ADR Training Courses in Wigan for Drivers and Fleets
ADR is the qualification you need to carry dangerous goods by road. We deliver initial, refresher, tanker and awareness ADR training from our Wigan centre, with drivers travelling in from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and Cumbria. Book a date below, or call 07513 683932 and we will work out exactly which classes you need.
What Is ADR and What Does It Stand For?
ADR stands for the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. It is the international agreement, administered by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, that sets out how dangerous goods must be classified, packaged, labelled, documented and driven. In Great Britain it applies through the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009. If you carry loads such as fuel, chemicals, gases or fireworks above the small load thresholds, you need a valid ADR certificate.
Is ADR Training a Legal Requirement?
Yes, if you drive dangerous goods above the small load thresholds set out in ADR. Driving without a valid certificate puts the driver, the operator and the operator licence at risk. An ADR certificate lasts five years, and you renew it by completing refresher training and passing the exams before it expires. If you let it lapse, the refresher route closes and you have to sit the full initial course again.
Who Needs ADR Training?
Drivers carrying dangerous goods above the threshold quantities need a full ADR certificate. Staff who handle, pack, load or document those goods without driving them need dangerous goods awareness training instead. We deliver both:
HGV Drivers: The ones behind the wheel, delivering dangerous goods across the UK.
Warehouse Operatives: Loading and unloading dangerous goods safely.
Freight Forwarders: Organising the transport of dangerous goods.
Logistics Managers: Overseeing the safe and efficient movement of dangerous goods.
Anyone handling dangerous goods: From packers to forklift operators.
What You'll Learn in ADR Training
Identify dangerous goods: Learn the nine classes of dangerous goods and their hazards.
Pack and label correctly: Ensure dangerous goods are packaged, labelled, and marked according to regulations.
Complete documentation: Fill out transport documents accurately, including consignment notes and vehicle placards.
Meet vehicle requirements: Ensure vehicles are properly equipped and maintained for safe transport.
Handle emergencies: Know what to do in case of an accident or incident.
Maintain security: Prevent unauthorised access to dangerous goods.
Types of ADR Training
Initial: For those new to handling dangerous goods.
Refresher: Keep your knowledge up-to-date every five years.
Specialisation: For specific classes of dangerous goods or transport operations.
Benefits of ADR Training
Safety: Reduce accidents and protect everyone involved.
Compliance: Avoid legal penalties and ensure smooth operations.
Efficiency: Streamline transport and reduce delays.
Environmental protection: Minimise the impact on the environment.
Career advancement: Boost your skills and job prospects.
Find Out More!
Health and Safety Executive (HSE):Click here!
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA):Click here!
Driver CPC hours: ADR training can count towards your 35 hours of Driver CPC periodic training. DVSA guidance caps this at 2 of the 7 hour periods, so up to 14 hours, and exam time does not count. Confirm the exact hours for your course combination with us before you book.
Awarding body: ADR is overseen by the DVSA on behalf of the Department for Transport, with Qualifications Scotland, formerly SQA, managing the assessment framework. Driver CPC hours are awarded separately. We deliver course content through the NLTC consortium.
Why Choose Submatter for ADR Training?
Submatter Ltd is an established, specialist transport training provider based in Wigan. ADR is our core flagship discipline, a highly technical qualification that is not readily available at every standard driver training school.
Our fully equipped classroom facilities provide a convenient, accessible hub for drivers and fleet operators across the entire region, saving you the time and expense of travelling to distant venues:
Greater Manchester & Merseyside: Seamlessly serving candidates from Bolton, Bury, Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, St Helens, and Liverpool.
Lancashire & Cheshire: Easily accessible for hauliers based in Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Blackpool, Lancaster, and Warrington.
Cumbria & Beyond: A direct training route for long-distance drivers coming from Carlisle, Kendal, and Penrith.
Expert Tutors: Our instructors bring genuine, real-world transport and compliance backgrounds to the classroom, blending examination technique with practical on-the-road insights.
B2B Fleet Operator Services: For logistics managers with multiple drivers requiring certification, we can arrange bespoke, face-to-face ADR training blocks, block-booked around your rota patterns to keep your fleet compliant with minimal downtime.
Not sure which ADR course or classes you need? Call us on 07513 683932 and we will work it out with you, or use the ADR Bookings button above to pick a date. Training centre: 11 Beecham Court, Wigan, WN3 6PR.