Driver and Other Staff

ADR Initial Driver Courses

These are the essential Courses for Drivers of dangerous goods, and include the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) leading to the ADR Training Certificate.

The Courses are made up from Modules-

* Core-the basics for working with all types of dangerous goods

* Tanks-for working with tanks and tank containers

* Packages, including intermediate bulk containers (IBCs)

* Class Sections, for each of the UN Danger Classes 1 to 9

As a minimum, the Driver has to take the Core Module, the Tanks or Packages Module, and at least one Class Module. However, the Packages Module is not required if the Driver is taking only the Class 1 (Explosives) or Class 7 (Radioactives) Modules.

The general Course for all Modules, apart from Explosives and Radioactives, lasts 5 days. Courses for Explosives and Radioactives only are 2.5 days each.

ADR Refresher Courses

The ADR Certificate lasts 5 years, and is then renewed by taking a Refresher Course. These are roughly half as long as the Initial Courses, but with the same examinations at the end.

Movement of Dangerous Goods Course

This is a one day Course for Staff involved in the movement of dangerous goods, other than Drivers, for which general training is now required, eg Operators in Depots and Warehouses, and Despatch Staff in Traffic and Shipping Offices.

The Course covers basic handling knowledge, and also the key points of vehicle marking, equipment, and documentation under the various Regulations. At the end of the Course, the Students take a written test in order to obtain a Chemfreight DGT Certificate.

Driver CPC

The Driver CPC is the result of European legislation designed to improve road safety. The supporting legislation is contained within EU Directives 2003/59. According to the Department for Transport, the aim of the Driver CPC is to provide a better standard of qualified commercial driver to help reduce road casualties. It says the Driver CPC should also bring an improved professional and positive image to the road transport industries, attracting more people to drive buses, coaches and trucks for a living. Driver CPC will enhance your company creditability within the transport industry.

It is aimed not only at improving the knowledge and skills of LGV and PCV drivers when they first start work, but also at ensuring those skills are maintained and developed throughout the driver's working life.

Since 10 September this year, new LGV licence applicants must take an extended test that includes Driver CPC training. Existing LGV vocational licence holders will gain their Driver CPC through acquired rights at the same time. The freight transport and logistics industry's 500,000 active LGV drivers must then complete 35 hours of periodic training each five-year period thereafter to enable them to continue driving professionally.

If a driver does not have a valid Driver CPC qualification card after the 2014 deadline it becomes unlawful to drive a commercial vehicle over 3.5 tonnes GVW professionally. It is a compulsory periodic training requirement.

For further information please refer to courses