PSTAR
Student Pilot Permit Exam (PSTAR): Format, Pass Mark and Exam Day
The written exam you sit before your first solo — Student Pilot Permit, Aviation Regulations.
| Questions | 50 |
|---|---|
| Time allowed | No time limit stated in the guide |
| Pass mark | 90% |
| Scored by subject area | No — a single mark |
Source: Transport Canada TP 11919E — Seventh Edition, December 2022. Verified 19 September 2026.
How it is scored
The PSTAR carries a single mark of 90%. Transport Canada's guide does not divide it into mandatory subject areas, so there is no partial pass — one result against the pass mark.
What it covers
- Collision Avoidance
- Visual Signals
- Communications
- Aerodromes
- Equipment
- Pilot Responsibilities
- Wake Turbulence
- Aeromedical
- Flight Plans and Flight Itineraries
- Clearances and Instructions
- Aircraft Operations
- Regulations – Canadian Airspace
- Controlled Airspace
- Aviation Occurrences
Booking and exam day
- Where to write
At a flight training unit that Transport Canada has authorized to give the PSTAR, or at a Transport Canada Regional office.
TP 11919E, introduction
- Photo ID and medical
Photo identification "bearing the signature and photograph of the candidate", and proof of medical fitness: for a Student Pilot Permit — Aeroplane, a Civil Aviation Medical Declaration (Form 26-0297) or a Medical Certificate.
Standard 421.13(1)(a)–(b), (2)
- Marking
You need 90%. A flight training unit corrects your paper to 100% and makes sure you review every weak area; at a Transport Canada facility, a feedback letter keyed to the study guide does the same.
Standard 421.19(2)(d)(iii)–(iv)
- Rewriting
No waiting period: you may rewrite "at any time after the person has received notice of the failure and has reviewed their weak knowledge areas".
CARs 400.04(2)
- 24-month limit
None for a Student Pilot Permit: the 24-month limit on written exams does not apply to exams required for one.
CARs 400.03(2)(a)
Checked against the CARs, Standard 421 and Transport Canada on 4 October 2026.
Topics on the PSTAR, explained
- VFR Weather Minima in CanadaCARs 602.114–602.117
- Light Gun Signals in CanadaTC AIM RAC 4.2.11 and 4.4.7
- VFR Cruising Altitudes in CanadaCARs 602.34
- VFR Fuel Requirements in CanadaCARs 602.88
- Joining the Circuit: Uncontrolled AerodromesCARs 602.96 and 602.97–602.102; TC AIM RAC 4.5.2
- Canadian Airspace Classes A to G ExplainedCARs 601.02–601.09; TC AIM RAC 2.8
- Right of Way Rules for Aircraft in CanadaCARs 602.19
Common questions
What is the PSTAR pass mark?
90%. On a 50-question exam that means you can miss five questions. Transport Canada's guide states the pass mark is 90%.
Are the PSTAR questions published in advance?
Yes. TP 11919E contains the question bank the exam draws from — roughly 200 questions across 14 sections — and your 50 questions are selected from it. Transport Canada also publishes the answer key (December 2022). It gives only the number of each correct option, so most candidates work through the questions with explanations. Every TC Exam Prep key agrees with Transport Canada's; the explanations are ours.
Transport Canada PSTAR answer key (PDF)Is the PSTAR timed?
The study and reference guide does not state a time limit. Whoever administers it (your flight training unit or a Transport Canada Regional office) can confirm the arrangements.
Where do I write the PSTAR, and what do I bring?
At a flight training unit authorized by Transport Canada to give it, or at a Transport Canada Regional office (TP 11919E). Bring photo identification and proof of medical fitness; for a Student Pilot Permit — Aeroplane, a Civil Aviation Medical Declaration is accepted (Standard 421.13(1)(b), (2)).
What happens if I fail the PSTAR?
It is reviewed with an instructor and rewritten — with no waiting period once you have received notice of the failure and reviewed your weak knowledge areas (CARs 400.04(2)). Because the questions come from a published bank, the usual advice is to keep working the bank until you are consistently at 100%, not 90%.
Practise the PSTAR the way it is scored
The Student Pilot Permit course (free with an account) has 5 chapters of notes cited to the CARs and TC AIM, and 3 full-length mock exams.
Other exam guides
TC Exam Prep is independent and not affiliated with Transport Canada. Specifications are quoted from the study and reference guide linked above and were correct on 19 September 2026 — confirm current details with your flight training unit before booking.