How do you get qualified to carry dangerous goods on the road?

To transport dangerous goods by road, you need an ADR qualification. ADR stands for “Accord Dangereux Routier.” This is the French term for the “European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.”

To pass the ADR exams, which are needed for transporting dangerous goods, you need to prepare well and understand the rules and safety measures involved; if you have English as a second language, we recommend doing pre-study.

ADR training contains the following topics:

General Awareness

1. Introduction to ADR Regulations: Overview of the ADR framework and its importance. Understanding the structure and content of the ADR agreement.
2. Classification of Dangerous Goods: Understanding the different classes of dangerous goods. Learning how to identify and classify various substances and articles.
3. Packaging Requirements: Types of packaging used for different classes of dangerous goods. Requirements for packaging, marking, and labelling. Requirements for segregation.
4. Vehicle Requirements: Specifications for vehicles transporting dangerous goods. Equipment and construction requirements for vehicles.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

1. Safety Precautions: General safety measures for handling dangerous goods. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and its proper use.
2. Emergency Response Actions: Procedures for dealing with spills, leaks, and other emergencies. First aid measures and fire-fighting techniques.
3. Use of Tremcards: Understanding and using Transport Emergency Cards (Tremcards). Using information provided in tremcards, and how to apply it in emergencies.

Specific Dangerous Goods Classes

1. Class-specific Training: Detailed information on the characteristics and hazards of each class of dangerous goods (e.g., explosives, gases, flammable liquids, toxic substances). Special handling and transportation requirements for each class. Each class has its own learning objectives. For example, training for class 3 (flammable liquids) will include information about vapours, whereas class 4 (solids) won’t.
2. Mixed Loads and Compatibility: Rules for transporting mixed loads of different classes of dangerous goods. Compatibility and segregation requirements to prevent dangerous reactions.

Documentation and Legal Requirements

1. Transport Documentation: Required documents for transporting dangerous goods. How to complete and handle transport documents, including the dangerous goods declaration.
2. Legal Responsibilities: Understanding the legal obligations of drivers and companies involved in the transport of dangerous goods. Penalties for non-compliance with ADR regulations.

Practical Skills

1. Load Securing: Techniques for securing loads to prevent movement during transport. Ensuring the stability and safety of the cargo.
2. Vehicle Inspections: Conducting pre-journey and en-route vehicle inspections. Identifying and addressing potential issues with the vehicle or cargo.
3. Handling Equipment: Use of equipment for handling and transporting dangerous goods. Maintenance and inspection of handling equipment.

Additional Topics

1. Environmental Protection: Measures to minimise environmental impact during the transport of dangerous goods. Procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous waste.
2. Security Awareness: Understanding the security risks associated with transporting dangerous goods. Implementing security measures to prevent unauthorized access and theft.

Courses are provided by accredited training providers who will teach you everything you need to know through classroom lessons and practical exercises.

The ADR exam consists of multiple-choice questions (A, B, C, D) for which there is one correct answer. You must get at least 70%. You can resit the exam.

• The core section of your exam will consist of 25 questions, and the minimum pass rate is 18/20.
• The Tanks module is made up of 20 questions, with a minimum pass threshold of 14.
• Packages – this section includes 15 questions, and you’ll need to answer 11+/15 correctly.
• Classes 2, 3, 6, and 8 consist of 36 questions, with the pass mark sitting at 25/36.
• Classes 4, 5, and 9 contain 24 questions, with a minimum passing score of 17/24.