Basic ADR course — 3 days
The foundation for any dangerous-goods clearance. It gives the right to carry goods in packaging — except explosives and transport in tanks.
Who it suits
- Drivers who carry dangerous goods in packaging, drums, canisters, boxes
- Those who transport paints, solvents, acids, household chemicals, industrial gases in cylinders
- Anyone obtaining an ADR (ДОПНВ) certificate for the first time
If the goods are carried in bulk, you need the tanks course. If it concerns explosive substances, the full course with class 1.
Which classes the basic course covers
The agreement divides dangerous goods into nine classes. The basic course grants clearance to carry them in packaging across all classes, except class 1 — explosive substances and articles. That is, gases in cylinders, flammable liquids, oxidisers, toxic and corrosive substances, radioactive material in packaging — all of this the basic course covers.
What ДОПНВ is and how it differs from ADR (it does not) is explained on the what ДОПНВ is page, where you will also find the full table of classes.
What you study
- Classification of dangerous goods and the principle of dividing them into classes
- Requirements for packaging and marking
- Hazard labels and orange-coloured plates
- Transport documents and written instructions for the driver
- Vehicle equipment and personal protective equipment
- Mixed-loading prohibitions
- Actions in the event of an accident, leak or fire
- Duties of the driver, carrier and consignor
What to prepare in advance
For ADR the list is shorter than for Code 95. Copies are sent by messenger, and the originals are needed at the training itself.
- An identity document — ID card or passport
- Tax identification number
- National driving licence
- A valid ADR (ДОПНВ) certificate — only if you are taking a refresher course
There is no separate length-of-service requirement for ADR: an open category and a valid licence are enough to join the course. If the previous certificate has already expired, call us — the procedure will differ from a scheduled refresher. The full list with explanations is on the Documents page.
When the basic course is enough, and when it is not
The basic course covers the most common scenario: the load travels in packaging — in drums, canisters, boxes, cylinders, bags. These are paints and solvents, acids and alkalis, household chemicals, industrial gases, batteries, aerosols. If your runs look like this, the basic certificate is enough.
It falls short in two cases. The first is bulk transport, that is in a tank: here a separate module is needed, and on the road this is the first thing checked. The second is explosive substances and articles, class 1, for which the full course exists.
So the question «which course do I need» really comes down to «what do you carry and in what». If the answer is not yet clear, take the basic one: it is the foundation for any extension, and you can always add training later.
What is checked on the road
An ADR (ДОПНВ) certificate is an ID-1 plastic card of international standard, described in the European Agreement on the carriage of dangerous goods. It is checked together with the transport documents, and in EU countries it undergoes public validation — that is, its authenticity is confirmed, not just taken on trust.
It is valid for five years from the exam date. After that, drivers take a refresher, which is shorter than the initial course. If you apply in good time, there is no need to take the full course again; if the term has already expired, the procedure differs, so it is best not to delay.
- Duration — 3 days
- What it gives — clearance for goods in packaging
- Does not cover — tanks, class 1
- Format — in person
- Certificate validity — 5 years
- Refresher — 3 days
- Application — by phone or messenger. Tell us what you carry and how — the programme depends on it.
- Documents — identity document, tax number, driving licence. No length of service required.
- Classes — in person, in an equipped classroom. The Regulations do not provide for a distance format.
- Exam and certificate — an ID-1 plastic card of international standard, valid for five years from the exam date.
Is the basic course enough to carry fuel in drums?
Yes. Drums, canisters and cylinders are packaging, and the basic course is enough for them. The specialisation is needed only for carrying in bulk in tanks.
What does the basic course not cover?
Transport in tanks and class 1 goods — explosive substances and articles. Separate modules are needed for them.
Does the basic certificate cover all classes of dangerous goods?
The basic course gives clearance for goods in packaging across various classes, except class 1. Class 7 has its own particularities — check against the specific load.
Can I take the full course straight away?
Yes, if the nature of the goods may change. A single enrolment instead of three separate ones saves time.
Do I need a certificate to carry diesel fuel?
Yes, diesel fuel is a dangerous good. The scope of clearance depends on what exactly it is carried in.
How long does the refresher last?
Three days. It is taken once every five years to renew a valid certificate.
Request a call back
Leave your name and phone number and we will call you back, determine the right course for your category and tell you the date of the next intake.
Or reach out to us yourself
We reply during business hours in any of the messengers.