Airside Vehicle Operators' Permits (AVOPs)

AVOPs certify airport employees who are able to drive airside, which means driving in our gate, runway and aircraft taxi areas. Individual AVOP cards also list related work duties.

AVOP applicant criteria

As an AVOP applicant, you must show that you have both a need and right to drive airside. After assessing your application form, we will determine the need, as well as the locations and frequency of your requested airside access.

How to apply for AVOP

1. Complete the Airside Safety Awareness training

Before taking the written and practical AVOP exam, you must complete the Airside Safety Awareness Training Program.

This training program consists of in-class instruction and practical driving administered by a certified Pearson Airport trainer or by an authorized certified company trainer.

Training is valid for six months from the date shown on the bottom of the AVOP Certification Student Checklist you receive when you complete the course. If you do not pass the AVOP written exam within this six-month period, you will need to redo the training.

2. Complete the AVOP application form

Fill out the AVOP Application Form (PDF) signed by your company's Signing Authority.

In Part 1, Employee Information, all boxes highlighted in red must be filled out on the computer. Handwritten information will not be accepted. Please complete the form online, print it, and do not fold the printed copy. Photocopies or scans of the original version are not accepted. AVOP application forms are valid for a period of 60 days upon company signing authority completion.

3. Pass the AVOP written exam

The AVOP written exam covers the fundamentals of airside safety. To prepare for the exam, review the AVOP training materials.

AVOP training materials

GTAA Tester / Trainer Materials designed to facilitate Airside Vehicle Operator's Permit (AVOP) and airside familiarization and training. 

AVOP refresher training
Airport traffic directives (ATD)
AVOP maps
AVOP Videos

Written exam dates and location

AVOP Written Exam sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays at 08:30, 10:30 and 13:30. Doors will be closed five minutes prior to above noted times to ensure start times are met.

AVOP written exam sessions will be held in Terminal 1, International Arrivals (Level 1), opposite the International Currency Exchange – Room #FB1039C, see appendix A. 

Effective January 1, 2022 the GTAA will be establishing a booking process for all written exams for both D and DA licenses. Individuals wishing to schedule a written AVOP test may do so by using the online booking site at AVOP Test Booking. For any applicants who fail to show for a booked written exam or do not provide twenty-four (24) hours’ notice of cancellation, a fee will be applied and sent to the applicant’s company.

Parking validation is available to those who do not have employee parking and have parked at the Terminal 1 parking garage. Please bring your parking ticket with you if need it validated. 

What to bring to the written exam

  • AVOP Certification Student Checklist signed by your authorized trainer to show you completed the Airside Safety Awareness training
  • Your completed AVOP application form signed by your company's Signing Authority.
  • Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC)
  • If renewing your AVOP you MUST bring with you your existing DA or D AVOP card. This includes for AVOP issuances.
  • Valid provincial driver’s license (G1 license holders may not hold an AVOP)
  • Pen (black or blue)

Additionally, in effort to continue to improve airside safety at Toronto Pearson, effective June 15, 2021 the following changes will be taking place:

  • As part of the AVOP renewal process, there will be an additional requirement for AVOP applicants to complete a recurrent online training course. The course is made up of 5-6 modules depending on whether you hold a DA AVOP or D AVOP;
  • All AVOP Applicants will be required to present the certification of completion for the training to complete the written test and renew your AVOP; and
  • All D AVOP renewal applicants will require a practical test as part of the renewal process. As a reminder, applicants will be required to pass the AVOP D written exam prior to booking their D practical driving test.

4. Pass the AVOP practical exam

Practical exams are conducted by Pearson examiners and authorized tenant testers. To schedule your practical driving exam or if your company does not have a certified AVOP tester, visit AVOP Drive Test Booking. For any applicants who fail to show for a booked practical exam or do not provide twenty-four (24) hours’ notice of cancellation, a fee will be applied and sent to the applicant’s company. Should you require assistance, contact the AVOP office at (416) 776-AVOP (2867).

Practical exam dates and location

For the AVOP practical exam with GTAA AVOP Examiner, go to Terminal 1, Head of Stand Road between bridge numbers 124/126. GTAA AVOP Program vehicle and AVOP Examiner will be parked next to the yellow snow melter. You will also see the AVOP examiner pick-up location sign on the sidewalk next to the snow melter. View the map (PDF).

What to bring to the practical exam

Arrive 10 minutes before your test time with the following documents:

  • AVOP Application Form signed by your company’s signing authority
  • Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC)
  • Valid provincial driver’s license
  • AVOP written exam pass confirmation

For D AVOP practical exam, in addition of what is listed above please bring the following:

  • Valid DA AVOP card
  • Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)

Renewing your AVOP or D AVOP

Renew your AVOP early, so you will have time to make multiple attempts in case you don't pass the exam on the first try.

  • To renew a current valid AVOP, you need to pass your DA or GA/DA written exam up to 90 days before your AVOP expires.
  • To renew a current valid D AVOP, you need to pass both your written exam and practical driving exam up to 90 days before your current AVOP expires.

Wait periods

If you fail an exam attempt you will have to wait before trying again.

  • First attempt: 7 days
  • Second attempt: 30 days

Picking up your AVOP card

AVOP cards are no longer being issued by the Pass and Permits Office. To pick up your AVOP card you must book an appointment via AVOP Issuance. No walk-ins are accepted. After you have secured an appointment, please pick up your AVOP at the AVOP office located at GAS074 (View the Map - PDF). Terminal 1 ground level by door S adjacent to the elevators. Please ensure you bring your driver’s license, paperwork received from your successful practical exam and/or your pink slip from the written exam. If renewing your AVOP you MUST bring with you, your existing DA or D AVOP card. This includes for AVOP issuances.

AVOP Appeals

AVOP holders may appeal the following:

  • Notice of Infraction
  • AVOP suspension
  • AVOP revocation

To appeal an AVOP notice of infraction, submit your appeal in writing within 14 days of receiving the notice. You can submit your appeal in one of two ways:

  • Email: appeals@gtaa.com
  • Mail: GTAA - AVOP Office
    P.O. Box 6031, 3111 Convair Drive
    Toronto AMF, Ontario, L5P 1B2

Your submission must include all pertinent details of your case, including the reason why the appeal should be considered (for example, special circumstances). If you do not include both detail and justification for hearing the appeal, your appeal will not be considered.

Some appeals require that you (the appellant) be present when the appeal is reviewed. Your supervisor or manager may also be asked to attend. This is determined when we review your written appeal. After investigation, your employer will receive a decision in writing and should notify you. The decision of the Airport Authority shall be considered final.

Manoeuvring area vehicle call sign

All vehicles in the manoeuvring area (runways and taxiways) and/or towing aircraft need to have a call sign assigned by Pearson.

Pearson applications

To apply for a manoeuvring area call sign (used to contact ATC or AMU):

  1. Fill out the manoeuvring area vehicle call sign application form (PDF) and send it to avopcallsign@gtaa.com.
  2. Once assigned, the call sign will be provided to the GTAA Communication Systems to enable programming of the MLAT transponder.
  3. Communication Systems will provide Fleetcom with all the information to program and install the unit.
  4. Fleetcom will advise Communication Systems when programming is complete.
  5. Communication Systems will advise all pertinent GTAA parties of the new MLAT and its corresponding number.

Non-Pearson applications

To apply for a manoeuvring area call sign (used to contact ATC or AMU):

  1. Fill out the manoeuvring area vehicle call sign application form (PDF) and send it to avopcallsign@gtaa.com.
  2. We will establish and advise of the call sign, which will consist of a vehicle type (for example, “tow”) and a number.
  3. Display the numerical portion of the call sign on the exterior of the vehicle on both sides.
  4. Affix a placard with the full call sign inside the vehicle in view of the driver.

Multilateration (MLAT) transponders

Pearson is equipped with NAV CANADA’s MLAT technology that works with ground radar to help air traffic controllers identify who is using the runways and taxiways. We invite our operational partners to equip any vehicles they operate in these areas with an MLAT Transponder. Transponders are most valuable on vehicles such as aircraft tow tractors.

To get a transponder, note on the call sign application form (PDF) that you need one.

Pearson MLAT Installer

Contact our installer for pricing, programming information or to arrange installation:

Gabriel Sebestyen
Fleetcom Inc.
gabriel@toronto2way.com

Share this page