Step 1: Check Your Certificate Status
If your GVC has already expired
You cannot renew. You must complete and pay for a full GVC course. A renewal can only be carried out if the course was booked while your certificate was still valid.If your GVC will expire within 6 months
You are eligible to begin the renewal process. Renewal exams cannot be taken earlier than six months before your expiry date.If your GVC does not expire within 6 months
You are not yet eligible to renew.
Step 2: Theory Exam
You must pass a GVC theory exam before renewal can proceed.
If you pass
You can move to Step 3.If you fail
You must complete a GVC theory course before retaking the exam. Retakes are set with an alternative question paper.Exam attempts
You may attempt the theory exam up to 5 times.If you fail 5 times
You will need to purchase and complete a full GVC course, including both theory and practical elements.
Step 3: Documentation Review
We will review the following documents:
Flight Logs – You must show evidence of at least 2 hours of flying in the last 90 days. If you hold both Multirotor and Fixed Wing GVC certificates, you must show 2 hours for each type (minimum 4 hours total). Flight logs can show flights in either the Open or Specific category but must be verifiable. At a minimum, logs must include:
Date
Operator name and Operator ID
Remote Pilot name and Flyer ID
Operating category or authorisation
Location, start and end time
UAS type, make, model, serial number and take-off mass
PDRA01 Authorisation number (if applicable)
Flight time for each flight and cumulative totals
Valid Flyer ID – Must be current at the time of application.
Proof of Identity – Such as a driving licence or passport.
Current GVC Certificate – This must be valid at the time of booking. If your certificate shows an old Flyer ID, you will need to provide both your current Flyer ID and proof of the old one (for example, your original CAA registration email).
Step 4: Issue of New Certificate
If all documents are correct and valid
You will be issued a renewed GVC certificate, valid for 5 years from the expiry date of your current one.If documents are missing or insufficient
You must pass a practical flight assessment before renewal.If you pass the assessment
You will be issued a renewed GVC certificate valid for 5 years from your current expiry date.If you fail the assessment
You may attempt it up to 3 times.If you fail 3 times
You will need to purchase and complete a full GVC course, including theory and flight assessments.