The most difficult transportation jobs are typically the most lucrative, and ADR courses could be the key to allowing you to apply for an exclusive set of specialist driving roles.
Every single day, dangerous goods are transported throughout the UK and Europe, with trucks carrying volatile, explosive or radioactive materials in order to keep the world moving.
The only way these materials safely get from place to place is thanks to ADR license holders, but what does ADR mean and how do you get a license to carry dangerous goods?
What Does ADR Mean?
ADR is French for Accord Dangereuses Route, which is shorthand for the “Agreement of 30 September 1957 concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road”.
This agreement is a treaty by the United Nations which governs how hazardous materials of various kinds are transported from one country to another.
Part of this agreement is ensuring that standards for training, safety and vehicle management are met to ensure that goods that potentially pose a danger to the public are transported safely and legally.
When Do You Need An ADR License?
You will need an ADR licence or ADR card to transport any goods that require particular care and handling guidelines.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Gaseous substances
- Flammable liquids
- Solid flammable materials
- Explosive substances
- Oxidising agents
- Toxic materials
- Corrosive materials
- Radioactive materials
This is in addition to HGV qualification and a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). If you are a fuel delivery driver and need to access fuel terminals, you will need a Petroleum Driver Passport in addition to an ADR card.
How Do You Get An ADR License?
ADR cards are modular; you take a test for each class of dangerous substance you intend to transport, with a minimum amount of training time and examination required as part of each module.
All of these are added to your ADR card, which lasts for five years but can be extended through refresher training courses. Up to 14 hours of ADR training can also count towards your 35-hour Driver CPC training requirements.