Can You Do an ADR Course Online? Here’s What Actually Changed in 2025

If you’ve been searching for an ADR course online, you’ve probably noticed a lot of conflicting information out there. Some websites say you can do the whole thing from your sofa. Others insist you need to turn up in person. So what’s the truth?

Well, 2025 brought some significant changes to how ADR training and exams work in the UK. And yes, there’s now more flexibility than ever before. But there are still some non-negotiables you need to know about.

Let’s break it all down.

1. Can You Actually Do an ADR Course Online?

Here’s the short answer: yes and no.

You can complete your ADR training remotely via live video call. This means you don’t necessarily need to travel to a training centre to learn the material. You can sit at home, join a live session with a qualified instructor, and work through the course content just like you would in a classroom.

But here’s the catch.

1.1 The Exam Must Be at an Approved Centre

No matter how you complete your training, you must sit your ADR exam at an SQA-approved examination centre. This hasn’t changed. You can’t do the exam from your kitchen table.

This means: Remote learning is an option for the training itself, but you’ll still need to make a trip to an approved location for the final assessment.

For drivers in Scotland, this is where training providers like us come in. We’re based in central Scotland and offer flexible learning options combined with convenient exam access.

2. What Changed in 2025? The Big Shift to Online Exams

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

In 2025, ADR exams in the UK moved from paper-based to online computer-based testing. This was a significant change that affected everyone sitting ADR exams.

2.1 Out With Paper, In With Screens

Previously, you’d sit down with a paper exam booklet and fill in your answers by hand. The papers would then be collected, sent off for marking, and you’d wait days (sometimes longer) to find out if you passed.

Not anymore.

ADR exams are now conducted on computers at approved examination centres. You answer questions on screen, and the system handles the rest.

2.2 What Does This Mean for You?

If you’ve done ADR exams before, the format might feel a bit different. But the content hasn’t changed. You’re still being tested on the same knowledge, it’s just delivered through a screen instead of paper.

A few practical points to keep in mind:

• You’ll use a mouse and keyboard to navigate the exam
• Questions are displayed one at a time or in sections
• You can flag questions to come back to later
• The system tracks your time automatically

Don’t worry if you’re not the most computer-savvy person. The interface is straightforward, and you’ll get a chance to familiarise yourself before the exam starts.

3. Instant Results: No More Waiting Around

This is probably the best part of the 2025 changes.

With the move to online exams, you now get your results instantly. As soon as you submit your exam, you’ll know whether you’ve passed or failed.

No more anxious waiting. No more chasing up results. You walk out of that exam room knowing exactly where you stand.

Why does this matter? For professional drivers who need their ADR certification to start a new job or keep working, instant results mean less downtime. You can plan your next steps immediately.

4. New Invigilation Rules: What You Need to Know

Here’s something that caught a few training providers off guard in 2025.

Under the new system, your trainer cannot invigilate your exam. This is a significant change from how things used to work.

4.1 Why the Change?

The logic is straightforward: to ensure exam integrity. By separating the training and invigilation roles, there’s no potential conflict of interest. The person who taught you the material isn’t the same person watching over your exam.

4.2 What This Means in Practice

When you book your ADR exam, it will be overseen by an independent invigilator at the approved examination centre. This is standard across all SQA-approved locations.

For you as a candidate, this doesn’t change much about your experience. You still turn up, sit the exam, and (hopefully) get that pass notification on screen. The difference is behind the scenes.

5. ADR Awareness Training: A Different Situation

Now, if you’re looking for ADR awareness training, the rules are a bit different.

ADR awareness training is designed for people who handle dangerous goods but don’t need a full ADR driver certificate. Think warehouse staff, transport managers, or office-based logistics personnel.

5.1 Can ADR Awareness Training Be Done Online?

Yes, ADR awareness training can often be completed entirely online. There’s no formal exam at an approved centre required for awareness-level training.

This makes it a much more flexible option if you just need to understand the basics of dangerous goods regulations without becoming a certified ADR driver.

Not sure which one you need? If you’re driving vehicles carrying dangerous goods, you need the full ADR course. If you’re handling paperwork, loading, or managing operations without driving, awareness training might be sufficient.

6. Choosing the Right ADR Course Option

With all these changes, you’ve got a few paths to consider:

Option	Training Location	Exam Location	Best For
Classroom + Exam	In-person at training centre	Approved exam centre	Those who prefer face-to-face learning
Remote Training + Exam	Live video call from home	Approved exam centre	Drivers with limited time to travel
ADR Awareness Only	Online (self-paced or live)	No formal exam required	Non-driving staff handling dangerous goods

7. What This Means for Drivers and Transport Managers

If you’re a professional driver, the 2025 changes are mostly good news. More flexibility in how you train, faster results, and a more standardised exam experience.

If you’re a transport manager booking training for your team, you’ve got more options to work with. Remote training can reduce time off the road, and instant results make scheduling easier.

7.1 A Quick Summary

• Training can be done remotely via live video call
• Exams must be at an approved SQA centre (no exceptions)
• Paper exams are gone: it’s all computer-based now
• Results are instant
• Trainers can no longer invigilate their own candidates
• ADR awareness training has more flexibility and no formal exam requirement

8. Ready to Book Your ADR Course?

At Open Road Training, we offer ADR courses with flexible learning options to fit around your schedule. Based in central Scotland, we provide convenient access to approved exam centres and support you through the whole process.

Whether you prefer classroom-based training or want to learn remotely, we’ve got options that work.

Got questions about which ADR course is right for you? Get in touch: we’re happy to help you figure out the best route to getting certified.