ADR Training | HGV LGV Training Directory

What is ADR Training?

An ADR licence (VTC) is required by professional car, MGV and HGV drivers who transport dangerous goods by road.

Successfully completing the ADR course should mean more job opportunities, better career prospects and ultimately a higher salary.

Most haulage companies (some more than others) will transport dangerous goods. The type of ADR licence you require will depend on what classes of dangerous substances you are moving and in what type of vehicle or container (i.e. packaged goods or tanks). In order to gain an ADR licence drivers must complete and pass a minimum of 3 elements including:

Core. 1.5 days covering the basics. What to do in an emergency, load and vehicle security, tunnel restrictions, basic 1st aid, fire precaution etc.
Packages or Tanks (Packages is 0.5 days whereas Tanks is 1.5 days). Either module will suffice to be awarded an ADR certificate. Drivers have to gain an understanding of the different types of transport being used to carry dangerous goods.
At least 1 class of dangerous goods (9 classes in total)

General Information

There are a total of 9 hazard classes within ADR, including:

Class 1. Explosives
Class 2. Gases
Class 3. Flammable Liquids
Class 4. Flammable Solids
Class 5. Oxidising Substances
Class 6. Infectious, Toxic Substances
Class 7. Radioactive Material
Class 8. Corrosive Substances
Class 9. Miscellaneous Substances

There are also 2 types of mode container types:

Dangerous goods in tanks (tank container over 3,000 litres)
Dangerous goods other than in tanks containers, (packages, IBC’s, skips etc)

For example, a fuel tanker driver will need the Core, Tank and Class 3 (flammable liquids) elements of ADR in order to carry out his or her duties.

Most drivers (HGV class 2, cat C, rigid) elect to acquire the packaged goods ADR licence. The course duration for this is 3.5 days and is all classroom based. The 3.5 days covers the core element (1.5 days), packaged goods element (0.5 days) and all classes of dangerous goods except 1 and 7 (radioactive and explosive). It also includes half a day set aside for examinations

Most drivers (HGV class 1, CE, articulated or drawbar) tend to complete the 5 day ADR Packages and Tanks course. These courses would cover the packaged element plus the tanker module, and all classes except explosive and radioactive.

ADR Radioactive and Explosives

Class 1 (Explosive) and class 7 (Radioactive) are the niche classes within the 9 classes of ADR. Very few transport companies will get involved in moving these substances as they are both specialised and (can be) complicated. Therefore drivers, unless they intend to move classes 1 and 7, are advised not to add these parts.

ADR and Driver CPC

It is worth knowing most of the ADR training providers listed within this website have invested in ADR, Driver CPC approval. This means attending an ADR course (whether you pass the exams or not) can count towards your DQC.

This will range from 7 hours (ADR refresher course) up to 28 hours (ADR initial 5 day course). So before you book your ADR course make sure it is Driver CPC approved. That way you can gain 2 qualifications at the same time.

ADR Exams

The ADR exams are multi choice and pretty straight forward. Many more drivers pass the ADR exams than fail. The course and exams are delivered and pitched at National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2. The pass mark for each exam is 70%. If drivers pay attention on the course and read the exam questions carefully, they should not experience too many problems.

Some ADR training companies offer online ADR testing which means, as opposed to paper testing, you will get your results immediately. This will mean you receive your ADR much quicker.

An ADR licence (VTC) is valid for 5 year and issued by the Driving Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If you need ADR training then save time, money and hassle and use our search page to go direct to SQA approved ADR training centres in your area.