Drivers must hold an ADR licence to transport hazardous goods such as fuel, chemicals, gases and flammable liquids. Carrying these loads without the correct licence is illegal. As a result, ADR training with HGV Learning is essential for anyone entering this area of work.
Our courses prepare drivers to pass the official exams and to manage dangerous substances safely in real-world situations. In addition, training gives learners the confidence to deal with emergencies and meet all regulatory standards.
ADR is the international agreement covering the transport of dangerous goods by road. If you want to drive fuel tankers, gas bottles, chemicals or other hazardous loads, you need an ADR qualification alongside your existing HGV licence.
ADR training at a glance
- Entry requirement: a full Cat C or C+E licence (ADR sits on top of your HGV entitlement, it is not a licence category on its own)
- Qualification validity: 5 years, then a refresher course
- Course options: Core module plus either a Packages/Bulk or Tanker specialism
- Typical roles: fuel tanker driving, chemical and gas distribution, hazardous waste transport
You need to already hold, or be training for, a Cat C or C+E licence before starting ADR, since ADR is an add-on qualification rather than a replacement for your HGV entitlement. Most drivers take ADR once they are already working, because it opens up better-paid loads without needing to upgrade their underlying licence.
ADR training is built from a Core module plus one or more specialisms, depending on the type of dangerous goods you will carry. Click each section below for what it covers.
The Core module is compulsory for every ADR driver. Initial training runs to 12 teaching units, including 5 practical exercises, and covers the legal framework, driver responsibilities, documentation, environmental protection, personal protective equipment, fire prevention and how to respond to an incident. A refresher version runs to 6 units.
This shorter add-on covers carrying dangerous goods in containers, packages or bulk vehicles rather than tankers. It suits drivers moving palletised chemicals, gas cylinders or similar loads.
The tanker specialism is the longest option, covering the extra skills and regulations needed to carry dangerous goods in bulk by tanker, including vehicle-specific units on mechanics and safe operation. This route suits drivers heading into fuel or chemical tanker work.
Your ADR certificate is valid for 5 years. Before it expires, you complete a shorter refresher course and re-sit the relevant exams to keep your qualification current. ADR training also counts towards the 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training you need every 5 years.
Cost depends on which modules you take. Core plus Packages/Bulk is a shorter, cheaper combination than Core plus Tanker, and your existing experience affects how much practical training you need. Get in touch for a tailored quote based on the work you want to do.
ADR-qualified drivers are in steady demand for fuel tanker driving, gas and chemical distribution, and hazardous waste transport, and these roles typically pay more than standard work at the same underlying licence category. See our ADR driver salary guide for current UK pay ranges, or read our full guide to getting an ADR licence for more detail on the process.
Yes. ADR sits on top of your existing Cat C or C+E entitlement rather than replacing it, so you need that licence in place first.
5 years. After that you need a refresher course and to re-sit the relevant exams to stay qualified.
It depends on the work you want. Packages and bulk suits containerised or palletised loads, while Tanker suits fuel and chemical tanker work. We can talk you through which fits your goals.
Yes. ADR training counts towards the 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training you need to complete every 5 years.
We provide part payment options or up to 12 months payment plan, with the option to pay sooner if you wish.
16/10/2026
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We understand that every driver has different learning needs, which is why we offer flexible training options, including online and in-person training. Our course allows drivers to study at their own pace, while our training offers the opportunity for drivers to interact with their instructors and receive personalised attention.
Drivers must hold an ADR licence to transport hazardous goods such as fuel, chemicals, gases and flammable liquids. Carrying these loads without the correct licence is illegal. As a result, ADR training with HGV Learning is essential for anyone entering this area of work.
Our courses prepare drivers to pass the official exams and to manage dangerous substances safely in real-world situations. In addition, training gives learners the confidence to deal with emergencies and meet all regulatory standards.
A C1 licence allows drivers to operate vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, such as ambulances, delivery trucks and removal vans. Training with HGV Learning covers both the theory and practical tests, ensuring you are ready to drive these vehicles safely and professionally.
A C+E licence, also known as a Class 1 HGV licence, allows drivers to operate the largest and most complex commercial vehicles. This includes articulated lorries and other combinations where the trailer exceeds 750kg. It is the next step up from a Cat C licence and is essential for long-distance and international haulage roles.
A cat C licence allows an individual to drive medium-sized lorries, also known as rigid vehicles, with a maximum weight of around 32 tonnes.
This type of commercial driver’s licence is a requirement for operating vehicles that are commonly used for transporting goods and materials over medium distances.
Hiab training is essential for drivers who operate lorry-mounted cranes used to load and unload heavy goods. These cranes are common in construction, utilities and logistics, where safe handling of equipment and materials is a daily requirement. Our courses prepare drivers to use Hiab vehicles safely and to meet industry accreditation standards.
A telescopic handler, often called a telehandler, is one of the most widely used machines in construction, agriculture and logistics. It combines the features of a forklift and a crane, making it versatile for lifting, moving and placing loads. Our telescopic handler training prepares learners to operate this equipment safely and to gain recognised certification for employment in these industries.
