Rules, tools and guides for lorry drivers and operators in the UK, written from gov.uk guidance
DriverComplydirectoryTools
CountryUnited Kingdom
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomAustralia

ADR: qualifying to carry dangerous goods

By Vadym Starynets, editor and publisher · Checked against gov.uk guidance on 25 September 2026 · How we work

To carry dangerous goods by road in the UK you need an ADR driver card, gained by training and passing exams with an approved provider. The card lists the classes of dangerous goods you may carry and lasts 5 years.

ADR training courses: 110 providers

Providers of dangerous goods (ADR) driver training courses, from the list behind the gov.uk "find ADR training" service. All courses cover classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9; some also cover explosives (class 1) and radioactive materials (class 7). By area:

What ADR covers

A qualified ADR driver can be trained for one or more of these kinds of dangerous goods: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidising substances, toxic substances, radioactive substances, corrosive substances and miscellaneous substances.

How the training is built

Before you start

Keeping the card valid

Questions

How long does an ADR licence last?
5 years. Refresher training and exams extend it; take them in the final year and the 5 years run from your old expiry date.
Does ADR training count towards Driver CPC?
Yes, up to 14 hours of dangerous goods training can count towards the 35 hours of periodic training.
Do I need an HGV licence to do an ADR course?
Not to take the course, but to carry dangerous goods in an HGV as the main part of your job you need an HGV licence and Driver CPC as well.
What does a replacement ADR card cost?
£15.

Other UK topics