CARs Regulatory Exam Deep Dive — What's Tested on the Transport Canada CARs Exam

What Is the CARs Exam?

The CARs exam is the mandatory written test on Canada's aviation regulations, required for all Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence applicants under Transport Canada's TP14038E syllabus. It is almost always the first exam candidates take in their licensing journey because regulatory knowledge forms the foundation for everything else you will learn.

There are approximately 50 multiple-choice questions, and you have 90 minutes to complete them. The passing score is 70% (35 out of 50). You can retake the exam after 30 days if you do not pass. The exam is administered at Transport Canada-approved testing centres across Canada and is available in both English and French.

The exam covers specific Parts of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), which are organized numerically. Not every Part of the CARs is tested — the TP14038E syllabus defines a focused scope. Understanding exactly which Parts are included and, just as importantly, which subparts within those Parts attract the most questions, is the key to efficient study.

For a broader overview of how the CARs exam fits into the full AME licensing picture, including exam format details and general study advice, read our CARs exam guide. This deep dive goes further, providing granular detail on every tested CARs Part, exact regulation references, and advanced question-type analysis.

CARs Parts Tested on the Exam

Transport Canada's TP14038E syllabus specifies that the CARs exam draws from Parts I, II, V, VI, and VII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Each Part carries a different weight on the exam, and within each Part, specific subparts and sections are tested more frequently than others. Here is the complete breakdown.

Part I — General Provisions (CARs 101–105)

Part I establishes the legal foundation for the entire regulatory framework. It covers definitions, applicability, interpretation rules, and the administrative structure of the CARs. While it represents a relatively small portion of the exam (approximately 8–12% of questions), Part I knowledge is essential because many questions in other Parts depend on precise understanding of definitions established here.

Key sections tested:

• CAR 101.01 — Definitions and interpretation. This is arguably the most important single section in Part I. Terms like "aircraft maintenance", "major repair", "major modification", "standard", "airworthiness", and "maintenance release" are defined here. Exam questions frequently test whether you know the precise legal definition versus a general understanding. For example, the distinction between a "repair" and a "modification" under the CARs has specific regulatory implications for documentation and approval requirements.
• CAR 101.03 — Application of the regulations. This section specifies who must comply with each Part and under what circumstances. Questions may test whether a particular regulation applies to a specific type of operation or aircraft category.
• CAR 103 — Prohibitions and offences. This section covers the legal consequences of contravening the regulations, including fines, licence suspension, and other enforcement actions. Candidates should understand the distinction between strict liability offences and those requiring proof of intent.
• CAR 104 — Ministerial powers including exemptions, equivalencies, and authorizations. Questions may test your understanding of when Transport Canada can grant an exemption from a regulatory requirement and what conditions must be met.

Study tip for Part I: Create a flashcard deck of CAR 101.01 definitions. Focus on terms that appear commonly in maintenance contexts — "maintenance," "repair," "modification," "overhaul," "inspection," "servicing," and "standard." The exam often asks you to identify the correct regulatory definition of a term used in a maintenance scenario.

Part II — Aircraft Identification, Registration, and Leasing (CARs 202–206)

Part II covers the regulatory requirements for how aircraft are identified, registered, and leased in Canada. This Part typically accounts for 8–12% of exam questions. While not as heavily weighted as Part V, the questions here tend to be straightforward recall-based questions that can earn you easy marks if you have done the preparation.

Key sections tested:

• CAR 202 — Aircraft registration and certification of registration. You need to know the requirements for registering an aircraft in Canada, including who can apply, what documentation is required, and the circumstances under which registration can be cancelled. Questions often ask about the Certificate of Registration — where it must be carried, how it is transferred, and what information it must contain.
• CAR 202.32 — Identification plates and markings. This section specifies where and how the registration marks must be displayed on different types of aircraft. Questions may test the correct placement, size, and format of registration marks on fixed-wing aircraft versus helicopters.
• CAR 202.35 — Nationality and registration marks. The format of Canadian registration marks (C–FAAA to C–FZZZ, C–GAAA to C–GZZZ, and C–IAAA to C–IZZZ) and the restrictions on certain letter combinations.
• CAR 205 — Aircraft leasing. This section defines the responsibilities of lessors and lessees regarding maintenance. A common exam scenario presents a leasing arrangement and asks who is responsible for ensuring the aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition. The answer depends on whether it is a dry lease or a wet lease, and whether the lessee is the registered owner or the operator.
• CAR 206 — Sale and leaseback. The regulatory treatment of sale-and-leaseback transactions, including how they affect registration and operational control.

Study tip for Part II: Focus on the distinction between dry leases and wet leases for maintenance responsibility questions. Draw a simple decision tree: who is the registered owner? Who is the operator? What type of lease agreement exists? Practice this flow until it is automatic.

Part V — Airworthiness (CARs 501–593) — The Big One

Part V is the heart of the CARs exam. By Transport Canada's own syllabus weighting, Part V accounts for approximately 40–50% of exam questions. If you master Part V, you are more than halfway to passing the exam. Part V covers the entire airworthiness lifecycle of a Canadian aircraft — from type certification through manufacturing, maintenance, modification, and ultimately decommissioning.

Key subparts within Part V:

CARs 501 — Application and Definitions

The gateway to Part V. CAR 501.01 establishes which aircraft are subject to Part V requirements. It also defines terms specific to airworthiness, including "airworthiness directive", "type certificate", "supplemental type certificate", and "airworthiness limitation". Make sure you understand the distinction between a "type certificate" held by the aircraft manufacturer and a "supplemental type certificate" (STC) held by a modifier.

CARs 505 — Design Approval

Covers the approval of designs, including type designs, design changes, and repairs. This section introduces the concept of "delegated authority" — Transport Canada can delegate certain design approval functions to qualified organizations. Questions may ask about the difference between a major change in type design and a minor change, and which requires formal approval.

CARs 507 — Production Approvals

This section covers the manufacturing side of airworthiness — production approval holders, production of prototypes, and the conditions under which an aircraft or component can be considered "produced" in accordance with an approved design. Questions tend to focus on when a production approval is required versus when a manufacturer can produce under a type certificate holder's authorization.

CARs 571 — Maintenance and Maintenance Releases (Most Tested Section)

This is the single most heavily tested section in the entire CARs exam. CAR 571 covers the standards for performing maintenance, the different categories of maintenance (line maintenance, base maintenance, component maintenance), and the requirements for signing maintenance releases. Expect multiple questions from this section.

Critical areas within CARs 571:

• 571.02 — Maintenance standards. This establishes that all maintenance must be performed in accordance with the applicable standards (Standard 571). Questions test whether you know that the standard is the detailed "how-to" while the regulation is the legal "must."
• 571.03 — Who may perform maintenance. Defines the categories of persons authorized to perform maintenance — licensed AMEs, apprentice AMEs under supervision, and AMO personnel. The conditions and limitations of each category are frequently tested.
• 571.04 — Maintenance releases. The legal requirements for certifying that maintenance has been completed. Questions test your knowledge of who can sign a maintenance release, when it must be signed, and what information it must contain. The concept of "elevated" maintenance release authority — where certain conditions allow a higher category of certification — is a common exam topic.
• 571.06 — Maintenance of components. Covers the requirements for maintaining aircraft components separately from the aircraft itself. Includes the component log book requirements and the tracing of components through the maintenance process.
• 571.07 — Maintenance of aeronautical products other than aircraft. This covers engines, propellers, and appliances — each of which has specific maintenance and release requirements that differ from aircraft-level maintenance.

CARs 573 — Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs)

CAR 573 is the second most tested section within Part V. It establishes the legal framework for organizations that perform maintenance on behalf of others. Key concepts include the AMO certificate (its scope, conditions, and limitations), the quality assurance program requirements, the role of the accountable manager, and the personnel qualification requirements. Questions often ask about the relationship between an AMO's approved scope of work and the actual maintenance it is permitted to perform.

CARs 583 — Maintenance Schedules

This section governs how aircraft maintenance schedules are developed, approved, and followed. Questions test your understanding of the difference between manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules and operator-developed schedules, the role of the Reliability Program, and the requirements for Schedule 1 vs Schedule 2 aircraft. This section also covers the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and Configuration Deviation List (CDL) frameworks.

CARs 591 — Service Difficulty Reporting

Covers the mandatory reporting requirements for service difficulties — defects, malfunctions, or failures that affect or could affect the continued airworthiness of an aircraft. Questions test what constitutes a reportable service difficulty, who must report it, and the time frame for reporting. The distinction between a "service difficulty report" and a "service difficulty advisory" is a common question.

CARs 593 — Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

Airworthiness Directives are mandatory notices issued by Transport Canada when an unsafe condition exists in an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance. This section covers how ADs are issued, how they must be complied with, how compliance is recorded, and the consequences of non-compliance. Questions test the difference between "AD Note" (informational), "AD" (mandatory), and the requirement to record AD compliance in the journey log or technical record. Know the difference between recurring ADs (which must be complied with at specified intervals) and one-time ADs.

Study tip for Part V: This Part deserves the majority of your study time. Create a study grid with five columns — Regulation Number, Title, Key Requirements, Who It Applies To, and Common Exam Angles. Fill this grid for CARs 501, 505, 507, 521, 523, 525, 527, 529, 533, 539, 541, 543, 551, 561, 563, 571, 573, 583, 591, and 593. Test yourself by covering the columns and trying to recall each element from memory.

Part VI — General Operating and Flight Rules (CARs 600 Series)

Part VI covers the rules that govern flight operations in Canada. While this Part is primarily aimed at pilots and operators, specific sections are directly relevant to AMEs, particularly those dealing with equipment requirements and the MEL/CDL provisions. Part VI accounts for approximately 12–15% of exam questions.

Key sections tested:

• CAR 604 — Commuter operations. Covers the operating rules for commuter aircraft (typically multi-engine turbine aircraft with 9–19 passenger seats). Includes maintenance requirements specific to commuter operations, including the maintenance control system, minimum equipment lists, and deferred defect procedures. Questions often ask how commuter maintenance rules differ from other categories of operation.
• CAR 605 — Aircraft requirements for flight. This is the most important section in Part VI for AMEs. It specifies what equipment must be carried on board an aircraft for flight, the conditions under which that equipment is required, and the exemptions or alternatives permitted. Questions frequently test the difference between day VFR, night VFR, and IFR equipment requirements. You should know the specific CAR 605.xx references for each equipment category — for example, CAR 605.14 covers emergency locator transmitters (ELTs), and CAR 605.16 covers survival equipment for extended overwater flights.
• CAR 606 — Minimum Equipment List and Configuration Deviation List. The MEL and CDL frameworks are tested regularly. Know the difference — MEL covers inoperative equipment (items that can be inoperative for flight under specific conditions), while CDL covers missing or non-standard external components (like fairings, cowlings, or access panels). Questions test your understanding of who can authorize deferrals, how MEL items are categorized (Category A, B, C, D — with different repair intervals), and what documentation must be carried on board.

Study tip for Part VI: The MEL/CDL distinction is one of the most frequently tested topics from this Part. Create a comparison table showing: purpose, scope, who prepares it, approval authority, deferral categories, documentation requirements, and relationship to the maintenance control system. Be able to explain, for example, why a missing engine cowling might be handled under the CDL while an inoperative autopilot would be handled under the MEL.

Part VII — Commercial Air Services (CARs 700 Series)

Part VII covers the commercial operation of aircraft in Canada, including air taxi operations, commuter operations, and airline operations. For AMEs, the most relevant sections are those that establish the maintenance requirements for commercial operators — and in particular, the requirements for Approved Maintenance Organizations. Part VII typically accounts for 10–12% of exam questions.

Key sections tested:

• CAR 706 — Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs) under Part VII. While CAR 573 establishes the basic AMO framework from an airworthiness perspective, CAR 706 adds commercial-specific requirements for AMOs that maintain aircraft for air operators. Questions test the relationship between the air operator certificate (AOC) holder and its contracted AMO, the maintenance control manual requirements, and the responsibility for continuing airworthiness management.
• CAR 706.04 — Maintenance Control System. This is a critical section that defines the system through which an air operator ensures its aircraft are maintained in an airworthy condition. Questions test the elements of a maintenance control system, the role of the person responsible for maintenance (PRM), and how the system interfaces with the AMO.
• CAR 706.05 — Continuing Airworthiness Management. Covers the ongoing process of monitoring and maintaining airworthiness throughout the operational life of the aircraft. Includes the requirements for the Technical Records System, the Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS), and the Reliability Program.
• CAR 706.06 — Defect deferral and minimum equipment list procedures specific to commercial operations. While CAR 606 covers the general MEL/CDL framework, CAR 706.06 adds commercial-specific requirements for how defects are tracked, deferred, and rectified within a commercial maintenance operation.

Study tip for Part VII: Focus on understanding the hierarchy of responsibility: the air operator (AOC holder) retains ultimate responsibility for airworthiness, even when maintenance is contracted to an AMO. The "person responsible for maintenance" (PRM) is the key figure who bridges the operator and the AMO. Questions often test this chain of responsibility in commercial scenarios.

Most Tested Subsections Summary

Based on Transport Canada's TP14038E syllabus and extensive candidate feedback, here is a ranked list of the most frequently tested specific sections on the CARs exam:

1. CAR 571.02 – 571.04 (Maintenance standards, who may perform maintenance, maintenance releases) — consistently the most heavily tested cluster
2. CAR 573 (Approved Maintenance Organizations) — especially quality assurance and scope of work
3. CAR 593 (Airworthiness Directives) — compliance recording and AD vs AD Note distinction
4. CAR 606 / 706.06 (MEL and CDL provisions) — deferral categories and documentation
5. CAR 101.01 (Definitions) — foundational to many scenario questions
6. CAR 605 (Aircraft equipment requirements) — day VFR vs night VFR vs IFR
7. CAR 583 (Maintenance schedules) — schedule development and approval
8. CAR 202 (Aircraft registration) — registration process and requirements
9. CAR 591 (Service difficulty reporting) — what to report and when
10. CAR 706.04 – 706.05 (Maintenance control and continuing airworthiness) — commercial operations context

If you master these ten sections, you will have covered the vast majority of what appears on the exam.

Common Question Types

CARs exam questions fall into three broad categories. Understanding the format of each type will help you approach them strategically on exam day.

1. Direct Regulation Questions

These questions ask you to recall a specific regulation number, definition, or requirement. They are the most straightforward type and test your ability to remember exact CARs references.

Example: "Under CAR 571, which of the following is required on every maintenance release?"

These are "easy marks" if you have done the memorization work. The key is not just knowing the regulation number but understanding what it actually requires. Multiple-choice options for direct questions often include plausible-but-wrong regulation numbers from the same Part.

2. Scenario-Based Questions

These questions describe a real-world maintenance scenario and ask you to identify the correct regulatory response. They are the most challenging question type because they require you to synthesize knowledge from multiple CARs Parts and apply it to a specific situation.

Example: "A technician discovers a fatigue crack in a wing spar during a scheduled inspection. The aircraft is operated under Part VII by an air taxi operator with an approved maintenance control system. The aircraft has an approved MEL. What is the correct sequence of actions under the CARs?"

Scenario questions test your ability to navigate the regulatory framework — not just book knowledge. They require you to determine which regulations apply, in what order, and what documentation or approvals are needed. The best preparation for these questions is working through as many practice scenarios as possible.

3. Classification Questions

These questions ask you to classify a maintenance action or situation into the correct regulatory category. They test your understanding of definitions and the boundaries between regulatory concepts.

Example: "Replacing an engine on an aircraft that is not designed for quick engine change (QEC) is classified as what type of maintenance under CAR 571?"

Classification questions require precise knowledge of CAR definitions. The same action might be classified differently depending on the context — for example, servicing a landing gear strut by adding nitrogen is "servicing" (not maintenance), but replacing the strut seal is a "repair" (which is maintenance). These nuances are exactly what classification questions test.

Exam strategy tip: When you encounter a scenario question, read the question first (before the scenario), then read the scenario with the question in mind. This helps you focus on what is relevant in the scenario and filter out extraneous details that might be included as distractors.

Study Tips for the CARs Exam

The CARs exam rewards a specific type of study approach that differs from the technical AME exams. Here are the strategies that consistently produce the best results:

1. Read the Actual CARs Text

Do not rely solely on third-party summaries, study guides, or condensed notes. Transport Canada drafts exam questions directly from the regulatory text, and the precise wording matters. A summary might say "maintenance releases must be signed," but the actual regulation specifies when, by whom, and in what form — and those details are what the exam tests. Download the CARs from the Transport Canada website (they are available as a consolidated PDF) and read the relevant sections directly.

2. Use the TP14038E Syllabus as Your Checklist

The official TP14038E syllabus document lists every learning objective for the CARs exam. Print it out and use it as a checklist. For each learning objective, ask yourself: "Can I explain this to a fellow apprentice without looking at the book?" If you cannot, you have not fully mastered that objective. The syllabus is publicly available on the Transport Canada website and is the single most authoritative study resource.

3. Practice with Realistic Mock Exams

The best predictor of exam performance is practice test performance. Take timed mock exams under realistic conditions — 50 questions in 90 minutes, no notes, no interruptions. After each mock exam, review every question you got wrong and every question you guessed on. Understand why the correct answer is correct and why each distractor is wrong. This analysis is far more valuable than the raw score.

4. Create a Regulation Number Mnemonic System

The exam requires you to know specific regulation numbers (e.g., CAR 571.04 for maintenance releases, CAR 593.02 for airworthiness directive compliance). Create mnemonics or association systems to lock these numbers in memory. For example: "571 = maintenance release (think: '5-7-1 = Sign Maintenance Paperwork')." The more absurd or memorable the association, the better it sticks in exam conditions.

5. Study the Interconnections Between Parts

The CARs are not isolated silos — they form an interconnected framework. For example, CAR 573 (AMOs) references CAR 571 (maintenance standards), which in turn references Standard 571 (the detailed procedures). Understanding how these layers connect is what separates passing scores from high scores. Draw connection diagrams showing how regulations reference each other and how they flow from the enabling legislation (Aeronautics Act) down to the detailed standards.

For more advanced study strategies, including time management techniques and the most common mistakes candidates make, see our complete AME exam study guide.

Sample CARs Exam Question

Here is one realistic CARs-style question similar to what you will see on the actual Transport Canada exam. Try to answer it before revealing the answer below.

Want more practice questions like this? Try our free AME practice questions — 10 realistic questions covering CARs, Standards 571, Airframe, Powerplant, and Electronics, with the same reveal answer format. No signup required.

How Sky Licence Prepares You for the CARs Exam

Sky Licence was built specifically to address the unique challenges of the CARs exam. Our platform combines AI-powered adaptive learning with a question bank designed specifically for the Transport Canada CARs exam syllabus. Here is how it works:

• Adaptive difficulty — The AI identifies your weak areas across all tested CARs Parts and generates targeted questions to strengthen them. If you consistently miss questions about CAR 571.04, the system will give you more scenarios from that section until your performance improves.
• Detailed explanations — Every practice question includes a full explanation of why the correct answer is correct and why each distractor is wrong, with direct CARs references. This transforms every practice session into a learning opportunity.
• Realistic exam simulation — Our timed exam mode replicates the actual CARs exam conditions: 50 questions, 90 minutes, with the same mix of direct, scenario-based, and classification questions. This builds both knowledge and test-day confidence.
• Progress tracking — See your performance broken down by CARs Part, by question type, and by individual regulation section. Know exactly where you stand and what you need to review next.
• Mobile-friendly — Study on the go. Our platform works on any device, so you can practice during commute breaks, lunch hours, or whenever you have a few minutes.

The Sky Licence CARs module is aligned specifically with the TP14038E syllabus and covers every regulation section discussed in this deep dive — from CAR 101.01 definitions to CAR 706.06 commercial maintenance control requirements.

Start your CARs exam preparation with Sky Licence today →

Putting It All Together: Your CARs Study Plan

Here is a suggested 6-week study plan based on the breakdown above:

• Week 1: Part I — General Provisions. Master definitions (CAR 101.01). Create your definition flashcards. Take a baseline practice test to identify initial strengths and weaknesses.
• Week 2: Part II — Aircraft Identification, Registration, and Leasing. Focus on registration requirements and lease obligations. Begin Part V overview — read CARs 501–551 for context.
• Week 3: Part V Deep Dive I — CARs 571 and 573. This is your most important week. Spend at least 10 hours on maintenance releases, AMO requirements, and the interaction between them.
• Week 4: Part V Deep Dive II — CARs 583, 591, and 593. Maintenance schedules, service difficulty reporting, and airworthiness directives. Take a full-length practice test to assess progress.
• Week 5: Part VI and Part VII — General Operating Rules, MEL/CDL, and Commercial Air Services. Focus on the maintenance-relevant sections. Review your practice test results from Week 4 and target weak areas.
• Week 6: Full integration and review. Take 2–3 full-length timed mock exams. Review every mistake. Drill your weakest regulation sections. Focus on scenario-based questions.

For a complete overview of all five AME written exams and how the CARs exam fits into the broader licensing process, read our AME exam structure guide. And to understand the full apprenticeship and licensing pathway from start to finish, see our AME apprentice guide.

Frequently Asked Questions