated 2025)
- GVC Validity: 5 years from the date of issue
- CAA PDRA-01 Operational Authorisation Fee: £500 (increased from 2025)
- Operator ID: £11.79 per year (mandatory for commercial operations)
Note: These fees are payable directly to the CAA and are not included in your Coptrz renewal package.
Timeframes
- Online training: 1–2 hours
- Theory exam: 90 minutes
- Documentation review: 1–3 business days
- Flight assessment (if required): scheduled within 7 days
Buy GVC Renewal Course
FAQs
You need a 75% score to pass. Resit fees are £97+VAT for theory and £174+VAT for practical flight assessment. Don’t worry though, you’re unlikely to fail with Coptrz, as we have a stellar 99% pass rate.
Yes, current or ex-military personnel can use ELCAS credits.
GVC replaces PfCO, needed for drones under 25kg. GVC is required by January 1st, 2024.
Yes, public liability insurance and a CAA application fee.
You can book the course on the Coptrz website.
It's a certification needed to apply to the CAA for Operational Authorisation to operate UAS in specific categories.
There are 40 multiple-choice questions
The pass mark is 75%. Our teaching means that you'll be easily able to achieve this, just like the thousands of other successful pilots before.
The GVC is valid for a period of five years from the date that the examination was taken. After 5 years you will need to renew it for £217 (July 2024) payable to the CAA.
Yes. You must successfully complete the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service free online competency test, which will earn you your Flyer ID number. Each person or each organisation needs to purchase an Operator ID, which you can use for all your drones and model aircraft and is valid for 1 year.
The GVC practical flight test is designed to provide assurance that the remote pilot being examined can safely undertake a wide range of VLOS operations within the Specific Category, including those conducted under a published PDRA, whilst adhering to a set of procedures contained within an Operations Manual.
The test will be conducted outdoors, and candidates must sufficiently show competence in a range of pre-and-post-flight actions and in-flight procedures.
All candidates must complete the practical flight test.
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