Get approved to provide dangerous goods (ADR) driver training
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-13)

How to set up initial and refresher training courses for ADR drivers including what you need, how much it costs and how to apply.

You must get approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to provide:
- initial training and exams for drivers to get their ADR card
- refresher training and exams for drivers to stay qualified as a dangerous goods driver
Once you have been approved you can charge for training courses. It’s up to you how much you charge for training - there’s no maximum price.

What you need to do

Decide how you’ll provide training.

Check that you have everything you need to provide ADR training.

Apply to get approved

Pay the application fee.

Start providing training once your application is approved.

Decide what training you’ll provide

You can provide training:
- in a classroom
- remotely using video call software
If you decide to provide training remotely, you must still be able to carry out exams at your premises.

You must provide initial training. You can also apply to run:
- refresher training
- specialised training courses for specific dangerous goods
What your training must cover

Any course you offer must follow a training programme that has been approved by DVSA. The training programme covers:
- what content is included in a course
- how long training should last
- how the training day is structured, including breaks
You can:
- follow a pre-approved training programme (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66cf42e2a7256f1cd83a89f5/dangerous-goods-driver-training-pre-approved-programme.pdf) (PDF, 981 KB, 21 pages)
- get a new training programme approved by DVSA
- get a variation of a pre-approved programme approved by DVSA
Download a template to get a variation of a pre-approved programme approved.

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66cf43a6704a0794913a89ff/dangerous-goods-driver-training-pre-approved-programme-variation-template.odt)

Pre-approved programme variation template (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66cf43a6704a0794913a89ff/dangerous-goods-driver-training-pre-approved-programme-variation-template.odt)

ODT, 17.9 KB

This file is in an OpenDocument (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-open-document-formats-odf-in-your-organisation) format

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Running initial or refresher training courses

Training for drivers to get their ADR card must cover:
- the core module - this includes things like rules for transporting and disposal of dangerous goods, load security, driver responsibilities and protective equipment
- a module that covers at least one dangerous goods class (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-dangerous-goods#the-classification-of-dangerous-goods)
- the packages module or tankers module (you can provide both)
Running specialised courses

You can also get approved to run specialised training courses so drivers can transport specific dangerous goods.

You can run these as separate courses to the training for drivers to get their ADR card. Each course will have its own exam at the end.

You can provide training on:
- tankers
- explosives
- radioactive materials
Training materials

You can either:
- buy accredited training materials from an authorised association
- create your own training materials
The fee for initial and annual approval will be cheaper if you use accredited training materials from an authorised association.

Buy accredited training materials from an authorised association

You can buy accredited training materials from associations approved by DVSA.

If you buy training materials you’re responsible for:
- making sure that they meet the requirements of the syllabus
- working with the authorised association if you have any issues about the quality or standard of the training materials
You can buy authorised training materials from:
- National Dangerous Goods Training Consortium (https://www.ndgtc.co.uk/)
- National Logistics Training Consortium (https://nltc.co.uk/)
- RTITB Limited (https://www.rtitb.com/product/adr-dangerous-goods-instructor-guide/)
- The ADR Consortium (https://www.adr-consortium.co.uk/)
- Voyager Transport Training (https://www.voyagertransporttraining.co.uk/)
Create your own training materials

If you create your own training materials, you’ll need to get them approved when you apply. They must follow the ADR syllabus (http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dangerous-goods-adr-driver-training-syllabus).

When you apply, you need to send:
- instructor notes
- presentations
- any videos you will use
- copies of course handouts
- the training programme your course will follow
- explanations of how you will carry out practical exercises
Any presentation notes need to include the syllabus learning objective numbers.

There’s a separate process if you want to get your training materials accredited so that you can sell them to other training providers (#get-accredited).

What you need

When you apply, you need to show that you have suitable:
- premises
- equipment
- staff
- liability insurance
- systems to monitor the quality of your training
Premises

You’ll need a room for classroom training and online exams that has:
- a minimum size of 10 square metres, plus 2 square metres for each candidate - you must arrange seating so candidates cannot see each other’s screens or work together
- space for any demonstrations or exercises
- space for an invigilator to sit at their own desk and chair
- an internet connection
Class sizes

You can only provide training for a maximum of:
- 20 students in a classroom
- 15 students in a remote course
If you want to train larger groups than this, you will need to explain how you will do this without it affecting the quality of your training.

Equipment

You need:
- a projector or screen
- something the instructor can draw on such as a white board or flip chart
- firefighting equipment
- first aid equipment
- personal protective equipment
- a set of vehicle markings
You need to provide a computer or similar device for each driver taking an online exam. Each device needs:
- to be locked so the candidate cannot open websites or apps during the exam
- access to an internet connection with at least 10Mbps bandwidth
- to be able to run current, supported versions of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox
Your devices must have a suitable screen size. They must be at least:
- 10 inches for a tablet
- 13 inches for a laptop
- 21 inches for a standalone monitor
Fire equipment

To carry out a practical fire prevention exercise you need either:
- a fire simulator
- a digital fire training system
- a fire tray
You also need appropriate fire extinguishers.

First aid equipment

To conduct the first aid practical exercise you need:
- resuscitation equipment such as a CPR training manikin
- sterilisation facilities for the resuscitation equipment
- a demonstration eye rinsing liquid
If your course is delivered remotely, the practical exercises can be replaced with discussions and demonstrations until 31 December 2025. From 1 January 2026 you must do the practical exercises in person.

Resources

You will also need printed or digital copies of each of these documents:
- Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road - volumes 1 and 2 (2025 edition) (https://unece.org/adr-2025-files)
- ADR syllabus (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dangerous-goods-adr-driver-training-syllabus/dangerous-goods-adr-driver-training)
- The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/1348/contents) or Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Regulations (Northern Ireland) (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2010/160/contents)
- The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/2095/contents/made)
- The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Regulations (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2019/9780111176658)
- Dangerous goods emergency action code list (https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/shop/dangerous-goods-emergency-action-code-list/?utm_source=gov.uk&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=provide-adr-training)
- approved derogations and transitional provisions (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-carriage-of-dangerous-goods-approved-derogations-and-transitional-provisions/carriage-of-dangerous-goods-approved-derogations-and-transitional-provisions)
You can also buy Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road - volumes 1 and 2 (2025 edition) (https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/shop/adr-2025/?utm_source=gov.uk&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=provide-adr-training).

You can buy them online or from a specialist bookshop.

Staff

Instructors

Your instructors must be qualified to provide ADR training.

They must have a:
- valid ADR driver card
- recognised qualification as a trainer of adults (for example, Level 3 or above in Training and Development or certificate of teaching in the lifelong learning sector) or experience as a trainer
- dangerous goods safety advisor certificate or relevant work experience in the transport of dangerous goods
- valid first aid at work certificate
- fire training qualification or experience training adults in firefighting
Download a template that you can use to record details of your instructors and their qualifications and experience.

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66cf43c668c68ce5dc8b225c/dangerous-goods-driver-training-instructor-evidence-template.odt)

Instructor evidence template (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66cf43c668c68ce5dc8b225c/dangerous-goods-driver-training-instructor-evidence-template.odt)

ODT, 12.2 KB

This file is in an OpenDocument (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-open-document-formats-odf-in-your-organisation) format

Read the guidance about the details you need to provide for each instructor (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6915ed029d50fc2fe8161796/dangerous-goods-driver-training-instructor-guidance.pdf) (PDF, 260 KB, 7 pages) before you send your evidence.

Invigilators

You’ll need an invigilator for every exam you do. The invigilator will:
- carry out and record identity checks
- prepare the room for exams
- administer exams
- supervise exams
Read the guidance about what an invigilator does (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d1a43583705427f1c7e3ea/dangerous-goods-driver-training-invigilator-guidance.pdf) (PDF, 152 KB, 5 pages).

How much it costs

You need to pay:
- an application fee when you apply
- a yearly renewal fee to stay approved
Your application fee may not be refunded if your application is unsuccessful.

Fees to get approved

Once you’re approved your approval lasts for one year.

Renewal fees once you are approved

Authorised association fees

How to apply

Fill in the application form and send it with any documents that support your application.

Pay the application fee.

Upload any additional documents online if they’re requested by SQA.

Attend an in-person pre-approval audit when requested.

Download a pre-approval audit checklist (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e8eeb357038b5739b98653/pre-approval-audit-checklist.pdf) (PDF, 276 KB, 7 pages) to prepare for a pre-approval audit.

Your application will be refused if you do not meet all of the requirements in the checklist.

Apply to get approved for the first time

To apply to get approved for the first time you need to send:
- an approval application form
- a completed quality assurance template (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685d25aac2633bd820a92a54/quality-assurance-template.odt) (ODT, 11.8 KB)
- other supporting documents
Read the guidance about how to fill in the ADR driver training application form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d0762b299d44ed3590d746/dangerous-goods-driver-training-initial-application-guidance.pdf) (PDF, 420 KB, 10 pages) and how to fill in the quality assurance template (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685d25d2e44db4975be00a87/quality-assurance-guidance.pdf) (PDF, 104 KB, 3 pages) first.

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6852c9e5235ba1380b6aa6bc/dangerous-goods-driver-training-initial-application-form.pdf)

Application for approval to provide dangerous goods (ADR) driver training (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6852c9e5235ba1380b6aa6bc/dangerous-goods-driver-training-initial-application-form.pdf)

PDF, 330 KB, 8 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Send your application and supporting documents by email or post.

SQA xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

SQADGDT DepartmentThe Optima Building58 Robertson StreetGlasgowG2 8DQ

Apply to run your courses remotely

You can apply to run your initial qualification or refresher courses remotely if you’re an approved training provider.

If you apply to do this:
- you must only use approved ADR training programmes - you must send an application to vary a programme if you want to change anything to provide it remotely
- drivers must still take the ADR exams at your approved sites in the usual way - they cannot be taken remotely
Carrying out practical exercises

You can provide any practical modules within the training programme by either:
- doing the practical exercises in person
- the instructor doing a demonstration
- showing a trustworthy video clip that covers the relevant syllabus points
You will have to tell DVSA what video clips you propose to use.

Changes to carrying out the practical exercises from 2026

From 1 January 2026, you must do the practical exercises in person.

Find out more about running courses remotely (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/run-dangerous-goods-adr-driver-training-courses#run-an-adr-driver-training-course-remotely).

Read the guidance about how to fill in the remote delivery application form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67add84b63d7f4cceef9e12f/dangerous-goods-driver-training-remote-delivery-application-guidance.pdf) (PDF, 257 KB, 5 pages) before you apply.

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e5366887cebda7c4ca4c5e/dangerous-goods-driver-training-remote-delivery-application-form.pdf)

Application for approval to run dangerous goods driver training remotely (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e5366887cebda7c4ca4c5e/dangerous-goods-driver-training-remote-delivery-application-form.pdf)

PDF, 155 KB, 3 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Send your application and supporting documents by email or post.

SQA xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

SQADGDT DepartmentThe Optima Building58 Robertson StreetGlasgowG2 8DQ

Apply to renew your approval

To apply to renew your approval you need to send:
- a renewal application form
- a completed quality assurance template (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685d25aac2633bd820a92a54/quality-assurance-template.odt) (ODT, 11.8 KB)
Read the guidance about how to fill in the approval renewal form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d076171df0ac810b1f84d8/dangerous-goods-driver-training-reapproval-application-guidance.pdf) (PDF, 459 KB, 9 pages) first.

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6852c9f1df3015b374b73629/dangerous-goods-driver-training-reapproval-application-form.pdf)

Apply to renew your approval to provide ADR driver training (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6852c9f1df3015b374b73629/dangerous-goods-driver-training-reapproval-application-form.pdf)

PDF, 236 KB, 8 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Send your application and supporting documents by email or post.

SQA xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

SQADGDT DepartmentThe Optima Building58 Robertson StreetGlasgowG2 8DQ

Become an authorised association and get your training materials accredited

You can apply to become an authorised association if you want to sell your training materials to dangerous goods (ADR) driver training providers.

You need to get your training materials accredited by DVSA when you apply.

Once you’ve been approved you need to renew your authorised association approval either:
- every 2 years
- when there are any changes to the ADR rules
The next update to the ADR rules will be in December 2026.

Apply to get approved as an authorised association

To apply to get approved as an authorised association for the first time you need to send:
- a completed application form
- other supporting documents
Read the guidance about how to fill in the authorised association application form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66cf45565f85c44e918b2260/dangerous-goods-driver-training-authorised-association-application-guidance.pdf) (PDF, 296 KB, 6 pages) first.

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6878d4d9a52cca025ef5bde5/dangerous-goods-driver-training-authorised-association-application-form.pdf)

Apply to get approved as an authorised association (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6878d4d9a52cca025ef5bde5/dangerous-goods-driver-training-authorised-association-application-form.pdf)

PDF, 181 KB, 4 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Send your application and supporting documents by email or post.

SQA xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

SQADGDT DepartmentThe Optima Building58 Robertson StreetGlasgowG2 8DQ

Apply to renew your authorised association approval

To apply to renew your authorised association approval you need to send:
- a renewal application form
- other supporting documents
(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6878d74aa52cca025ef5bdec/dangerous-goods-driver-training-authorised-association-renewal-form.pdf)

Apply to renew your approval as an authorised association (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6878d74aa52cca025ef5bdec/dangerous-goods-driver-training-authorised-association-renewal-form.pdf)

PDF, 240 KB, 5 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Send your application and supporting documents by email or post.

SQA xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

SQADGDT DepartmentThe Optima Building58 Robertson StreetGlasgowG2 8DQ

Pay your application fee

After you have sent your application form, SQA will contact you to tell you how to pay DVSA.

You need to pay within 5 working days of receiving these details from SQA.

You can pay by:
- debit or credit card
- cheque made payable to ‘DVSA’
- postal order
- BACS
What happens next

DVSA will contact you to let you know your application has been approved.

If your application is approved

If you’re applying to approval for the first time, you’ll be given a centre number. You need this before you can start training.

SQA will email you a username and password to access the manage your ADR training centre and courses service (http://www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-your-dangerous-goods-adr-driver-training-centre-and-courses).

You have to renew your approval every year.

If your application is refused

DVSA will tell you why your application was refused. If you disagree with this decision you can make an appeal to the Department for Transport (DfT) within 28 days.

Email your appeal to DfT. Your appeal needs to include:
- why you think your application should have been approved
- any evidence that shows why your application should have been approved
DfT dangerous goods team xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Being monitored when you’re approved

Your centre, courses and exams will be audited when you’re approved. This is to make sure courses are being run correctly.

Checking your centre

An auditor will visit your centre before you’re approved and at least once within the first 2 years of your approval.

DVSA will contact you to arrange a visit.

The auditor will look at:
- centre documents like training delivery and examination records
- evidence of compliance for every site used
- information held on instructors’ qualifications and fields of expertise
- whether your premises is suitable to run training courses
- whether your equipment is suitable to run training courses
Download a provider audit checklist (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e8eee857038b5739b98654/provider-audit-checklist.pdf) (PDF, 276 KB, 9 pages) to prepare for an audit.

Checking your courses

Your training can be observed without you being given notice. This is to make sure courses are being run correctly.

The auditors will look at:
- your procedures for checking the identity of candidates
- your attendance registers
- whether the course is being delivered in line with the approved programme
- the course duration
- the quality and delivery of your training
Checking your exams

Exams can be observed without you being given notice. This is to make sure exams are being run correctly.

The auditors will mainly look at:
- your procedures for checking the identity of candidates
- your attendance registers
- the room layout
- IT and devices
- how the invigilator is managing exam conditions
Having your approval suspended or withdrawn

Your approval can be suspended or withdrawn if you do not run your centre and courses within your approval conditions.

Appeal against suspension or withdrawal of your approval

You can appeal to SQA and DVSA within 28 days if you’re told that your centre or course approval might be suspended or withdrawn.

Your appeal will be taken into account and you’ll be told the decision.

You can appeal to the Department of Transport (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport/about/complaints-procedure) or the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) (https://www.hseni.gov.uk/service-level-complaints-about-hseni) if you disagree with the decision.