The virtual world of Los Santos is full of not only criminal showdowns, but also unique opportunities to test your driving, aerobatics and shooting skills. One such way is Skill Test (Skill Test), which is a series of five tests scattered throughout the game map. After completing them all, the player receives a permanent salary bonus for each completed mission, making this mode one of the most useful for long-term play.
Many newcomers are not even aware of the existence of this function or do not understand how to access it, since it is not displayed on the main map with the usual icon. Grand Theft Auto Online hides the entrance to this mode behind certain conditions, the fulfillment of which requires an understanding of the game mechanics. In this article, we'll walk you through every step, from finding your starting point to completing the final test on the jet.
The main goal of the Skill Test is to demonstrate mastery of various types of vehicles and weapons. Successful completion of all stages not only gives bragging rights, but also provides tangible financial benefits. The maximum bonus is 20% of salary, which in terms of hundreds of missions played turns into millions of gaming dollars.
What is Skill Test and why is it needed?
Skill Test is a hidden mode in GTA Online consisting of five consecutive challenges. Each of them tests a specific skill: driving a motorcycle, flying a helicopter, shooting, piloting an airplane and parkour. The main feature is that the results are summed up, and only complete completion of all five stages gives access to the maximum reward.
Why should players waste time on these tests? First of all, it is a matter of prestige and efficiency. Salary bonus Affects most co-op missions, contact missions, and even some Free Roam activities. This is passive income that you receive simply for playing if you have ever devoted time to training.
In addition, passing the test allows you to unlock special achievements and trophies on consoles. This is a great way to diversify the gameplay when the main plots are completed, but money is constantly needed. It is important to understand that tests can be completed in a single session, which eliminates the need for other players.
⚠️ Warning: If you interrupt a series of challenges or exit the game between stages, your progress may be reset. It is recommended to complete all five tests in one gaming session.
How to find and run your first challenge
The entrance to Skill Test mode is not on the map, but through the interaction menu. To get started, you need to open the menu Interaction Menu (usually the M key on PC or the View/Touchpad button on consoles). Next you should go to the section Blaze It or Burn it, which is a reference to Trevor Phillips' famous line.
However, the option will only become available after you find the starting point. The first test is a motorcycle track located at Los Santos Airport (LSIA). You need to drive to the yellow launch area, which is located on the runway or next to the hangar, depending on map updates.
Once the point is activated, the countdown will begin. Your task is to drive the track at speed, knocking down checkpoints and avoiding collisions. Motorcycles are provided by the game; you cannot use your own transport. Success depends on the ability to maintain balance and choose the right trajectory when turning.
- 🏍️ Test 1: Motorcycle track at the airport.
- 🚁 Test 2: Helicopter flight through the rings.
- 🔫 Test 3: Shooting at targets in a shooting range.
- ✈️ Challenge 4: Piloting a jet.
- 🏃 Test 5: Parkour on the roofs of skyscrapers.
After successfully completing the first stage, the game will automatically take you to the next location or give you coordinates for the next step. Watch the notifications in the upper left corner of the screen, they will inform you about the result of the attempt.
Passing aviation tests: helicopter and airplane
The second and fourth tests require piloting skills. For helicopter (Buckingham Swift or equivalent) the key point is smooth control. You need to fly through a series of rings scattered over the city and mountains. Sudden movements here are disastrous, since the inertia of the helicopter can lead to a collision with the ring and loss of time.
The fourth test is a flight in a jet aircraft (usually P-996 Lazer or Volatol). This requires not only speed, but also the ability to perform high-speed maneuvers. The route runs over the ocean and through canyons. Passing speed is critical here, but not at the expense of accuracy.
For those who are new to aviation in GTA 5, it is recommended to first practice in free mode. Try to fly similar routes to understand the physics of flight and how thrust works. You will have a limited number of attempts or time on the test, so improvising may cost you failure.
Use third-person view for a better view of the rings, but switch to cockpit view (V or right stick) to judge the speed and alignment of the plane before narrow passages.
Pay special attention to landing at the end of the aviation stages. Often players successfully complete the course, but crash upon landing, invalidating the result. Reduce speed in advance and use drogue chutes or reverse thrust if the vehicle model allows it.
Shooting test and parkour: accuracy and reaction
The third test takes place at the shooting range, where you have to shoot at the targets that appear. What is important here is not only reaction speed, but also the ability to predict the appearance of targets. The weapons issued are standard, most often a pistol or an automatic rifle. Firing accuracy affects the final time, since misses are not counted and the targets disappear.
The fifth and final test is parkour on the roofs of buildings. You need to run, jump and climb, overcoming obstacles against the clock. The route winds through the city center, often including narrow beams and jumps between the roofs of skyscrapers. Falling from a height means instant failure of the stage.
Unlike racing, there is no transport and everything depends on your coordination. The character can cling to edges, pull himself up and dash.
| Test | Type of transport | Key Skill | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Motorcycle | Balance and speed | Average |
| Stage 2 | Helicopter | Smooth control | High |
| Stage 3 | Weapons | Reaction | Low |
| Stage 4 | airplane | Speed and maneuvers | Very high |
| Stage 5 | Parkour | Coordination | Average |
After passing the fifth stage, you will receive a notification about the completion of the Skill Test. The salary bonus will be activated automatically and will be valid in all future online sessions. You can check the status in the character's statistics.
☑️ Checklist before the start of the Skill Test
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many players fail due to simple mistakes that can be easily avoided. One of the most common problems is underestimating the complexity of aviation stages. Trying to pass them “at a glance”, without understanding the mechanics of flight, is a sure way to disappointment.
Another mistake is ignoring preparation. Make sure you have enough time before starting the test series. If you get interrupted mid-playthrough, you'll have to start over or accept the loss of your progress. It's also worth turning off notifications if they might be distracting.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to use modifications or cheats to pass the test. Rockstar's anti-cheat system may consider this a violation, which will lead to account blocking or progress reset.
Players often forget that momentum can be used in a parkour challenge. A running jump is always further than a standing jump. Take this into account when planning your trajectory on rooftops. In aviation, on the contrary, inertia must be extinguished in advance before turning.
Expert tips for a perfect passage
Experienced players recommend starting training with the most difficult stages for you in free mode. If you are not good at flying helicopters, spend an hour in the sky practicing passages through narrow gorges. This is muscle memory, which will be useful in the test.
Use correct control technique. For helicopters and airplanes on PC, using a keyboard and mouse or gamepad is optimal, as analog sticks provide smoother thrust control than number keys. On consoles, adjust the stick sensitivity in the game settings.
Secret motorcycle trick
In the first motorcycle test, if you crash into a barrier but don't fall, you can sometimes jerk the camera sharply and press the boost button to "jump" out of the stuck position, although this does not always work and is considered a physics bug.
Don't strive for record speed at the expense of safety. It is better to go through the route a little slower, but cleanly, without collisions or falls. In a Skill Test, penalties for mistakes often exceed the gain from a couple of seconds of head start.
The main secret of success is composure. Panic at the sight of a narrow flight or a difficult jump leads to mistakes. Breathe evenly and focus on the current section of the route, not the finish line.
Remember that after an unsuccessful attempt, you can immediately restart the test. Don't be afraid to experiment with trajectories until you find your sweet spot. Perseverance and practice are the key to the 20% bonus.
Is it possible to pass the Skill Test in a single game (Story Mode)?
No, Skill Test is only available in GTA Online mode. In the story campaign of Michael, Franklin and Trevor, this function is not provided, since the salary bonus relates to the economy of the online character.
What happens if I fail one of the five tests?
You will not receive the full 20% bonus. The system evaluates the overall result. However, in order to activate the maximum bonus and corresponding achievements, you must successfully complete all five stages in one series.
Does the salary bonus last forever?
Yes, once you receive a salary bonus for passing a Skill Test, it is assigned to your character forever. It will be valid for all future missions where a fee is paid.
Where exactly is the start of the first test?
The launch is located at Los Santos International Airport (LSIA). More precisely, on the runway, closer to the hangars. Look for a yellow glowing area on your radar or map.
Can I take the test with friends?
Formally, the test is designed for one player. Friends can attend the session, but only you will participate in the race or flight. Help from other players (for example, ramming competitors) is not provided in this mode and may lead to disqualification.