Airside Driving
Adelaide Airport Airside Driving Centre
Welcome to the Adelaide Airport Airside Driving Centre.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of airside operations, anyone required to drive in airside areas must meet specific training, licensing, and access requirements. These standards help protect all personnel and ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations.
This section outlines what you need to know before operating a vehicle airside—including eligibility, induction, and licence processes.
Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) Licence
If your role requires you to drive airside, you must hold a valid Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) licence. To apply, you’ll need a current red Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) and a valid State or Territory driver’s licence. You must also complete 4 or 8 hours of supervised practical training (depending on the licence category) with an ADA holder who has at least three months of experience. Once training is complete, you’ll need to pass a theory test and, if successful, a practical driving assessment conducted by an Airside Operations Officer.
| Licence Category | Airside Areas | Minimum Day Time Training Hours | Minimum Night Time Training Hours | Radio Operators Certificate |
| Category 2 | Aprons and Perimeter Roads during daylight hours only |
4 |
Not Required | |
| Category 2N* | Aprons and Perimeter Roads day or night | 2 |
2 |
Not Required |
| Category 3 | Aprons, Perimeter Roads and taxiways during daylight hours only |
8 |
Required | |
| Category 3N | Aprons, Perimeter Roads and taxiways day or night | 4 |
4 |
Required |
| Category 4 | Aprons, Perimeter Roads, taxiways and runways during daylight hours only |
8 |
Required | |
| Category 4N | Aprons, Perimeter Roads, taxiways and runways day or night | 4 |
4 |
Required |
Obtaining Your ADA Licence
Applicants must complete the ADA Application Form, which must be countersigned by their company’s nominated authorised signatory. Without this signature, applicants will not be permitted to sit the ADA theory test.
If applying for a Category 3 or 4 licence, you must also provide a current and valid Aircraft Radiotelephone Operator Certificate of Proficiency, issued by CASA, prior to undertaking the theory test.
Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) Application
Applicants who have not previously held an ADA must also complete and provide an ADA driver's Log and AFA Instructor Checklist, signed off by an authorised company Vehicle Operator nominated trainer. Applicants must show these documents to be able to sit the ADA theory test and ADA practical test.
ADA Theory Tests are conducted at the Adelaide Airport Pass Issue Office, located at the Terminal 1 Southern Screening Point, Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 3:00pm (excluding public holidays).
To sit the theory test, applicants must present:
- A completed ADA Application Form (countersigned by the company’s authorised signatory)
- A current State or Territory driver’s licence
- A valid red ASIC
Before taking the theory test, applicants must complete the site pass ADA induction relevant to the licence category they’re applying for. If all documentation is in order, the theory test can then be undertaken.
If successful, the applicant may book a practical driving test. If unsuccessful, a 48-hour waiting period applies before re-sitting the theory test.
ADA Practical Tests are booked online here: ADABookings.AdelaideAirport.com.au
Tests are conducted during the day or night, depending on the licence category being applied for. An Airside Operations Officer will conduct the assessment and issue your ADA licence upon successful completion.
If unsuccessful, a minimum 48-hour waiting period applies before re-sitting the practical test.
Learn more about how to book your ADA Practical Test: How to book your ADA Practical Test
Authority To Use Airside (AUA) Licence
All vehicles operating airside at Adelaide Airport must display a valid Authority to Use Airside (AUA) permit.
Before applying, applicants must complete and submit an Airside Vehicle Indemnity and Release Form. Additionally, they must provide:
- A Public Liability Insurance Certificate with coverage of no less than AUD $20 million
- A Motor Vehicle Insurance Certificate—both certificates must explicitly extend to airside operations
An Authority to Use Airside (AUA) application form must be completed and submitted for each vehicle intended to operate airside. Each form must be signed by your company’s authorised signatory and accompanied by the required insurance certificates.
Completed AUA application forms should be submitted via email to auaapplications@aal.com.au
Authority To Use Airside Application
Fees and Payment
ADA and AUA applications are subject to fees. Please refer to the form for details.