The Benefits of Holding an ADR Driver Training Certificate
Introduction
Professional drivers of vehicles transporting Dangerous Goods or Hazardous materials are required to hold an ADR Licence. The ADR Training benefits new and experienced drivers interested in progressing their careers as a professional driver.
Swilly Group has been Ireland’s Trusted Provider for ADR Training for almost 20 years. A number of live online courses are on offer in 2025. Swilly Group is currently offering an Early Bird Discount (20% off for bookings before 17th January 2025) for courses in January and February 2025.
What is an ADR Driver Training Certificate
The ADR Driver Training Certificate is a legally mandatory document for all drivers transporting Dangerous Goods in Ireland and across the EU and Europe.
Professional Drivers of vehicles transporting dangerous goods such as home heating oil, gas cylinders, paints, pesticides, or weed killers. Drivers of road tankers or tank containers must also complete the ADR Tanker Specialisation course, making these programmes ideal for those enhancing their professional credentials or entering the hazardous goods transport sector.
Definition of an ADR Licence
The Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road’ (ADR) is an international agreement that Ireland and many other countries have signed up to. All professional drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous materials must complete ADR Driver Training in order to obtain an ADR Licence, also known as an ADR Certificate.
Who needs an ADR Licence?
Professional Drivers of vehicles transporting dangerous goods or hazardous materials such as home heating oil, gas cylinders, paints, pesticides, or weed killers are required to have an ADR licence or obtain ADR Certification.
Road Tankers Drivers or tank container vehicle drivers must also complete the ADR Tanker training to receive ADR Certification for driving tank carrying vehicles.
Why is Holding an ADR Driver Training Certificate Important?
The ADR Driver Training Certificate for Initial Basic and Tanker Specialisation is a vital qualification for professional drivers involved in the transport of dangerous goods.
This ADR licence not only ensures compliance with strict regulations but also provides numerous benefits for both drivers and employers.
Improved Safety Skills
The ADR Licence provides drivers with ADR training safety and equips drivers with comprehensive knowledge of the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials. The benefits of ADR certification are understanding correct handling procedures, emergency response techniques, and driver & vehicle requirements, and minimising risks to themselves, the public, and the environment.
Legal Compliance
Transporting dangerous goods in Ireland, and across the EU, requires adherence to the ADR legal requirements Holding an ADR licence ensures ADR compliance with these regulations, protecting drivers and their employers from fines, legal disputes, and reputational damage.
Increased Job Opportunities
There are many job opportunities for and ADR licence benefits for holders of ADR Drivers in industries such as Fuel Distribution, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and home heating gas transportation.
The ADR Licence makes drivers more competitive in the job market, offering access to higher-paying and specialised roles. Employers often prefer or require certified ADR professionals to meet industry and legal standards.
How to Get an ADR Driver Training Certificate?
Drivers must first complete the ADR Initial Basic (Packages) and the Tanker Specialisation (Tankers) Course with an approved ADR Driver Training Provider such as Swilly Group. This is a 5-day course and is delivered live online. Drivers must complete the ADR Driver Training before they can sit the ADR exams.
Swilly Group will support all drivers in applying for the ADR multiple choice exams that are run by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Drivers must sit two multiple choice exams with 36 and 24 questions. They must achieve a pass mark of 66% or more to pass the exams. Exams take place in Dublin/Naas, Cork and Galway.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain an ADR Licence
Here is the step-by-step process to obtaining an ADR Driver Training Certificate
- Choose a trusted training provider such as Swilly Group.
- Complete the ADR Initial Basic (3 days) and ADR Tanker Specialisation (2 days) courses.
- Book and pass the exam run by CILT, usually 2 weeks after the ADR course.
- Receive your ADR Licence from the CILT the next week after passing the ADR exams.
How Long Does ADR Training Take?
The ADR Initial Basic course is 3 days and ADR Tanker Specialisation course is 2 days which is a total of 5 days for the full ADR course. The course delivery is very flexible, delivered live online. Swilly Group send out the course books and drivers follow the courses online. Swilly Group has 100s of sample questions and over 10 ADR mock exams for learners to practice with during the course.
There are two ADR exams run by the CILT every month in Dublin/Naas and one exam every month in Cork and Galway. Drivers can book the CILT ADR exam up to one year after completing the ADR training course. However, most drivers book the exam about two weeks after the course is complete.
The ADR licence is valid for 5 years.
Cost of an ADR Licence and Discounts
Standard Costs of ADR Training
The Swilly Group offers the most competitive pricing for ADR training courses. There are no hidden fees or no additional costs
ADR training course prices are as follows:
• ADR Initial Basic Course (3 days) €350
• ADR Basic and Tanker Course (5 days) €600
The ADR Exam Fee (for both exams) is as follows:
• CILT ADR Exam Fee €200
Early Bird Discount and Booking Details
Swilly Group is currently offering an Early Bird Discount on course fees (20% off for ADR bookings before 17th January 2025) for courses in January and February 2025.
Validity and Renewal of an ADR Licence
How Long Does an ADR Licence Last?
The ADR Licence is valid for 5 years. Drivers are required to renew their ADR Licence in the last year of validity.
How to Renew Your ADR Licence
An ADR licence renewal involved completing a 2-day ADR refresher course and passing the ADR exams to renew their ADR Certification for another 5 years.
Types of ADR Training Offered by Swilly Group
Core and Optional Modules
The Swilly Group offers the following ADR modules and courses online for drivers wishing to obtain or renew their ADR Licence:
• ADR Initial Basic course (ADR PACKAGES) – 3 days
• ADR Basic and Tanker Specialisation (ADR TANKERS) – 5 days
• ADR Refresher Training Course (ADR REFRESHER) – 2 days
The flexibility and accessibility of the live online ADR training courses makes the Swilly Group prices very competitive.
Specialised Training for Tanker Drivers
ADR Tanker Drivers must also complete the ADR Basic Tanker Specialisation course (5 days) to drive vehicles transporting tankers or tank containers. The last two days are the ADR tanker course and includes specialised tanker training ADR.
Why Choose Swilly Group for ADR Training?
Proven Expertise and High Standards
Swilly Group has been an HSA-approved ADR training provider for almost 20 years and is a trusted ADR training provider.
The Swilly Group has a very high pass rate with between 90% and 100% of drivers passing the exams on the first sitting.
Flexible Online Training and Competitive Pricing
Swilly Group offer flexible Live Online ADR courses. Drivers can complete the course from the comfort of their own home. The course manuals are sent out to the driver by post and 100s of sample questions and mock exams are made available to the drivers during the course.
Swilly Group offer very competitive pricing and discounts on all our ADR courses online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an ADR licence?
All professional drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous materials must complete ADR Driver Training in order to obtain an ADR Licence, also known as an ADR Certificate.
How do I get an ADR license?
Drivers must firstly complete the ADR Initial Basic (Packages) and the Tanker Specialisation (Tankers) Course and then pass the ADR multiple choice exams.
How long does ADR training take?
The ADR Initial Basic (Packages) course is 3 days and the ADR Basic and Tanker Specialisation (Tankers) Course is 5 days. The ADR Refresher course is 2 days.
How much does ADR training cost?
The ADR Initial Basic (Packages) course is €350 and the ADR Basic Tanker Course is €600. The ADR Refresher course is €300. The CILT Exam fee is €200.
Can I do ADR training online?
Yes, Swilly Group offers all ADR courses live online.
What’s the difference between packages and tankers?
Drivers with an ADR Licence for Packages can drive trucks carrying boxes, bags, cylinders or IBCs containing hazardous material. They can also drive vehicles carrying Bulk loads.
Drivers with an ADR Licence for Tankers can drive trucks, and transport Tankers or Tank Containers carrying fuels or other liquid chemicals. Tanker drivers can also drive vehicles carrying bulk loads or packages carrying hazardous materials.
