CAAB PPL Theory exam-day guide
CAAB PPL Theory · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the original, current, government-issued photo ID in the name used on your booking. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID they accept and whether a second piece is required, as this varies between test centres.
Booking confirmation and reference number
Have the confirmation email or reference number accessible, ideally printed and also saved on your phone. It speeds up registration and resolves any name or slot discrepancy at the desk.
Exam fee or payment evidence
If any balance remains payable, check in advance how the provider expects it (card, transfer, prepaid receipt). Confirm with the provider whether payment is required before admission to the test room.
Approved calculator or flight computer
If your syllabus permits a calculator or electronic flight computer, verify the exact permitted models with the provider beforehand. Bring spare batteries and know how to reset the device.
Plotter, ruler, and pencils
For navigation, mass-and-balance, and chart work, bring a protractor/plotter, a clear ruler, sharp pencils, an eraser, and a fine-tip pen. Confirm with the provider whether these are supplied or must be brought.
Charts and reference material
If the exam uses printed charts or extracts, check whether they are provided at the desk or you must bring current editions. Confirm with the provider which editions and whether annotations are allowed.
Watch or timing device
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace sections if the room clock is not visible. Confirm with the provider whether smartwatches and phones must be switched off and stored.
Water and a light snack
Bring water in a clear container and a snack for scheduled breaks. Confirm with the provider what is allowed at the desk, since rules on drinks and food in the test room differ.
Route and arrival plan
Rehearse the journey and aim to arrive with generous margin before your reporting time. Check local transport, parking, and building access in advance; confirm the reporting time and entry point with the provider.
Rest and revision plan for the final days
Prioritise sleep over last-minute cramming. Review weak topics using your own notes and practice questions, and stop heavy study the evening before so you arrive alert.
Medical or access arrangements
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other adjustments, confirm with the provider well before the exam that the arrangement is recorded and will be in place on the day.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the test centre's contact number so you can call immediately if delays or illness threaten your attendance. Confirm with the provider what to do if you are late or cannot attend.
Plan the day
Confirm your booking details, reporting time, and venue address with the provider. Re-read the exam format and time allocation, then work through your own summary notes on the weakest subjects. Do one timed practice set under exam conditions to rehearse pacing, then stop adding new material. Prepare and pack your kit bag the night before the last study day.
Do a light review of formulae, definitions, and checklist items only, with no new topics. Lay out ID, confirmation, calculator, plotter, pencils, water, and snack by the door. Check the weather and travel plan, set two alarms, eat a normal meal, and go to bed at a sensible hour rather than studying late.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Re-check that your ID and confirmation are in your bag. Leave earlier than you think necessary and arrive at the venue with margin. Once at the centre, follow staff instructions for registration, secure your phone and belongings as directed, and use the waiting time for calm breathing rather than last-minute cramming.
Read the instructions and time allocation before starting. Answer the questions you know first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them later. Watch the clock against section milestones, show working for calculation questions, and transfer answers carefully if a separate answer sheet is used. Use any permitted break to stand, hydrate, and reset, then check flagged items before submitting.
Rules to check
Carry the original photo ID in the name used for your booking and present it at registration. If your ID has changed or the names differ, contact the provider before the exam day to resolve it, as admission rules are set by the provider.
Follow all instructions from invigilators on seating, belongings, phones, and permitted equipment. Electronic devices should normally be switched off and stored as directed; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Keep all working and answers your own. Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not bring unauthorised notes or reference material into the test room. Confirm with the provider what reference material, if any, is supplied.
Ask the invigilator before the test begins if anything about the paper, timing, or permitted equipment is unclear, and raise any disturbance or equipment fault immediately rather than after the session.
If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for permission. Confirm with the provider in advance how supervised breaks are handled and whether the clock stops during them.
Understand the scoring and pass criteria before you sit: check with the provider how many questions are set, the time allowed, and the mark or percentage needed to pass, and whether sections are scored separately.
If you are late, ill, or unable to attend, contact the provider as soon as possible. Rebooking, refund, and deferral conditions are provider-specific, so confirm them in advance rather than assuming.
Do not discuss or share exam content afterwards in a way that breaches the provider's confidentiality rules. Confirm with the provider what you may and may not disclose about the paper.