1. Need ADR training quickly?
Are you looking to gain your ADRdriver training certificate before your next dangerous goods driving assignment?
Our next five-day ADR Course starts on
Monday 5 October 2026 at Open Road Training Ltd, 29 Hope Street, Motherwell, ML1 1BS.
Availability is very limited, so you should get in touch promptly if you want to secure a place.
The course runs from Monday to Friday and includes the training modules needed for drivers carrying dangerous goods in packages, tanks and across the relevant ADR classes. The full course is £559 all in.
That means the price includes the exams. There are no surprise exam fees waiting at the end of the week. Nobody enjoys an unexpected invoice, especially after five days of learning about hazard labels.
Course at a glance
| Option | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full ADR course | 5 days, Monday to Friday | £559 all in, including exams |
| ADR refresher course | Refresher training and exams | £350 |
| Driver CPC opportunity | Up to 28 hours available on this course | Included, subject to eligibility |
The course also provides up to 28 hours of Driver CPC training opportunity. If you still need CPC hours, this can make the week particularly useful. The number of hours that can be counted for your individual Driver CPC record depends on the applicable rules, course eligibility and your own training history.
You should check your position using the GOV.UK Driver CPC hours checker.
2. What is ADR training?
ADR is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
In simple terms, ADR sets the rules for transporting dangerous goods safely by road. It covers matters such as:
- The types of dangerous goods being carried
- Packaging and containment
- Vehicle and tank requirements
- Hazard labels and orange plates
- Driver training
- Emergency procedures
- Documentation and responsibilities
If you drive a vehicle carrying dangerous goods within the scope of ADR, you normally need an ADR Driver Training Certificate. Your certificate confirms the types of dangerous goods and methods of carriage you are qualified to handle.
The GOV.UK dangerous goods driver guidance explains that you must complete the relevant training and pass the required examinations before you can drive dangerous goods professionally.
If carrying dangerous goods is the main part of your HGV driving work, you will also need the appropriate HGV entitlement and Driver CPC requirements.
3. Who is this course for?
3.1 Professional drivers
This course is suitable if you want to qualify to drive vehicles carrying dangerous goods by road.
You may be starting ADR training for the first time. Alternatively, you may be adding packages, tanks or additional classes to your existing qualification.
Your ADR certificate will show the areas you have qualified for. You must only carry dangerous goods covered by your certificate.
3.2 Drivers renewing their ADR qualification
If you already hold an ADR certificate and need to renew it, our ADR refresher course is £350.
You must complete refresher training and pass the required examinations before your existing qualification expires. Do not leave it until the last minute. The calendar has a habit of becoming surprisingly unhelpful when an expiry date is involved.
3.3 Operators and consignors
ADR is not only relevant to drivers.
Operators, consignors and other staff involved in preparing or arranging dangerous goods movements also need to understand their responsibilities. This includes people involved in:
- Preparing packaged dangerous goods
- Selecting suitable packaging
- Checking labels and documentation
- Loading vehicles
- Arranging transport
- Managing dangerous goods compliance
If you are unsure which training route you or your team requires, contact us before booking. We can help you identify the appropriate modules.
4. What will you cover during the five days?
The course is structured so that you build your knowledge progressively. You start with the common foundation before moving into packages, tanks and the dangerous goods classes.
4.1 Monday: Core module
The Core module provides the common foundation for ADR.
You will cover the general principles behind dangerous goods transport, including:
- The purpose of ADR
- Driver responsibilities
- Dangerous goods documentation
- Hazard identification
- Packaging and marking
- Vehicle requirements
- Safety procedures
- Emergency actions
- Security awareness
- Accident and incident procedures
This module is the starting point for the additional ADR qualifications. It gives you the basic knowledge you need before moving into specific carriage types and hazard classes.
4.2 Tuesday: Remainder of the Core module and the Packages Module
Tuesday completes the Core module before moving into the Packages Module.
The Packages Module focuses on dangerous goods carried in packaged form. This can include drums, boxes, intermediate bulk containers and other approved packaging.
You will look at how packaged goods should be:
- Classified
- Packed
- Marked
- Labelled
- Documented
- Secured during transport
The practical details matter. A small error with a label, package or document can create a much bigger problem later.
4.3 Wednesday: Tanks Module
Wednesday focuses on the Tanks Module.
This applies to dangerous goods carried in tank vehicles, tank containers and similar tank arrangements. You will cover the additional knowledge required when the goods are not simply loaded as individual packages.
The module looks at areas such as:
- Tank vehicle and tank container requirements
- Loading and unloading procedures
- Tank markings
- Safety precautions
- Vehicle stability and movement
- Emergency procedures
- Driver responsibilities when operating tank equipment
Tank work brings different risks and responsibilities. The training helps you understand those requirements before you are expected to manage them on the road.
4.4 Thursday: All Classes
Thursday covers the relevant dangerous goods classes included in the course.
The nine ADR classes are:
- Class 1, Explosives
- Class 2, Gases
- Class 3: Flammable liquids
- Class 4: Flammable solids
- Class 5: Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
- Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
- Class 7: Radioactive material
- Class 8, Corrosives
- Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
Open Road Training delivers ADR training covering:
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Class 4
- Class 5
- Class 6
- Class 8
- Class 9
Class 1 Explosives and Class 7 Radioactive Material are not part of this course.
The class training explains the hazards involved and the precautions required when handling or transporting different types of dangerous goods.
4.5 Friday: Exam Day
Friday is Exam Day.
You will complete the relevant ADR examinations for the modules included in your course. Your training and exam requirements depend on the qualification route you are taking.
You must bring acceptable identification for the course and examinations. This may include a photocard driving licence, passport, Driver CPC card, driver qualification card or another approved form of identification.
For full details, see the GOV.UK guidance on taking an ADR training course.
5. How can ADR training support your Driver CPC?
Drivers often need to keep their ADR qualification current while also maintaining their Driver CPC record.
This course provides up to 28 hours of Driver CPC training opportunity, making it a practical way to work towards both requirements during one training week.
However, you should not assume that every hour will automatically be added to your Driver CPC record. Eligibility depends on the course, the way the training is recorded and your personal Driver CPC circumstances.
You should:
- Check your current Driver CPC training record.
- Confirm which hours you still need.
- Ask whether your ADR training is eligible for your intended CPC requirement.
- Use the GOV.UK Driver CPC hours checker.
- Contact DVSA if you need confirmation of your individual position.
ADR training does not remove the need to meet the wider Driver CPC requirements where those requirements apply.
6. Why train with Open Road Training?
Open Road Training provides regular ADR training for drivers and transport businesses across Central Scotland.
You will train at our classroom centre in Motherwell with:
- DVSA-approved instructors
- Long-standing ADR delivery experience
- Classroom-based training
- Clear explanations of complex dangerous goods requirements
- Regular monthly ADR courses
- Training for professional drivers and company teams
- All-inclusive full-course pricing, including the exams
Our next course starts on Monday 5 October 2026. We also run ADR courses regularly as part of our monthly training schedule, so if this date does not work for you, visit our Course Dates page to view future dates.
We are also running full Transport Manager CPC courses in November 2026 for anyone responsible for transport compliance or working towards a Transport Manager qualification.
7. Course price and availability
Full five-day ADR course
£559 all in
This is the full price, including the exams. There are no hidden exam fees to add later.
ADR refresher course
£350
This option is for drivers who already hold ADR certification and need to renew their qualification.
Very limited availability
Places on the course starting Monday are very limited.
If you need ADR training, want to renew your existing certificate or need to discuss the Driver CPC opportunity, contact us as soon as possible.
8. How to book your place
To ask about availability or book your place, contact Open Road Training Ltd:
- Telephone: 01698 598 665
- Email: info@open-road.org
- Training centre: 29 Hope Street, Motherwell, ML1 1BS
You can also view our latest course information on the Open Road Training Course Dates page.
The course starts Monday 5 October 2026. If you want to attend, get in touch promptly before the remaining places are filled.
