What happens if I fail an exam or the skills test?
Failing a ground exam or a section of the skills test is not the end of the road — both have clear resit or retest routes. The process is straightforward, and the vast majority of students who don't pass first time do so on their next attempt.
Failing a ground exam
If you don't reach 75% on a ground exam subject, you can resit it. You're allowed up to four attempts per subject in total. There's no mandatory waiting period between attempts — you can resit as soon as you're ready.
The fourth attempt on any subject requires sign-off from the Head of Training before it can be booked. If you exhaust all four attempts, you cannot resit that subject again without a formal review.
Each resit costs £55. When you receive your result immediately after the exam, your instructor can help identify the areas to focus on before trying again. Most students who fail a subject pass on the second attempt with some additional targeted study.
Remember the 18-month window: you must pass all nine subjects within 18 months of sitting your first exam. Failing a subject and needing to resit doesn't pause the clock, so it's worth being well-prepared before booking each exam.
The CAA publishes sample questions and past papers for each subject. Familiarity with the question style and the specific topics the CAA tests makes a significant difference to your result.
Failing a section of the skills test
The skills test is assessed in sections. If you perform below the required standard on a particular exercise, only that section is marked as failed — you don't need to repeat the entire test.
Before you can book a retest, you'll need additional dual training with your instructor to address the failed section, and sign-off from the Head of Training confirming you're ready. The retest covers only the section or sections that weren't passed the first time.
There's no limit on the number of skills test attempts, though each retest involves an examiner fee and additional training time. In practice, almost all students complete the test within two attempts.
If weather or other factors prevent the test from being finished after it has started, the examiner will document what was completed and a continuation flight covers the remaining sections — you don't lose credit for what was already assessed.
Keeping it in perspective
Not passing an exam or test first time is common and nothing to be alarmed about. The CAA's minimum standards are genuinely meaningful — they exist to ensure that everyone who holds a PPL has demonstrated the required level of knowledge and skill.
If you don't pass, talk to your instructor. They've seen this many times before and can give you a clear, practical plan for what to do next. With the right preparation, most students move through the resit process quickly and without significant delay to their overall timeline.