ADR Dangerous Goods
Course Overview
The ADR Dangerous Goods course is designed for drivers who transport goods classified under the ADR Dangerous Goods list. An ADR licence is a legal requirement for drivers carrying specified quantities of hazardous materials by road. The training provides essential knowledge of legislation, hazard classes, vehicle requirements, and emergency procedures so that drivers can safely handle and transport dangerous goods in compliance with international regulations.
This ADR Dangerous Goods course is suitable for both new and renewing drivers, with packages and tanker elements available. Training is delivered at COTS’s Qualifications Scotland-approved Grade 1 ADR centre and includes practical elements in first aid and fire awareness, preparing delegates for real-world situations they may encounter when transporting dangerous goods.
Course cost breakdown
The course cost is broken down as follows:
- Course fee: £465 (+ VAT)
- ADR exam fee: £120
- DCPC upload fee: £25 (+ VAT)
This transparent pricing allows delegates and employers to budget accurately for ADR training and certification.
Who is this course for?
This ADR Dangerous Goods course is intended for professional drivers who need to transport hazardous materials by road. It is ideal for:
- HGV drivers who transport dangerous goods such as flammable liquids, gases, or chemicals
- Drivers of road tankers or tank containers carrying hazardous materials
- Drivers transporting packaged dangerous goods in various classes
- Existing ADR licence holders who need to renew their certification
- Drivers looking to expand their career opportunities in the logistics and transport sector
- Fleet operators and transport managers who need to understand ADR requirements
Both initial training (for new drivers) and refresher training (for licence renewal) are available. No previous ADR training is required for initial courses, though drivers must hold a valid driving licence appropriate to the vehicle they will be driving.
What you will learn
By the end of the ADR Dangerous Goods course, delegates will:
- Understand legislation and regulations surrounding the transport of dangerous goods
- Learn ADR driver training requirements and responsibilities
- Identify vehicle marking and equipment requirements for hazardous goods
- Understand and demonstrate correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Receive practical instruction in fire prevention and first aid
- Complete Core, Packaging, and/or Tanker elements as applicable
- Gain knowledge of the following hazard classes:
- Class 2 – Gases
- Class 3 – Flammable liquids
- Class 4 – Flammable solids
- Class 5 – Oxidising substances
- Class 6 – Infectious substances
- Class 8 – Corrosive substances
- Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
- Understand loading and unloading procedures for dangerous goods
- Learn emergency response procedures and the use of safety equipment
- Understand documentation requirements for transporting hazardous materials
- Gain an overview of exemptions and limited quantities provisions
Practical exercises and real-world scenarios are incorporated throughout the training, allowing delegates to apply their learning under the guidance of experienced ADR instructors.
Assessment and certification
Formal assessments are conducted via online testing using the COTS in-house I.T. suite, with results provided to candidates straight away. This ensures a quick and efficient assessment process.
To obtain an ADR licence, delegates must pass the Core element, either the Packages or Tanker element, and at least one class that is relevant to the goods they will be carrying. Successful delegates typically receive their ADR card within 3 to 4 working days of passing their assessments, allowing them to begin transporting dangerous goods promptly. The ADR card is a photo ID card that shows which types of dangerous goods the holder is qualified to transport.
Entry requirements and additional information
To attend this course, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, in good physical health, and capable of meeting the demands of practical training. An adequate level of spoken and written English is required so that delegates can fully engage with the course content and assessments.
Our ADR Training course is run at the COTS Training centre, but can also be completed at your premises following a formal approval process.
Course duration options
COTS offers flexible ADR Dangerous Goods training options to suit different requirements:
- Initial ADR with classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 for Packages only (4 days)
- Initial ADR with classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 for Packages and Tank element (5 days)
- Initial ADR with one class for Packages and/or Tank element (3 days)
- Refresher with classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 for Packages only (4 days)
The appropriate course duration will depend on whether you are undertaking initial or refresher training, and which classes and elements you require.
Driver CPC hours with ADR Dangerous Goods training
ADR Dangerous Goods training is Driver CPC-approved, with up to 21 hours available per course. This means the time spent on ADR training can count towards the 35 hours of periodic training required every five years for professional drivers holding a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).
Why choose COTS Training for ADR Dangerous Goods training?
Choosing COTS for ADR Dangerous Goods training means delegates are taught by experienced instructors at a Qualification Scotland-approved Grade 1 ADR centre. Training is delivered in a clear, professional way, using modern facilities and up-to-date equipment.
As a Grade 1 approved centre, COTS meets the highest standards set by Qualifications Scotland, providing quality ADR training that is recognised across the UK and Europe. The aim is that every delegate successfully obtains their ADR licence and leaves with the confidence and knowledge to transport dangerous goods safely and in full compliance with regulations.
ADR Dangerous Goods course FAQs
01
What is ADR Dangerous Goods training?
ADR Dangerous Goods training is a legally required course for drivers who transport hazardous materials by road. ADR stands for the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. The training covers the safe handling, loading, and transport of dangerous goods, including classifications, packaging, labelling, vehicle requirements, and emergency procedures.
02
Who needs an ADR licence?
An ADR licence is required for professional drivers who transport dangerous goods above certain quantity thresholds. This includes drivers of vehicles carrying flammable liquids, gases, chemicals, corrosive substances, and other hazardous materials. Drivers of road tankers or tank containers carrying dangerous goods must complete additional tanker specialisation training. The requirement applies to drivers operating within the UK and across Europe.
03
What does the ADR Dangerous Goods course cover?
The ADR Dangerous Goods course covers legislation and regulations, driver responsibilities, vehicle marking and equipment requirements, hazard classification (classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9), packaging and labelling requirements, loading and unloading procedures, use of personal protective equipment, fire prevention and first aid, emergency response procedures, and documentation requirements. The course includes both theoretical training and practical exercises.
04
How long is an ADR licence valid for?
An ADR licence is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Drivers must complete refresher training and pass the required examinations before their certificate expires to continue transporting dangerous goods. Refresher training is usually completed in the final year of validity. Once renewed, the certificate is extended by 5 years from the expiry date of the previous certificate.
05
What is the difference between ADR packages and tankers?
ADR Packages training covers the transport of dangerous goods in packaged form, such as drums, IBCs, boxes, and other receptacles. ADR Tankers training covers the specialist requirements for transporting dangerous goods in fixed tanks, demountable tanks, or tank containers. Tanker training includes additional elements such as filling and discharge procedures, tank vehicle construction, and specific safety requirements for bulk liquid transport.
06
Do I need to pass an exam to get my ADR licence?
Yes. To obtain an ADR licence, you must pass formal examinations covering the Core element, either the Packages or Tanker element, and at least one class relevant to the goods you will be carrying. The examinations are conducted online at approved test centres, and results are provided instantly. At COTS Training, assessments are carried out using our in-house I.T. suite, and successful delegates typically receive their ADR card within 3 to 4 working days.
07
Can ADR training count towards my Driver CPC?
Yes. ADR Dangerous Goods training is Driver CPC approved. Delegates can claim up to 21 hours per course towards the 35 hours of periodic training required for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). This makes ADR training an efficient way to maintain both your ADR licence and your Driver CPC qualification.
08
Is COTS Training an approved ADR training provider?
Yes. COTS Training is a Qualifications Scotland-approved Grade 1 ADR centre. Qualifications Scotland is appointed by the Department for Transport as the competent authority for ADR driver training and certification in Great Britain. Grade 1 approval demonstrates that COTS meets high standards for ADR training delivery, facilities and instructor qualifications, ensuring delegates receive quality training that is recognised across the UK and Europe.
Approved Centre
Course Title
ADR Dangerous Goods
Location
COTS Llandarcy / Client Site
Duration
Up to 5 Days
Max delegates
Up to 20
Length of certification
5 Years
