RA-Aus BAK exam-day guide
RA-Aus BAK · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current government-issued photo ID such as a driver licence or passport. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a second form is required.
Exam appointment confirmation
Carry the booking confirmation or reference number issued when you scheduled the test, either printed or saved on your phone.
Pre-solo written quiz or pre-requisite paperwork
If your school requires the pre-solo written quiz or other prerequisites to be completed or presented first, confirm with the provider what documentation you must bring on the day.
Logbook and training records
Bring your student pilot logbook and training records in case the examiner or supervisor needs to verify prerequisites. Confirm with the provider whether these are checked before the test.
Approved calculator or none at all
Some providers permit a basic calculator while others supply one or prohibit personal devices. Confirm with the provider what is allowed before relying on your own.
Pen and pencil
Bring at least one working pen and a pencil for working through calculations and marking answers, even if materials are supplied.
Study notes for last-minute review
Bring concise summary sheets for quick review before the test starts. Expect to store them away once the examination begins.
Knowledge of the venue and parking
Confirm the exact address, building entrance, parking arrangements and arrival time with the provider, and do a route check the day before.
Water and a light snack
Bring water and something light to eat for before or after the test. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are permitted in the examination room.
Watch or time awareness
A simple wristwatch helps you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Confirm with the provider whether smartwatches and phones must be switched off and stored.
Rest and transport plan
Arrange a reliable way to reach the venue with buffer time, and plan for a calm night's sleep rather than late-night cramming.
Questions for the supervisor
Note any uncertainties such as pass mark, retake policy, or result timing, and confirm them with the provider rather than guessing.
Plan the day
Shift from learning new material to consolidating what you already know. Review your weakest topics using your own summary notes, rework practice calculations such as weight and balance, fuel and time, and read each question style carefully. Confirm the venue, arrival time and ID requirements with the provider. Protect sleep and avoid all-night study sessions, which cost more marks than extra cramming gains.
Do a light review only, then stop. Prepare your bag with ID, booking confirmation, pens, notes and water. Check transport and parking, set two alarms, and eat a normal meal. If you feel anxious, write down the two or three topics you most want to double-check in the morning rather than trying to relearn everything.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive with buffer time. Do a brief review of your short list only, then put notes away. Follow the supervisor's instructions on registration, ID checks and storing personal items. Use the toilet before the test starts and settle your breathing before reading the first question.
Read the instructions and note the time limit and number of questions. Work through the paper at a steady pace, answering the questions you know first and flagging harder ones to return to. Read each question fully, watch for words like not or except, and show working for calculations so you can check them. If time allows, review flagged questions and confirm you have answered every item before submitting.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the examiner or supervisor. If you are unsure about any procedure, ask before the test begins rather than during it.
Present the identification required by the provider. Confirm with the provider in advance which documents are accepted, as requirements vary.
Keep phones, smartwatches and other devices switched off and stored as directed. Confirm with the provider what personal items may be brought into the room.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test and do not bring in unauthorised notes or materials. Treat the examination as an individual assessment.
If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for the supervisor. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are permitted and how they affect your time.
Ask the supervisor about the pass mark, retake arrangements and when results are issued. Confirm with the provider rather than relying on second-hand information.
If you feel unwell or cannot complete the test, tell the supervisor immediately and confirm with the provider what options are available.
Report any problem with the paper, such as a missing page or unclear printing, to the supervisor straight away so it can be addressed.