Pre-Solo Knowledge Test Australia: What It Covers and How to Pass

Before your instructor lets you fly solo for the first time, they are legally required to confirm you meet a set of knowledge and skill standards. Part of this is what many students call the pre-solo knowledge test — a verbal or written check administered by your flying instructor to confirm you understand the critical rules and procedures for solo flight.

This guide explains exactly what the pre-solo knowledge test covers in Australia, how it relates to the CASA theory exam, and the key questions you need to be able to answer confidently before your first solo.

What is the pre-solo knowledge test?

Under CASA regulations, a student pilot must demonstrate to a flight instructor that they have sufficient knowledge to safely operate an aircraft solo. This is not a formal CASA exam — it's an assessment conducted by your instructor, who has the authority to determine whether you're ready.

Most flying schools use a structured written test or verbal questionnaire. The test typically covers:

• The Visual Flight Rules (VFR) applicable to your training area
• Circuit procedures — the sequence of calls, altitudes, and positions in the traffic pattern
• Emergency procedures for engine failure on takeoff and in the circuit
• Right-of-way rules — who gives way to whom in the air
• Weather minima for solo VFR flight
• Radio phraseology — what to say and when
• The specific rules of your training aerodrome

Each flying school has its own standard, so the exact questions will vary — but the topics above are consistent across all Australian training organisations.

How does this relate to the CASA RPL theory exam?

The pre-solo knowledge test and the CASA RPL theory exam cover overlapping material, but they are separate requirements:

Pre-solo knowledge test	CASA RPL theory exam
Set by your instructor / flying school	Formal CASA computer-based exam administered via CASA's approved exam system
Must pass before first solo flight	Must pass before licence issue
Verbal or written, no formal marking	Formal score, 70% pass mark, 2-hour time limit
Focused on immediate local procedures	Covers all RPL theory subjects

Passing the CASA theory exam does not automatically satisfy the pre-solo requirement, and vice versa. However, studying for one significantly helps with the other — the knowledge overlaps heavily in air law, VFR, and meteorology.

Key areas tested — with sample questions

1. Visual Flight Rules

You need to know the basic VFR minima for the type of airspace you'll be flying in. Common questions include:

• What are the minimum visual meteorological conditions (VMC) for flight below 3,000 ft AMSL (or 1,000 ft AGL, whichever is higher) in Class G airspace?
• What is the cloud clearance requirement for flight in uncontrolled airspace above 3,000 ft AMSL?
• How do VMC requirements change at or above 10,000 ft?

Key answers to these questions are:

• Class G below the higher of 3,000 ft AMSL or 1,000 ft AGL: At least 5,000 m visibility, clear of cloud, and in sight of ground or water.
• Class G above the higher of 3,000 ft AMSL or 1,000 ft AGL, but below 10,000 ft: At least 5,000 m visibility, 1,500 m horizontally and 1,000 ft vertically from cloud.
• At or above 10,000 ft: At least 8 km visibility, 1,500 m horizontally and 1,000 ft vertically from cloud.

If you fly in or near Class D airspace, note that Class D VMC requirements at all heights are: 5,000 m visibility, 600 m horizontally from cloud, 1,000 ft above cloud, and 500 ft below cloud. Make sure you know the airspace classes that apply in your training area.

2. Right-of-way rules

In the traffic pattern and in the local area, you need to know who gives way to whom. Your instructor will ask questions like:

• An aircraft on final approach and an aircraft on base leg — who has right of way?
• Two aircraft approaching the same runway at the same time — what do they do?
• A powered aircraft and a glider at the same altitude — who gives way?

Key rule: An aircraft on final approach to land has right of way over aircraft in flight or on the ground. An aircraft lower in the circuit generally has priority. Gliders have right of way over powered aircraft. These rules are covered in CASR Part 91.

3. Circuit procedures

You must be able to describe the circuit without prompting — the sequence, altitudes, radio calls, and what to do at each point:

• What altitude is the circuit flown at? (Typically 1,000 ft AGL, but varies by aerodrome)
• What are the five legs of the circuit?
• At what point do you make your downwind radio call?
• What checks do you complete on downwind?
• If another aircraft is on short final when you are on base, what do you do?

Your instructor expects you to describe the full circuit sequence clearly and without hesitation. Practise drawing the circuit from memory — including altitudes and radio call positions — until you can do it reliably without reference to notes.

4. Engine failure procedures

Emergency drills must be memorised, not recalled slowly. Typical questions include:

• What do you do immediately if the engine fails on takeoff before rotation?
• What do you do if the engine fails at 500 ft AGL on climbout?
• What is the recommended action for engine failure in the circuit? (Mayday call, land ahead or within 30° either side if insufficient height to return)

Your instructor's exact drills will reflect the aircraft type and your aerodrome. Know them cold — this is not the topic to improvise on.

5. Radio phraseology

For a non-towered aerodrome, you need to know:

• When and how to make a taxi call
• The format for a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) broadcast at each circuit position
• How to report your intentions on entering the circuit
• What to say in a Mayday call

The standard format is: aircraft type and registration, location name, position, altitude, intentions. For example: "Cessna 172, Bankstown traffic, turning downwind runway 11 right, touch and go, Bankstown."

6. Local area rules

Your instructor will test you on the specific rules that apply at your aerodrome and training area:

• What are the local NOTAM procedures?
• Are there noise-sensitive areas to avoid?
• What is the inbound reporting point for your aerodrome?
• What airspace classes exist in your training area and what are the entry requirements?

These questions are specific to your school and training environment, so ask your instructor for the relevant documentation early in your training — don't leave it until the week before your pre-solo check.

How to prepare

The pre-solo test is not designed to trip you up — it's designed to make sure you're safe. Here's how to prepare:

1. Ask your instructor for the school's pre-solo checklist — most schools have a standard document. Review it early, not the night before.
2. Study the VFR flight rules — CASR Part 91 is the primary source. Your ground school materials or the VFRG will have the key rules in accessible form.
3. Memorise circuit procedures — draw the circuit from memory, including altitudes and radio call positions, until you can do it without looking.
4. Practise the emergency drills verbally — out loud, in sequence, until they're automatic.
5. Do CASA theory practice questions — especially in air law and VFR. The pre-solo knowledge overlaps heavily with the CASA theory exam topics, so practising theory questions also prepares you for the pre-solo assessment.

Can you fail the pre-solo test?

Yes — your instructor will not let you solo if you cannot answer critical safety questions correctly. But this is not a formal CASA failure. Your instructor will identify the gaps, have you go away and study, and retest when you're ready. Most students who are actively studying pass on their first or second attempt.

If you find yourself repeatedly struggling with the knowledge component, it may be worth stepping back and doing a focused week of ground study before your next pre-solo check. Rushing the solo before you're ready is counter-productive.

Start practising now

The knowledge required for your pre-solo test is the same knowledge tested in the CASA RPL theory exam. Getting ahead on your theory now — before your first solo — means you'll be better prepared for both. The Pilot Exam offers 1,000+ CASA-style practice questions across all RPL theory topics, including air law, VFR, and procedures. Start free, no credit card required.