Embark on Specialist ADR Driver Training

ADR drivers are professionals qualified to drive and deliver dangerous substances and goods.You must hold an ADR Vocational Training Certificate to drive a goods vehicle carrying regulated hazardous substances.

To obtain an ADR Training Certificate, you must attend our Department of Transport-approved course and pass the relevant SQA Examinations.

An ADR licence (also known as an ADR card) is an additional qualification that allows drivers to legally transport dangerous goods and hazardous materials within the UK and across Europe.

You don’t need to be an HGV driver to obtain one — anyone driving a vehicle that carries dangerous goods, even under 3.5 tonnes, may be required to hold an ADR licence depending on the load type and quantity.

Earning your ADR licence opens the door to a wide range of specialist driving opportunities, from van delivery work to full HGV operations.
Training covers essential safety, legal, and handling procedures to ensure compliance with UK and international transport regulations.

Whether you’re an HGV driver or operate a smaller vehicle such as a van, you’ll need to complete a Department for Transport–approved ADR training course if you plan to carry dangerous goods.

ADR training courses are designed to give drivers a clear understanding of ADR regulations and the essential skills needed to handle, transport, and distribute hazardous materials safely.

To make things simple, here’s how the process works:

Book your place on HGV Training Network’s approved ADR training course.

Complete your training and pass the relevant SQA examinations to earn your ADR certificate.

Receive your ADR certificate (issued by the SQA) — this must be carried whenever you’re transporting dangerous goods.

After completing your course and exams, you’ll officially be certified to transport dangerous goods, whether in an HGV, van, or other eligible vehicle.

ADR training is typically completed over the course of one week, depending on the classes you need and whether you’ll be carrying packages, tanks, or both.

Most drivers complete their ADR course in 3.5 to 5 days:

3.5 days – for standard packages-only training covering the core and selected classes.

5 days – for full courses including tank training and all classes.

Once you’ve successfully passed your ADR exams, your qualification is valid for five years. After that, you’ll need to complete an ADR refresher course to renew your certificate and stay qualified to transport dangerous goods.

Here at The HGV Training Network, we offer a DOT-approved ADR training course, provided by our expert instructors with previous experience in the industry.

The ADR Vocational Training Certificate includes training tests surrounding the practices of transporting the following dangerous goods classes:

• Core (required by all drivers)
• Packaged Goods (needed by drivers carrying packaged goods)
• Class 1 explosives – explosive charges, fireworks etc
• Class 2 Gases – like butane and aerosols
• Class 3 Flammable Liquids – such as petrol
• Class 4 Flammable Solids – including matches and firelighters
• Class 5 Oxidising substances – like agents and organic peroxides
• Class 6 Toxic and infectious substances – medical waste and biological cultures
• Class 7 Radioactive material – such as mixed fission products
• Class 8 Corrosive substances – battery fluids and paints
• Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances – including dry ice and lithium-ion batteries

We also provide refresher training for qualified drivers who need to complete a refresher course every five years.

Across Britain, there’s a significant demand for qualified ADR drivers with veteran drivers approaching retirement age. HGV Training Network equips you with the necessary skills to access rewarding driving roles with excellent job security.

You can earn your ADR licence in as little as 5 days under the guidance of experienced instructors with high pass rates.

Our passionate team will handle everything throughout the process, including organising training and test dates and helping you to find a role alongside our recruitment partners, Blue Arrow.