GTA 5 Online: how to pass skill tests and earn more money

Grand Theft Auto Online continues to be one of the most popular multiplayer games where the ability to drive vehicles directly affects success. Skill tests (or skills tests) are mini-tasks that test your driving, shooting, agility, and other aspects of gameplay. Passing them with a high score means not only proving your skills, but also receiving bonus money (up to $50,000 per test) and unlocking unique features, for example, participation in premium races.

In this guide, we will look at all the nuances: from choosing the optimal transport to tactics for passing each type of test. You'll learn how to get around common beginner mistakes, which bugs you can use to your advantage (legally!), and why some tests are best taken alone rather than in a public lobby. The material is relevant for GTA Online on PC, PlayStation 5/4 and Xbox Series X/S|One in 2026.

What are skill tests in GTA 5 Online and why are they needed?

Skill tests are special tests that evaluate your skills in five categories:

• 🚗 Driving - driving cars, motorcycles, bicycles and even airplanes.
• 🎯 Shooting - accuracy, reaction speed and ability to use different weapons.
• 🏃 Endurance - running, jumping, climbing and other physical activities.
• 🕵️ Stealth — the ability to remain unnoticed (relevant for infiltration missions).
• 🎮 Flight skills — control of helicopters and airplanes.

Each test is scored according to 100 point scale. The higher the result, the more money you will receive. For example, passing a test for 90+ points brings $50,000, and 50-70 points - total $10,000-20,000. In addition, high scores provide access to:

• 🏆 Premium racing (where the prize pool is 2-3 times higher).
• 🔓 Special missions from Lester or Agent 14.
• 🛒 Discounts in Warstock Cache & Carry or Elitas Travel.

⚠️ Attention: Test results are reset when changing characters or after major game updates (for example, after the release GTA 6 A complete reset of statistics is expected). Test your menu skills regularly Stats → Skills.

How to start a skill test: step-by-step instructions

There are two ways to run the test:

1. Via interaction menu (click M on PC or hold Touchpad/View on consoles) → select Skills → Start Test.
2. Via phone contact: call Lamar and select the option "Skills Training".

Before starting, make sure that:

You have enough money for vehicle insurance (minimum $10,000)

You are not in Passive mode (turn it off in the interaction menu)

Your vehicle is fueled and repaired (if the test is related to driving)

You are not participating in another mission or event -->

After starting the test, you will find yourself in a special location (for example, LSIA for flight tests or Vespucci Beach for shooting). You will have 3 attemptsto show the best result. If you leave the test area or die, the attempt will be counted as failed.

Tactics for passing driving tests

Driving tests are divided into 3 types:

1. Checkpoint racing — you need to pass through checkpoints in the minimum time.
2. Drift — assessment of the ability to enter a controlled skid.
3. Control precision — driving along a narrow path without collisions.

General tips for all types:

• 🔧 Disable traffic in the test settings (if available) to avoid accidental collisions.
• 🎯 Use first person (FPP) for better control over the car.
• 🚦 Customize steering sensitivity in Settings → Controls → Steering sensitivity on 30-40% for accuracy.

Test type	Optimal transport	Key Skill	Max. points
Checkpoint race	Pfister Comet S2, Ocelot Pariah	Knowing shortcuts and braking before turns	95+
Drift	Karin Sultan RS, Annis RE-7B	Gas and steering control during skidding	90+
Control precision	Declasse Mamba (long wheelbase)	Smooth steering and minimum speed	85+

To drift use "faint drift" technique: Before entering a turn, briefly jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction, and then sharply turn in the direction of the turn, simultaneously releasing the gas. This will help you enter a skid without losing speed.

⚠️ Attention: In control accuracy tests don't use Bravado Gauntlet Hellfire or other heavy vehicles - their inertia interferes with precise maneuvers. Optimal choice: lightweight sports cars with front-wheel drive.

Secrets of shooting tests: how to score 100 points

Shooting tests evaluate:

• 🎯 Accuracy (percentage of hits).
• ⏱️ Speed (time between shots).
• 🔫 Ability to recharge without pauses.

Best weapons for testing:

• 🔥 Heavy Sniper Mk II - for distant targets (use a scope).
• 💥 Combat MG Mk II - for shooting at moving targets.
• 🎯 Pistol Mk II - for rate of fire tests.

Passing tactics:

1. Stand on closest distance to the targets (but not too close, otherwise the hits will not be counted).
2. Use automatic aiming (click L1/LB on consoles), but adjust the aim manually for accuracy.
3. For Heavy Sniper shoot only after breathing has stopped completely (when the sight narrows).

In rate of fire tests with Pistol Mk II you can use a bug: quickly switch between weapons (click Weapon Wheel → Select Gun → Shoot) resets the reload time, allowing you to shoot almost without pauses.

How to fool the system in an accuracy test?

In some tests (for example, "Target shooting against the clock") you can use Explosive Ammo (explosive cartridges). They increase the damage radius, and a hit near the target is counted as accurate. However, this method does not work in all tests and may reduce the final score for the “purity” of passing.

Flight tests: choice of equipment and routes

Flight skill tests are one of the most difficult, but also the most profitable. They are divided into:

• ✈️ Airplane control (take-off, landing, figure piloting).
• 🚁 Helicopter maneuvers (precision landing, low altitude flight).

Optimal technique:

Test type	Recommended transport	Key Tip
Figure piloting	Mammoth Avenger (for beginners), Western Rogue (for pros)	Use first person for better roll control.
Precise fit	Buckingham Luxor Deluxe	Reduce speed to 30-40 km/h before touching.
Flying at low altitude	Nagasaki Buzzard Attack Chopper	Keep your height 5-10 meters above the ground.

For fit tests:

1. Approach the runway against the wind (wind is shown as white stripes on the minimap).
2. On top 20-30 meters start slowing down to 50-60 km/h.
3. For 50 meters before touching, release the landing gear (press ↓ on D-Pad or G on PC).

⚠️ Attention: In tests on Western Rogue or P-996 LAZER don't use afterburn (L3/LMB + R2/RT) when landing - this leads to instant destruction of the equipment.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced players lose points due to mistakes:

• 🚫 Ignoring transport preparation — a dirty or damaged car loses controllability. Always have your vehicle repaired and washed before testing.
• 🎮 Incorrect control settings — too high sensitivity of the steering wheel or inversion along the Y axis interferes with accuracy.
• 🕒 Haste - In endurance or shooting tests, it is better to wait for the perfect moment to act than to rush.

How to avoid common mistakes:

• 🔧 Before your driving test, check tire pressure (in LS Customs select "Tires → Pressure: Maximum" for better grip).
• 🎯 In shooting at moving targets fire proactively - Aim slightly ahead of the target's trajectory.
• ✈️ In flight tests don't use autopilot - he automatically fails the task.

If you consistently score low on one of your tests, try:

1. Practice in free mode (for example, take off and land on LSIA no test).
2. View video guides from top players (for example, channel GTA Series Videos on YouTube).
3. Use fashion for training (only in single player mode to avoid ban!).

Bonuses and rewards for high scores

In addition to monetary rewards, high results in skill tests are given by:

• 💰 Weekly bonuses - with a higher average score 80 for all tests you get +10% to income from missions.
• 🏆 Access to elite events, for example, racing "Street Series" with prize pool in $100,000+.
• 🔓 Discounts in stores:
  • 10% in Los Santos Customs (with a score higher 90 in driving).
  • 15% in Ammu-Nation (with a score higher 85 in shooting).

High skills also affect:

• 🚗 Transport controllability — cars skid less at high speed.
• 🎯 Firing accuracy — the swing of the weapon when running is reduced.
• 🏃 Endurance — the character recovers his breath faster after a sprint.

To track your achievements, go to the menu Stats → Skills. It displays:

• Current score for each skill.
• Progress to the next level (eg 85/100 for shooting).
• History of the last 5 attempts.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about skill tests in GTA Online

Is it possible to take tests in co-op with a friend?

No, skill tests are only available in single player mode. If you try to run a test in a lobby with other players, the system will automatically switch you to a closed session.

How often can you repeat tests to farm money?

Tests can be taken no more than once every 48 minutes (in the game this is called "recovery time"). However, if you change the test type (for example, from driving to shooting), the restriction is reset.

Is there a difference in tests on PC and consoles?

Yes, on PC Controls are more precise thanks to the mouse and keyboard, especially in shooting tests. It's harder to type on consoles 100 points in flight tests due to the limited sensitivity of the sticks. However, the balance of rewards is the same.

What happens if you fail all 3 attempts?

you will lose $5,000 for each unsuccessful attempt (total $15,000), but you can repeat the test through 30 minutes. Money is debited from the account to cover “administrative costs” (according to the plot).

Is it possible to use cheats to pass tests?

Using cheats or mods instantly blocks possibility of receiving rewards for tests. In addition, Rockstar may impose a temporary ban on an account for suspicious activity (for example, passing a test for 100 points on the first try).