Description

ADR Training: Initial & Refresher Courses

If you’re hauling dangerous goods: fuel, chemicals, gases, or anything else that requires special handling: you need an ADR certificate. No way around it. ADR (Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) training ensures you know how to transport hazardous materials safely and legally across the UK and Europe.

At Open Road Training, we run both Initial and Refresher ADR courses. Whether you’re brand new to dangerous goods or looking to renew your existing card, we’ve got you covered.

What Does ADR Training Cover?

Our ADR courses are comprehensive. You’ll learn about Classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9, covering everything from gases and flammable liquids to corrosive substances and miscellaneous dangerous goods. The training includes both Tanks and Packages, meaning you’re qualified to handle the full spectrum of ADR loads: not just one or the other.

This is the full standard ADR course. Once you pass, you’ll receive an ADR certificate valid for five years.

Who Needs ADR Training?

ADR certification is a legal requirement for any driver transporting dangerous goods by road. This includes:

• HGV drivers hauling fuel tankers, chemical loads, or industrial gases
• Van drivers carrying smaller quantities of hazardous materials
• Fleet operators who need their team ADR-certified
• Anyone entering the logistics sector who wants to expand their skillset

You can’t legally transport dangerous goods without an in-date ADR certificate. Enforcement is strict, and the penalties for non-compliance are hefty: both for drivers and employers.

ADR Initial Course: 5 Days

New to ADR? Or has your certificate due to expire within 6 weeks? You’ll need the 5-day Initial Course.

This course starts from the ground up. We cover all the theory, regulations, and practical knowledge you need to safely handle dangerous goods. You’ll learn about classification, packaging, labelling, documentation, and emergency procedures. By the end of the five days, you’ll sit the ADR exam: and if you pass, you’re certified.

Who Should Book the Initial Course?

• Drivers who have never held an ADR certificate
• Drivers whose ADR certificate is due to expire within 6 weeks
• Anyone switching from non-ADR work into dangerous goods transport

Initial Course Pricing

We offer flexible pricing depending on whether you want to combine your ADR training with Driver CPC hours. Here’s the breakdown:

• £500 – Base course (no DCPC hours)
• £559.00 – Includes 28 hours of Driver CPC

All prices include the exam fee and certification. You walk away fully qualified.

ADR Refresher Course: 3 Days

Already hold an ADR certificate? You’ll need to renew it before it expires. The 3-day Refresher Course is designed for drivers who want to keep their certification current without going through the full five-day Initial Course again.

Who Should Book the Refresher Course?

You’re eligible for the Refresher Course if your current ADR certificate has between six weeks and 12 months remaining. This window is critical: book too late (less than six weeks left), and you’ll be forced to take the full Initial Course instead. Book too early (more than 12 months left), and you won’t be eligible yet.

Refresher Course Pricing

Like the Initial Course, we offer optional Driver CPC hours with the Refresher:

• £350 – Base course (no DCPC hours)
• £379.50 – Includes 14 hours of Driver CPC

Again, the exam and certification are included in the price. Once you pass, your ADR certificate gets renewed for another five years.

What Are DCPC Hours?

You might be wondering: what’s all this about Driver CPC hours?

If you hold a Category C or D driving licence (HGV or PCV), you’re required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). Many drivers combine their ADR training with DCPC hours to tick two boxes at once: keeping your ADR current and banking some of those 35 required hours.

It’s not mandatory to include DCPC hours with your ADR course. Some drivers prefer to complete their periodic training separately. But if you’re looking to save time and get more done in one go, the DCPC option makes sense.

How Many DCPC Hours Should You Choose?

That depends on where you are in your five-year DCPC cycle. If you’re early in the cycle and have plenty of time, maybe 7 or 14 hours is enough. If you’re running short on time and need to bank a big chunk of hours, the 21 or 28-hour options might suit you better.

We’re flexible. You choose what works for your schedule and requirements.

Why Choose Open Road Training for ADR?

We’ve been running ADR courses for years, and we know what drivers need. Our trainers are experienced, our facilities are comfortable, and we keep the training practical: not just theory for the sake of it.

You’ll leave with the knowledge and certification you actually need to do the job. No fluff, no time-wasting: just solid, professional ADR training that gets you road-ready.

Tanks, Packages, or Both?

Our ADR course covers both Tanks and Packages. This is important. Some training providers offer separate courses for tanks and packages, meaning you’d need two certifications if you want full flexibility. We don’t do that. Our course qualifies you for both, giving you the full ADR range from day one.

Whether you’re hauling bulk liquids in a tanker or transporting packaged chemicals in a box van, you’re covered.

How to Book Your ADR Course

Check our course dates and pay here.

Courses fill up quickly, especially during busy periods, so don’t leave it until the last minute. If your card’s getting close to expiry, book your Refresher now: waiting too long could mean you’re forced onto the longer (and more expensive) Initial Course.

Got questions? Want to check your eligibility? Get in touch. We’re happy to talk through your options and make sure you’re booking the right course.

Final Thoughts

ADR certification isn’t optional: it’s a legal requirement for dangerous goods transport. Whether you’re starting from scratch with the Initial Course or renewing with the Refresher, Open Road Training has the course you need.

Five days or three days. With or without DCPC hours. You choose what fits your schedule and budget. Either way, you’ll walk out with a recognised ADR certificate that’s valid for five years.

Check our available dates and book your place today. Let’s get you ADR-certified and back on the road.