Open Road Training Ltd is now approved to deliver the training for the two specialist ADR classes: Class 1 Explosives and Class 7 Radioactive. We are one of just a few centres approved to deliver these classes in the UK.
This is a significant step for Open Road Training and for drivers and operators across central Scotland. With this approval, you can discuss training for every ADR class with one provider — our standard courses plus separate one-day Class 1 and Class 7 courses, each including the exam — covering the two specialist classes that have traditionally been harder to access.
1. What does this mean for drivers and operators?
Our standard ADR courses are not changing: they continue to cover the Core module, Packages, Tanks and Classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Class 1 and Class 7 are not included as part of the standard course.
Instead, we can now offer Class 1 and Class 7 courses in addition to our ADR courses. Each specialist class is available as a one-day course option, including the exam.
ADR is the European agreement governing the international carriage of dangerous goods by road. Drivers need the right training and certificate for the dangerous goods they carry. The correct qualification depends on the goods and the type of transport involved.
For operators, being able to discuss the full range of class training with one centre can make planning easier. For drivers, it opens up a local route to qualifications that may previously have meant looking further afield, often to centres in England.
2. Class 1 Explosives: what does the training cover?
Class 1 covers explosives and articles containing explosive substances. Depending on how a particular item is classified, this can include fireworks, ammunition, pyrotechnics, quarry blasting supplies and some vehicle devices such as airbag inflators.
You may need Class 1 training if your work involves transporting goods classified under this class. That could include:
- Firework distributors and retailers preparing for the seasonal trade around Bonfire Night.
- Defence and munitions logistics providers.
- Quarrying and blasting suppliers.
- Businesses involved in the supply chain for certain airbag modules or pyrotechnic devices.
Classification matters. Not every product that sounds similar falls into the same ADR class, and the relevant requirements depend on the actual consignment. If you are unsure, check the goods’ transport classification with your employer or the relevant dangerous goods adviser before booking.
3. Class 7 Radioactive: what does the training cover?
Class 7 covers radioactive material. The training relates to the requirements for transporting relevant radioactive material packages and consignments, including Type A and Type B packages, and materials described as LSA (low specific activity) or SCO (surface contaminated objects).
You may need Class 7 training if you work in transport serving areas such as:
- Hospital and medical logistics, including deliveries involving medical isotopes.
- Nuclear industry shipments and contractors.
- Industrial equipment supply chains using radioactive sources in gauges.
- Laboratory and scientific logistics.
- Waste operations handling relevant radioactive sources or materials.
Not every medical, laboratory or industrial delivery contains radioactive material. The load’s classification and transport arrangements determine whether Class 7 training is needed. If you handle these consignments, confirm the requirements for your specific role and duties.
4. How do the specialist classes fit into ADR training?
Class 1 and Class 7 are separate one-day courses, not replacements for the Core module. In simple terms, you need the Core module and the relevant specialist training to qualify for Class 1 or Class 7. The official GOV.UK guidance on ADR training explains the module combinations and minimum training times.
Each specialist class course runs as a one-day option, including the exam, so you can add Class 1 or Class 7 to your existing ADR qualification with a single focused day. Tell us what you transport, whether you are starting an initial course or refreshing an existing certificate, and what qualification you hold now. We can discuss the right training route with you rather than assume that one course fits every job.
Our standard ADR week provides an example of how we structure delivery:
| Day | Standard ADR programme |
|---|---|
| Monday | Core |
| Tuesday | Packages |
| Wednesday | Tanks |
| Thursday | Classes |
| Friday | Exam Day |
The specialist Class 1 and Class 7 courses run separately from this standard week, each as a one-day course including the exam. Please contact us directly to discuss suitable dates for your needs. The training options and current course information are available on our ADR course page.
ADR driver training certificates last five years. Your specialist class entitlement is recorded on your ADR driver training certificate, like other class entitlements.
5. Why does this matter now?
Approved options for Class 1 and Class 7 are limited compared with the more commonly requested ADR classes. That can mean additional travel and planning for drivers and employers. Open Road Training is based at 29 Hope Street, Motherwell, ML1 1BS, opposite Motherwell train station and convenient for Glasgow, Lanarkshire and central Scotland.
There is also a regulatory change on the horizon. ADR 2027 comes into force on 1 January 2027. The current UK remote-delivery authorisation for ADR theory, Authorisation 1013, runs until 31 December 2026. It requires individual practical elements to be completed in person, and the Department for Transport says there will be no further authorisations as the UK aligns with ADR 2027. You can read the official Authorisation 1013 notice.
For you, the practical takeaway is simple: check how your required training will be delivered and make sure any practical elements are included in your plan. As an approved, centre-based provider, we can discuss an in-person training arrangement with you.
6. How can you enquire or book?
Open Road Training is a DVSA-approved ADR training body. Our ADR courses run every month, and our standard ADR course prices are £559 for a full course and £350 for a refresher. These prices relate to the standard course; pricing for specialist Class 1 and Class 7 training is available on enquiry.
Up to 28 hours of Driver CPC may be attached to ADR training, subject to eligibility and the course arrangement. Please ask us to confirm what applies to your training.
You can check upcoming dates on our Course Dates page, or contact us directly:
- Phone: 01698 598 665
- Email: info@open-road.org
- Address: 29 Hope Street, Motherwell, ML1 1BS
We also provide Transport Manager CPC training, with full courses scheduled for November 2026. If you are responsible for compliance, keeping your transport management knowledge current is an important part of supporting safe and lawful operations.
7. The key points
- Open Road Training is now approved to deliver Class 1 Explosives and Class 7 Radioactive ADR training.
- We are one of just a few UK centres approved to deliver these specialist classes.
- Class 1 and Class 7 are offered in addition to our standard ADR courses, each as a one-day course including the exam.
- You need the Core module and the relevant specialist training for the class you require.
- Specialist course dates are arranged on enquiry.
- Contact us to discuss what qualification fits the goods you carry and your role.
We are proud to bring these specialist training options to central Scotland. If you need Class 1 or Class 7, get in touch and we will help you work out the right next step.
