Hazardous Cargo Driver (ADR) - The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road

Background: ADR is an Agreement drawn up by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, whereby most States in Europe have agreed common rules for the movement of dangerous goods by road. The abbreviated name “ADR” comes from key words in the French title.

It is a legal requirement for all drivers transporting any type of hazardous substance in the European Community (including roads within UK ) to undergo ADR training and hold a valid ADR licence.

In the Road Haulage Industry most employers will require their drivers to hold an ADR licence due to the diversity of loads being transported around the road network. A driver with an ADR licence is a valuable asset to a company allowing more flexibility in the collection or delivery of loads, often at short notice.

Theory & Practical Training: Training takes place in, association with Wales and South West Training, a Department of Transport approved training provider in Newport . In order to attend an ADR course you must hold a full car or LGV licence.

An ADR course is held over a five day period from Monday to Friday or over a period of three weekends. The majority of training is classroom based.

Your training will prepare you to carry out a variety of tasks in the safest possible way. Some key skills you will learn are:

Identify International Warning Symbols
Knowledge of Transport Documentation
Vehicle Safety Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
Accident Procedures

The practical training will include a fire fighting exercise and basic first aid training.

Dress & Equipment: For the practical training you are to provide your own safety boots/shoes. Big Wheelers ( South Wales ) Limited will NOT accept any responsibility should you injure your foot/feet as a result of inadequate footwear.

At the training centre you will be provided with additional Personal Protective Equipment as required. You are advised to take overalls.

Examinations: At the end of your training course you will receive a total of ten exams. The exams are broken down as follows:

Core module
Packages
All Classes (Less explosives & radioactive)
Tankers

Shortly after the Scottish Qualification Authority will pass the examination results onto the DVLA in Swansea. The DVLA normally issue the ADR licence on behalf of the Department of Transport to successful candidates within four weeks of the examination date.

Please note the Department of Transport ADR Licence issued by the DVLA is only valid for five years. After this period of time you will need to attend a refresher course designed to update your knowledge on ADR matters and re-sit exams at the end of the course.

How to book a course: ADR operator courses are on going throughout the year. Please call our office to find out the next scheduled course.