Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) exam-day guide
Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original document, not a photocopy or phone image. Transport Canada and most providers require photo ID to verify your identity before the test. If you are unsure which forms of ID are accepted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Confirmation of your test booking
Carry your booking confirmation (printed or on your phone) showing the date, time, and location. It speeds up check-in and resolves any scheduling confusion.
Name and address exactly as they should appear on your certificate
Write down your full legal name and mailing address in advance. Some providers ask you to record these at the desk, and mismatches with your ID can delay processing. Confirm with the provider whether they collect this at the desk or require it in advance.
Study materials for a final review
Bring your own notes or a summary sheet for last-minute review while you wait. Do not bring anything you might be tempted to consult during the test itself; store it away once you are seated.
Directions and arrival plan
Confirm the exact address and room, plus parking or transit options, the day before. Arrive early enough to find the room without rushing. Confirm with the provider how early they expect you to arrive.
A watch or awareness of the time limit
Know the time allowed for the test and how many questions there are, so you can pace yourself. Confirm the time limit and question count with the provider if it is not stated in your booking information.
Pens or pencils if the test is on paper
Ask the provider whether the test is paper-based or computer-based. If paper, confirm whether writing instruments are supplied or you must bring your own.
Knowledge of the pass mark and retake process
Understand the score you need and what happens if you do not pass, including any waiting period or fee. Confirm these details with the provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
A plan for personal items
Expect that phones, smart watches, bags, and notes must be stowed away during the test. Confirm with the provider where personal belongings can be left.
Any accommodation request already arranged
If you need extra time or other accommodations, arrange it well before test day. Confirm with the provider that your request has been approved and how it will be applied.
Water and a light snack for afterward
Test sessions can run longer than expected once check-in and instructions are included. Keep food and drink stored away during the test unless the provider says otherwise.
A calm, rested state
Sleep well the night before and eat beforehand. Fatigue causes more careless errors than gaps in knowledge on a regulations test.
Plan the day
Confirm the logistics: exact address, room, start time, arrival time, and what to bring. Re-read your booking confirmation and contact the provider if anything is unclear.
Do a full practice run under timed conditions using a question set that covers the same subject areas. Review every wrong answer and write down the underlying rule, not just the correct option.
Focus your remaining study on weak areas such as airspace classifications, right-of-way rules, documents required on board, and pilot responsibilities. Do not try to learn new material in the last day; consolidate what you already know.
Do a light review of your summary sheet only. Stop studying early enough to sleep well.
Lay out your ID, booking confirmation, and any permitted materials. Check the weather and traffic plan for getting to the test location.
Set two alarms and plan to arrive with a buffer. Confirm the provider's policy on late arrival, since some locations may not admit candidates who arrive after the start.
Eat a normal meal and avoid cramming new topics. Skim your summary sheet for 15 to 20 minutes at most.
Leave early, bring your ID and confirmation, and silence and stow your phone before entering the testing room.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'must', 'may', 'minimum', and 'except'. Answer the easy questions first if you are unsure, then return to the harder ones.
Pace yourself against the time limit and question count. Leave a few minutes at the end to check that every question has an answer, since unanswered questions usually score as wrong.
If a question is genuinely ambiguous, choose the answer that reflects the safest and most conservative action, then note it and move on. Do not spend disproportionate time on one item.
Follow the provider's instructions on when and how results are issued. If you did not pass, confirm the retake rules and waiting period with the provider before rebooking.
Rules to check
Bring original government-issued photo ID. The name on your ID should match your booking. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Arrive at the time the provider specifies. Late arrival may mean you are refused entry or rescheduled, so confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in advance.
Phones, smart watches, notes, and bags must be stowed and out of reach during the test. Do not attempt to consult any material while the test is in progress.
Work independently. Talking, sharing answers, or copying from another candidate is grounds for removal, and the provider's misconduct policy applies.
Ask the provider in advance about breaks, since policies vary between paper-based and computer-based sittings. Do not leave the room during the test without permission.
Answer every question. Unanswered questions are generally scored as incorrect, so leave time to fill in any blanks.
Confirm the pass mark, scoring method, and retake rules with the provider rather than relying on rumor. These details can differ between test formats and locations.
If you have a disability or need extra time, request accommodations well before test day and confirm the approval in writing with the provider.