Contents
How long the certificate is valid
What counts is the date on which the exam of the basic course was passed. If the exam had to be repeated, the date of the repeat counts. Specialisation courses for tanks, Class 1 or Class 7 do not change the validity, even if they are completed later.
The right time for the refresher
The refresher can be taken at any time before expiry. If the exam is passed in the last twelve months before expiry, the time remaining until the old expiry date is added to the new five years. Nothing is lost.
| Refresher exam | New validity until |
|---|---|
| 15 March 2027, that is, within the twelve months | 30 June 2032 |
| 15 March 2026, that is, earlier than twelve months | 15 March 2031 |
| 15 July 2027, that is, after expiry | No refresher possible any more, a new basic course is required |
What happens at expiry
Once the certificate expires, so does the entitlement. The driver may then no longer transport dangerous goods in quantities above the exemption threshold under sub-section 1.1.3.6 ADR. To continue in the role, they need a new basic course with an exam.
How to keep track
- Record each driver’s expiry date and remind them with a long lead time; twelve months is a good value
- Book training dates early; many providers are fully booked months in advance
- After the course, check the new card and adopt the new date
In FleetCred, you set the lead time for the ADR certificate yourself. The reminder goes to the driver and dispatch. After the course, the driver photographs the new card; more under Checking ADR certificates.