Airside Driving Centre

There are five categories of Authority to Drive Airside at Brisbane Airport, and each category represents a distinct area on the Airport that drivers will be authorised to operate within:

ADA Category 1 (Green)

For the purpose of driving on Perimeter Roads only. The perimeter road includes crossing specific taxiways Lima, Mike, Hotel-3, Hotel-4 and the ITB Apron Taxilane. Where the perimeter road crossing the taxiway/taxilane is marked, and when the driver has received training to be able to do so.

Valid for a maximum of two years.

ADA Category 2 (Orange)

For the purpose of driving on the perimeter roads and aircraft stands. The perimeter road includes crossing specific taxiways Lima, Mike, Hotel-3, Hotel-4 and the ITB Apron Taxilane. Where the perimeter road crossing the taxiway/taxilane is marked, and when the driver has received training to be able to do so.

Valid for a maximum of two years.

ADA Category 2A (Blue)

For the purpose of driving on the perimeter roads up to and including the aprons – which permits pushbacks and relocating of aircraft on the apron. The perimeter road includes crossing specific taxiways Lima, Mike, Hotel-3, Hotel-4 and the ITB Apron Taxilane. Where the perimeter road crossing the taxiway/taxilane is marked, and when the driver has received training to be able to do so.

Valid for a maximum of two years.

ADA Category 3 (Red)

For the purpose of driving on the perimeter roads up to and including the taxiways.

Valid for a maximum of two years.

ADA Category 3RWY (Purple)

For the purpose of driving on the perimeter road up to an including all movement areas. This is the only category of ADA authorised to cross and enter a runway with permission from the tower.

Valid for a maximum of two years.

ADA holders who are undertaking a reassessment must surrender their current ADA until they successfully pass the test and may only drive airside for supervised training with another ADA holder. Failing an ADA renewal does not demonstrate the required competency for driving airside. 

If an applicant is unsuccessful in achieving a pass mark, the following applies:  

• Applicants are permitted a maximum of 3 assessment attempts
• Following any unsuccessful attempt, a period of additional study, training, and airside familiarisation is required before a re‑sit
• After a first unsuccessful attempt, a mandatory 14‑day study period applies.
• After a second unsuccessful attempt, the applicant must recommence the full ADA application process, including submission of a new application form, logbook, and employer competency endorsement confirming additional training and the employer’s confidence that the applicant is prepared to pass.
• Brisbane Airport approval is required before any further assessment
• A third unsuccessful attempt will result in the applicant becoming ineligible for further ADA testing and losing the privilege to drive airside at Brisbane Airport.

What to bring to your assessment:

• Physical Drivers Licence or a digital version via the Queensland Digital Licence App
• Current ASIC
• Current ADA (renewals or reprints)

Please note: Paperwork will not be accepted on the day of testing. All required documentation must be uploaded by your company administrator prior to your assessment in the AIRDAT system. Approval and payment details must be completed in advance. 

Make a booking online:

To attend one of the assessment sessions, make a booking online here:

Book online

Your employer will be sent an invoice for the application fee.  Payment of all application fees must be made within 30 days, or the ADA will be cancelled.

What is an ADA?

An Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) is issued by Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) and allows a person to drive unescorted in approved airside areas, subject to the category held.

What ADA categories are available?

CAT1 - Perimeter roads only, including approved, marked crossings of nominated taxiways where trained.

CAT2 - Perimeter roads and aircraft stands, including approved, marked taxiway crossings where trained.

CAT2A - Perimeter roads and aprons, including pushbacks and aircraft relocations, and approved taxiway crossings where trained.

CAT3 - Perimeter roads, aprons, and taxiways.

CAT3RWY - All movement areas, including runways, with ATC approval.

Is my ADA transferable?

No. An ADA is issued to an individual and is not transferable between people or airports.

How long is an ADA valid for?

An ADA is valid for two (2) years from the date of issue unless it is suspended or withdrawn earlier.

What do I need before applying for an ADA?

Before applying, you must:

• Have an operational need to drive airside

• Hold a full and current driver’s licence 

• Hold a valid ASIC for Brisbane Airport

• Complete the required supervised driving hours and logbook

• Be familiar with the Airside Vehicle Control Handbook

• Hold an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) if applying for Category 2A or above

How many supervised driving hours are required?

• Category 1: 4 hours

• Category 2, 2A, 3, 3RWY: 8 hours All hours must be completed within the three months prior to testing.

How do I renew my ADA?

You must renew your ADA before it expires or within 30 days after expiry to avoid redoing logbook hours. All renewals require retesting.

Are there practice or sample test questions available?

No. Practice tests or sample questions are not provided. All test questions are drawn directly from the Airside Vehicle Control Handbook relevant to the ADA category being applied for.

What does the ADA test involve?

The ADA test is a theory assessment that covers:

• Airside rules and procedures

• Airport layout and geography (for higher categories)

• Safety requirements relevant to the category applied for

How many questions are in the test?

This depends on the ADA category. For example:

• Category 1: 20 questions

• Category 2 / 2A: 40 questions

• Category 3: 60 questions (including geographic questions)

• Category 3RWY: 75 questions (including geographic questions)

What happens if I fail the test?

• You are allowed a maximum of two attempts.

• After the first failed attempt, a mandatory two-week stand-down applies for further study and familiarisation.

• After two failed attempts, you must restart the full ADA process and obtain written confirmation from your company that you have completed the required study and re-training.

How do I book an ADA test?

ADA tests are scheduled through Airdat - Passport - Dashboard via your company administrator

Can I book a test myself?

No. Test bookings are managed by your team after confirming eligibility and documentation.

What happens if my ADA is suspended?

If your ADA is suspended:

• You must stop driving airside immediately

• Your ADA card must be returned as directed

• You must complete the required stand-down period

• Your company administrator must book you into new exam with a new application form, complete logbook hours (if required), and resit the ADA theory test

Is my ADA automatically reinstated after a suspension?

No. An ADA is not automatically reinstated. You must meet all reapplication requirements before driving privileges are restored.

What if my ADA has been expired or suspended for more than four weeks?

If an ADA is expired or suspended for four weeks or more, retraining and supervised driving hours are required before reapplying.

What happens if my driver’s licence changes or expires?

You (or your company administrator) must notify the Airside Driving Office immediately if:

• Your licence expires

• Your licence conditions change

• Your licence is suspended or cancelled - Driving airside without a valid licence is not permitted.

What if my ASIC expires, is replaced, or details change?

Your ASIC must be valid at all times to drive airside. Any changes (renewal, replacement, name change) must be updated with the Airside Driving Office.

How do I update my ASIC/driver's licence? 

It is updated in Airdat Passport - Dashboard  by your company administrator. 

I have changed employers - what do I do?

You must transfer your ADA to your new employer within 30 days. Failure to do so will invalidate your ADA and may require retraining and retesting.

Can my ADA show more than one employer?

Yes. If you work for multiple companies, you must notify the Airside Driving Office so your ADA can be updated to reflect this.

What is an AUA?

An Authority for Use Airside (AUA) is a permit issued to a vehicle or piece of equipment, confirming it is approved for airside use.

Do all vehicles and equipment need an AUA?

Yes. All motorised and non-motorised vehicles and equipment operating or stored airside must be registered and hold a valid AUA.

What happens if a vehicle has an expired or missing AUA?

Unregistered or expired equipment is not authorised for airside use and may be:

• Directed for immediate removal

• Removed and impounded by BAC

Can I drive airside without my ADA or ASIC on me?

No. You must carry your ADA and ASIC at all times while driving airside and present them when requested.

Are learner or provisional licences allowed?

Learner licences are not permitted. Provisional licence holders may drive airside if all licence conditions are met.

Who is responsible for my training and competency?

Your employer is responsible for ensuring you are trained, competent, and endorsed before testing or renewal.

What if my ADA or ASIC is lost, stolen, or damaged? You must report the loss or damage immediately to your company administrator and the Airside Driving Office. Driving airside without a valid ADA or ASIC in your possession is not permitted. 

Do I need to report medical conditions that may affect my ability to drive airside? Yes. Any medical condition or medication that may impair your ability to drive safely must be disclosed to your employer and may need to be assessed before driving airside

How do I upgrade my ADA to a higher category?

To upgrade, you must meet the eligibility requirements for the new category, complete the required supervised driving hours, and successfully pass the relevant theory test. A new application must be submitted by your company administrator.

Can I use my personal vehicle airside? Only if the vehicle is registered, holds a valid AUA, and is approved by your employer and BAC. Personal vehicles without approval are not permitted airside.

Can I drive airside while supervised without holding an ADA?

Yes, but only while being supervised by a valid ADA holder and only for the purpose of completing required logbook hours. You must not drive unescorted until your ADA is issued.

Do I need an ADA to be airside if I’m not driving? No. An ADA is only required to drive airside. An ASIC and appropriate airside access permissions are still required for non-driving activities.

What happens during an airside compliance check or audit?

Drivers may be asked to present their ADA, ASIC, and vehicle AUA. Failure to comply may result in suspension or further action.

For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the Airside Vehicle Control Handbook and this website. If you are unsure, contact the Airside Driving Office before driving airside via @email