Regulatory requirements
Language proficiency of vehicle drivers on the manoeuvring area of aerodromes: the regulation, clearly structured.
Regulation (EU) No 139/2014
ADR.OPS.B.029 · Part-ADR.OPS, as amended by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2148
Since 7 January 2026, vehicle drivers on the manoeuvring area must demonstrate operational-level English (ICAO Level 4) to obtain or renew their driving authorisation.
At a glance
ADR.OPS.B.029 sets out what language proficiency drivers must show, how it is certified, how often it is renewed and what aerodrome operators must provide.
Operational level required
Proficiency at least at operational level, in phraseologies and in plain language, in English and in any other language used at the aerodrome for radio communication with the ATS unit.
Clear skills to demonstrate
Communicating effectively by voice and face to face, on common and work-related topics, resolving misunderstandings, handling unexpected events and using an intelligible accent.
Certified and renewed
Proof by certificate from the assessing organisation, stating language, level and date. Re-assessment every four years at operational level and every six years at extended level.
Method and training
A defined assessment method with assessor qualifications and an appeal procedure. The aerodrome operator makes language training available.
Derogation and transition
Member States may waive English after a safety assessment. Authorisations without proof were possible until 7 January 2026 for English and 7 January 2023 for other languages.
A person required under point ADR.OPS.B.024 to demonstrate language proficiency, shall demonstrate proficiency, at least at an operational level both in the use of phraseologies and in plain language, in accordance with point (b), in:
The applicant shall demonstrate the ability to:
Language proficiency shall be demonstrated by a certificate issued by the organisation that conducted the assessment, attesting the language or languages, the level or levels of proficiency, and the date of the assessment.
Except for persons who have demonstrated language proficiency at an expert level, the language proficiency shall be re-assessed every:
The demonstration of language proficiency shall be done through a method of assessment, which shall contain:
The aerodrome operator shall make available language training to maintain the required level of language proficiency of its personnel.
By way of derogation from point (a), the Member State may decide that the English language proficiency may not be required for personnel referred to in point ADR.OPS.B.024, for radio communication purposes with the air traffic services unit of the aerodrome. In such case, it shall perform a safety assessment covering one or several aerodromes.
The operator of the aerodrome may issue an authorisation to a person who has not demonstrated compliance with points (a) and (b) until:
FAQ
ADR.OPS.B.029 is the language proficiency requirement in Part-ADR.OPS of Commission Regulation (EU) No 139/2014, as amended by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2148. It requires persons who drive on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome to demonstrate at least operational-level proficiency in English and in any other language used for radio communication with the air traffic services unit of the aerodrome.
Every person who intends to drive a vehicle on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome in the EASA region, as required under ADR.OPS.B.024. This applies to airside drivers, including follow-me drivers.
Aerodrome operators were allowed to authorise drivers without proof of English proficiency until 7 January 2026 (until 7 January 2023 for other languages). Since 7 January 2026, drivers need a valid certificate to obtain or renew their driving authorisation on the manoeuvring area.
At least operational level, which corresponds to ICAO Level 4, both in phraseology and in plain language. The rating scale and assessment criteria are set out in AMC1 ADR.OPS.B.029(b).
Operational-level proficiency must be re-assessed every four years from the date of the assessment, extended-level proficiency every six years. Persons who have demonstrated expert level do not need to be re-assessed.
The certificate is issued by the organisation that conducted the assessment. It must state the language or languages, the level or levels of proficiency and the date of the assessment.
Yes. The aerodrome operator must make language training available so that its personnel can maintain the required level of language proficiency.
Only to a limited extent. A Member State may decide that English proficiency is not required for radio communication with the air traffic services unit, but it must first perform a safety assessment covering one or several aerodromes.
Drivers can take an ICAO language proficiency test with Volando. Our tests (Levels 4 to 6) are taken online, with results within 48 hours. For aerodrome operators, we also offer gap analyses and training strategies.
Our online ICAO language proficiency tests (Levels 4 to 6) certify your airside drivers at the level the regulation requires, with results within 48 hours.
