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Brisbane Airport produces and maintains operational standards and procedures for the operation of vehicles airside. These are an important part of the system in place to ensure the safe movement of passengers, aircraft and vehicular traffic airside.
Authority to Drive Airside
Those who wish to drive airside or operate vehicles and equipment on airside operating areas, taxiways, and aprons require an Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) licence.
Please note: As of 3 June 2025, Airside Driving Authority Assessment sessions have moved location to the ID Access & Licencing Center, 11 The Circuit, Brisbane Airport.
Driver Testing Location:
ID, Access & Licencing Center, Brisbane Airport Corporation Head Office
11 The Circuit, Brisbane Airport, QLD 4008 (Outdoor facility within the Skygate/DFO precinct)
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Email: @email
Bookings:
Bookings for driver testing can be made online here:
(Please note only Company Admins can make ADA test bookings on behalf of others. If you are unsure who your Company Admin/s are, please contact your direct supervisor or manager.)
To obtain an Authority to Drive Airside you must have the following:
- Operational requirement to drive airside
- Completed Logbook for new applicants
- Current State, Territory or International Driver’s Licence;
- Current Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
Category 2A and higher applicants must have the above and also an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Category 3-RWY applicants must have all of the above and a letter from their Manager stating the operational requirement.
Resources
ADA Categories
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.
Assessment Information
ADA holders who are undertaking a reassessment must surrender their current ADA until they successfully pass the test. Failing an ADA renewal does not demonstrate the required competency for driving airside. If an applicant is unsuccessful in achieving a pass mark, they can re-sit the test, but only after a mandatory study / training period of a minimum of 72 hours.
| ADA Category | Questions | Pass mark | Assessment time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 20 | 18/20 | 30 minutes |
| Category 2 | 40 | 37/40 | 40 minutes |
| Category 2A | 40 | 37/40 | 40 minutes |
| Category 3 | 60 (includes 10 x geographic questions) | 55/60 | 60 minutes |
| Category 3RWY | 75 (includes 10 x geographic questions) | 70/75 | 60 minutes |
What to bring to your assessment:
- Original signed application form
- Current ASIC
- Current Drivers License (this must have your current residential address)
- Current ADA (renewals or reprints)
- Completed Logbook (new ADA applications, category upgrades and expired ADAs)
- Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) Category 2A and Category 3RWY only
- Letter from your Manager (category 3RWY only)
Documentation submitted at the assessment are to be originals. ADA assessments cannot commence without the required paperwork.
Make a booking online:
To attend one of the assessment sessions, make a booking online here:
Application Fees
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.
| Category | Fees (inclusive of GST) | Fees (exclusive of GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Categories 1, 2 & 2A | $106.35 | $96.68 |
| Categories 3 & 3RWY | $133.70 | $121.55 |
| Late / No Show Categories 1, 2 & 2A | $106.35 | $96.68 |
| Late / No Show Categories 3 & 3RWY | $133.70 | $121.55 |
| Reprint / change of details of an ADA | $62.05 | $56.41 |