Practice tests › PAR
Private Pilot practice test and AI study plan
Prepare for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) knowledge test. Track every topic on the test, master each one with an AI tutor that cites the FAA handbooks, and take timed mock exams weighted like the real thing.
- Questions
- 60
- Time allowed
- 2.5 hours
- Passing score
- 70%
- ACS topics
- 704
How it works
What’s on the PAR test
Questions come from the knowledge and risk management elements of the Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS. Our mock exams spread the 60 questions across its areas in proportion to how many topics each has; the FAA does not publish its exact weighting.
| Area of operation | Topics | Mock exam questions |
|---|---|---|
| I. Preflight Preparation | 133 | 10 |
| II. Preflight Procedures | 57 | 5 |
| III. Airport and Seaplane Base Operations | 19 | 2 |
| IV. Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds | 201 | 15 |
| V. Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers | 20 | 2 |
| VI. Navigation | 37 | 4 |
| VII. Slow Flight and Stalls | 40 | 4 |
| VIII. Basic Instrument Maneuvers | 65 | 5 |
| IX. Emergency Operations | 74 | 6 |
| X. Multiengine Operations | 30 | 3 |
| XI. Night Operations | 15 | 2 |
| XII. Postflight Procedures | 13 | 2 |
Taking the PAR knowledge test
What you need before, during, and after the FAA Private Pilot Airplane test. Requirements change, so confirm with the sources below before you schedule.
Before the test
- Minimum age
- You must be at least 15 to take the PAR test.
- Authorization
- Bring a graduation certificate from a pilot school ground course, or a written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying you completed the required ground training or home study.
- Registration
- Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating a profile in IACRA, then schedule with PSI, the FAA's testing vendor, online or by phone at 844-704-1487. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours ahead, and arrive about 15 minutes early.
- Cost
- PSI charges $175 per knowledge test, plus tax where it applies.
On test day
- Format
- 60 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 hours (150 minutes). You need 70% to pass.
- Bring
- A current government-issued photo ID that shows your date of birth, signature, and physical residential address (a P.O. box doesn't count). Applicants under 18 without an acceptable ID need a parent or guardian to attest to their identity.
- Provided
- The test center provides the testing supplement, scratch paper, and a pen, and the test software has a built-in calculator. You may bring an E6B, plotter, or a basic or aviation calculator if you clear its memory in front of the proctor, though the center can refuse any personal calculator.
After the test
- Results
- You get your printed Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) at the test center as soon as you finish. It shows your score and a code for each knowledge area you missed.
- Validity
- A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months for the practical test.
- If you fail
- You need additional training and a written endorsement from the authorized instructor who gave it, then present the failed test report at the retest. There is no required waiting period.
- Higher score
- You can retake a passed test to improve your score after 30 days; the most recent score is the one that counts.
- Next step
- Pass the practical test (checkride) with an examiner, who must evaluate every area you missed on the knowledge test. You must be 17 to hold a private pilot certificate.
Sources: 14 CFR 61.35 · 14 CFR 61.39 · 14 CFR 61.49 · 14 CFR 61.103 · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix · FAA airman testing · PSI FAA testing programs · FAA Order 8080.6H. Checked October 2026.
Online ground school courses for the PAR test
A course teaches the material; KTR Helper helps you master it and track what’s left. Here are the options we know of. Listings marked Sponsored are paid placements and appear first; the rest are shown in a rotating random order.
- GroundSchool - Private and Recreational Pilot Dauntless Aviationtest prep app, works offline
FAA-style questions with explanations, reference figures, several study modes, and unlimited practice tests that work offline.
- Free Private Pilot Online Ground School Pilot Institutevideo courseFree
The first 8 hours of Pilot Institute's private pilot video ground school, free with no credit card required.
- 40-hour Private Pilot eLearning Ground School Rod Machadovideo course + test prep
26 interactive modules over 40+ hours with FAA-like questions after each lesson and a graduation certificate that serves as the knowledge test endorsement.
- Private Pilot Made Easy Pilot Institutevideo course + test prep
35 hours of video in 540+ short lessons, 800+ practice questions, a study guide, and an instructor endorsement for the knowledge test.
- Private Pilot Online Ground School ASAvideo course + test prep
About 11 hours of video, online chapter readings, quizzes, sample FAA questions, and practice tests, with an endorsement letter on completion and 24 months of access.
- Online Ground School: Private Pilot Gleim Aviationvideo course + test prep
Self-directed course of about 35 hours with short videos, study guides, and exam-style practice tests; the test endorsement is included.
- Prepware Online ASAtest prep
Cloud-based question bank with study sessions and practice tests for one chosen FAA knowledge test, with 24 months of access.
- Free FAA Practice Test – Private Pilot King Schoolspractice examFree
Free practice exam of up to 60 FAA-style questions; only the first answer explanation is free.
- Private Pilot Course MzeroAvideo course
Video ground school on aerodynamics, systems, weather, navigation, and regulations aimed at the private pilot knowledge test, with a 14-day free trial.
- Learn To Fly Course - Private Pilot Ground School Sporty'svideo course + test prep
Video ground school with interactive written test prep and a knowledge test endorsement on completion, also covering the checkride oral and flight.
- FAA Test Prep Online: Private Pilot Gleim Aviationtest prep
760+ multiple-choice questions with explanations, study sessions, and unlimited exam-style practice tests.
- Private Pilot Ground School & Test Prep King Schoolsvideo course + test prep
About 15 hours of video lessons with FAA-style questions, explanations, and unlimited randomized practice exams, plus companion and flashcard apps.
- Study Buddy (Free FAA Practice Tests) Sporty'stest prepFree
Free custom study sessions and timed 60-question practice tests from a 1,000+ question database, with no account required.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Private Pilot knowledge test?
+
The FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions, 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to answer them, and a passing score of 70%.
What does the Private Pilot test cover?
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Questions come from the knowledge and risk management elements of the Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards: Preflight Preparation; Preflight Procedures; Airport and Seaplane Base Operations; Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds; Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers; Navigation; Slow Flight and Stalls; Basic Instrument Maneuvers; Emergency Operations; Multiengine Operations; Night Operations; Postflight Procedures.
How old do you have to be to take the Private Pilot test?
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You must be at least 15 to take the PAR test.
Do I need an endorsement to take the PAR test?
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Bring a graduation certificate from a pilot school ground course, or a written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying you completed the required ground training or home study.
How much does the Private Pilot knowledge test cost?
+
PSI charges $175 per knowledge test, plus tax where it applies. You schedule through PSI after getting an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) in IACRA.
How long are PAR test results valid?
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A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months for the practical test.
What happens if I fail the PAR test?
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You need additional training and a written endorsement from the authorized instructor who gave it, then present the failed test report at the retest. There is no required waiting period.
How should I study for the Private Pilot test?
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Take a ground school course to learn the material, then use KTR Helper to track all 704 ACS topics, master each one with the AI tutor and practice questions, and take timed mock exams. After the test, add your knowledge test report and the codes you missed move to the top of your plan for the checkride.
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