An ADR licence, also called an ADR card, shows that a driver in the UK has passed approved training to carry dangerous goods by road. These goods include gases, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, explosives, toxic materials and radioactive goods. The card shows what the driver can carry, such as packages, tanks and specific hazard classes. It stays valid for 5 years. After that, the driver needs refresher training and new exams. The right course depends on the goods, the vehicle and the job. Training covers safety rules, hazard signs, documents, vehicle checks, load handling and emergency action. To get the licence, the driver must choose the right modules, attend an approved course, pass SQA exams and receive the ADR card. In the UK, a basic packages course often costs £300 to £500. A fuller course with tanks and extra classes often costs £600 to £1,000 or more.
What is an ADR licence?
An ADR licence is the usual name for an ADR driver training certificate, often called an ADR card. ADR means the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. In the UK, this card shows that a driver has passed ADR training and exams for the dangerous goods and transport types shown on the card.
ADR licence applies to road transport of dangerous goods, such as explosives, gases, flammable liquids, toxic substances, corrosive substances and radioactive material. The card stays valid for 5 years. A driver then takes refresher training and passes the tests again to keep the card current. UK ADR driver training follows a programme approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
What are the different types of ADR licence?
An ADR licence has different types based on vehicle type, package type and dangerous goods classes. Each type appears as an entitlement on the ADR card. A driver only carries goods that match the listed categories.
Here are the main types of ADR licence:
- Packages (Core ADR licence)
This covers transport of dangerous goods in packages, drums, boxes, or containers. Most drivers start with this category. - Tanks (Tank specialisation)
This covers transport of dangerous goods in tankers or tank containers. Extra training is required due to higher risk and load movement. - Class 1 – Explosives
This covers explosive materials, such as fireworks and ammunition. Strict handling and security rules apply. - Class 2 – Gases
This covers compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases, including propane and oxygen. Pressure and leak risks are key factors. - Class 3 – Flammable liquids
This covers liquids such as petrol, diesel and solvents. Fire and vapour risks define this class. - Class 4 – Flammable solids
This includes flammable solids, self-reactive substances and materials that emit flammable gas. - Class 5 – Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
These substances increase fire intensity or react with other materials. - Class 6 – Toxic and infectious substances
This includes poisons and medical waste that pose health risks. - Class 7 – Radioactive material
This covers materials that emit radiation and require strict control and shielding. - Class 8 – Corrosive substances
These substances damage skin, metals and materials, such as acids and alkalis. - Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous goods
This includes goods that present various hazards, such as lithium batteries.
Each ADR licence type links to a specific hazard class, transport method and safety requirement. Drivers select the correct combination based on the goods they transport.
Which ADR licence course should you choose?
The ADR licence course you choose depends on the type of dangerous goods, the transport method and your job role. The course must match the goods you carry and the vehicle you use.
Here is how to choose the right ADR course:
- Start with the Core (Packages) course
This course covers dangerous goods in packages, such as drums, boxes and containers. New drivers begin with this option. - Add Tank training if you drive tankers
Choose the Tanks course if you carry liquids or gases in tank vehicles or tank containers. This course covers load movement, pressure risk and safe discharge. - Select the correct ADR classes
Pick the hazard classes linked to your work.
Example:- Fuel delivery → Class 3 (flammable liquids)
- Gas supply → Class 2 (gases)
- Chemical transport → Class 8 (corrosive substances)
- Include Class 1 or Class 7 only if required
These cover explosives and radioactive material. These courses follow stricter rules and suit specialist roles. - Match the course to your employer’s needs
The employer defines the goods type, route and vehicle. The ADR course must reflect those requirements. - Check course structure and exams
Each course includes classroom training and SQA exams. The certificate lists all passed modules and valid categories.
A correct course choice ensures the ADR card includes the right entitlements, so the driver operates within legal and safety rules.
What does ADR licence training involve?
ADR licence training teaches drivers how to transport dangerous goods safely and legally. The course covers regulations, hazard awareness, vehicle safety and emergency response. Training follows an approved UK syllabus and ends with formal exams.
Here is what ADR training involves:
- Core module (packages)
This covers basic ADR rules, hazard labels, documentation and safe handling of goods in packages, drums and containers. - Dangerous goods classification
Drivers learn the ADR classes, such as flammable liquids, gases and corrosive substances and how each class behaves. - Labelling and documentation
This includes hazard labels, UN numbers, transport documents and instructions in writing carried in the vehicle. - Vehicle and equipment checks
Training covers vehicle markings, safety equipment, fire extinguishers and load securing methods. - Health, safety and risk control
Drivers learn how to reduce risk during loading, transport and unloading, including safe distances and protective measures. - Emergency procedures
This includes actions for spills, leaks, fire, or accidents, with clear steps to protect people and the environment. - Tank module (if selected)
This covers tank-specific risks, such as liquid surge, pressure control and safe filling and discharge. - Class-specific modules (if selected)
Extra training applies to specific hazard classes, such as Class 1 explosives or Class 7 radioactive material. - Exams and certification
Drivers complete multiple-choice exams set by SQA. A pass leads to an ADR card that lists the approved categories.
ADR training builds the knowledge required to handle dangerous goods transport, follow legal rules and respond to incidents in a controlled way.
How do you get an ADR licence step by step?
You get an ADR licence by completing the right training course, passing the exams and receiving your ADR card. In the UK, the official route starts with checking which dangerous goods you plan to carry. The type of goods, the class and whether you drive a tanker or carry packaged goods decide which modules you need. Drivers who carry dangerous goods as the main part of HGV work need the right HGV qualification and Driver CPC as well.
Follow these steps to get an ADR licence in the UK:
Step 1: Work out the ADR category you need.
Pick the course that matches your work. A packages course suits loads in drums, boxes and containers. A tanks course suits tankers and tank containers. Some jobs need extra class modules, such as gases, flammable liquids, corrosives, explosives, or radioactive material. Your ADR card only covers the modules you pass.
Step 2: Find an approved ADR training course.
Book a course with an approved provider. The UK government provides a course finder for ADR driver training. ADR driver training must follow a programme approved by DVSA.
Step 3: Attend the training course.
The course covers the core rules for dangerous goods carriage by road. It includes topics such as hazard classes, labels, documents, vehicle equipment, loading, unloading, and emergency action. Tank and class modules add the goods-specific and vehicle-specific parts.
Step 4: Pass the ADR exams.
After training, you take the tests for the modules you studied. The exams are set and marked by SQA at an approved exam centre. You need passes in the right modules for the goods and vehicle type you plan to transport.
Step 5: Wait for your ADR card.
After you qualify, your ADR driver training certificate is issued as an ADR card. You must have the card before driving dangerous goods in cases where ADR rules apply. The card shows the classes and transport types you are qualified for.
Step 6: Keep the licence valid.
An ADR card lasts for 5 years. To keep the qualification, you take refresher training and pass the tests again before the card expires. You can add extra dangerous goods classes later by taking extra training and passing the matching tests.
How much does an ADR licence cost?
The cost of an ADR licence in the UK depends on the course type, number of modules, and training provider. The total price includes training fees, exam fees, and certification.
Here is a clear cost breakdown:
- Core ADR course (packages)
This usually costs £300 to £500. It covers the basic module for transporting dangerous goods in packages. - Tanks module (if required)
This adds £150 to £300. Tank training costs more due to higher risk content and extra instruction. - Class modules (dangerous goods classes)
Each class, such as Class 2 gases or Class 3 flammable liquids, adds £50 to £150 per class. - Exam fees (SQA tests)
Exams are often included in the course price. Standalone exam fees range from £20 to £40 per module. - ADR card (certificate)
The ADR driver card fee is usually included in the total cost. Some providers charge a small admin fee. - Refresher course (every 5 years)
This costs £250 to £400, depending on modules and provider.
The final cost depends on the combination of modules. A basic packages course stays at the lower range, while a full course with tanks and multiple classes reaches £600 to £1,000 or more.
An ADR licence shows that a driver can carry dangerous goods by road in a safe and legal way. It proves the driver has finished approved training and passed the right exams. The licence must match the type of load, such as packages or tanks, and the hazard class of the goods. The training covers rules, safety checks, labels, documents, and what to do in an emergency. The cost depends on the course and modules chosen. The card stays valid for 5 years, so drivers need refresher training and new test passes to keep it up to date.