BigEndBob wrote:
Never seen the FAA equivalent but always thought they published all the questions and answer, all be it about 1200 of them.
Actually, they don't. From faa.gov:
The FAA does not publish actual knowledge test questions, in part because at least two independent studies indicate that publication of active questions could negatively affect learning and understanding, as well as undermine the validity of the knowledge test as an assessment tool.
The agency does provide sample knowledge tests on the FAA website. The questions in these sample tests are intended to help applicants understand the scope and type of knowledge that will be tested to qualify for the target certificate or rating. The goal is for applicants to devote their efforts to mastering the fundamental aeronautical knowledge necessary for safe operations in the National Airspace System (NAS) rather than to memorizing specific questions and answers.
The questions that you may have seen and studied in commercially-available materials have been developed by test preparation providers for similar reasons – that is, to enable applicants to study concepts and practice calculations specified in the 14 CFR part 61 “aeronautical knowledge” requirements for each airman certificate or rating. These are not, and should not be represented to be, “real” questions.
Regarding the UK LAPL/PPL e-exams, the training organisation, examiners and applicants will all need to register on specific CAA 'portals'. That will be free of charge. When a training organisation makes an exam booking, that will cost £10. It is up to the training organisation to decide how to pass on the cost to the applicant.