An ADR certificate is a document that confirms the right of a driver to drive a truck that transports dangerous substances. The rules and requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods are laid down in the European Agreement (ADDR/ADR).
In order to obtain a license, a driver must complete a training course and successfully pass an exam on knowledge of the special requirements stipulated in the European Agreement. After completing training and passing exams, the driver is granted the right to drive a vehicle with orange plates.
Previously, the process of training drivers consisted of several stages. The idea was first introduced in 1981, when training was to be conducted only for those who drove tanker trucks. This was facilitated by a terrible accident that happened in Spain in 1978, when a leak of liquefied propylene from a tanker truck caused an explosion, as a result of which a fireball was formed, the temperature of which exceeded a thousand degrees. The tragedy led to the destruction of buildings and cars within a radius of 300 meters, more than 200 people died and another 300 were hospitalized.
Starting from 1991, all drivers who transported dangerous goods in packages on vehicles were required to undergo training, while the weight of the goods was not to exceed seven and a half tons. Another disaster that happened in Germany in 1987 was the reason for the introduction of this training: then, during the transportation of gasoline and diesel fuel in a tanker truck, an explosion killed 6 people, injured 38, and more than ten apartment buildings were completely destroyed.
Since 1995, training has been conducted for drivers who transport dangerous substances, the weight of which should not exceed 3.5 tons. In 1997, additional courses were developed for drivers engaged in the transportation of explosives, dangerous goods of class 1, as well as radioactive materials of class 7.
From 2007 inclusive, drivers of all vehicles, regardless of the maximum weight of the cargo, must undergo training. Transportation of dangerous substances requires the presence of an orange plate.
Today, in order to obtain a DOPNV certificate, all drivers must pass a basic training course. Depending on the specifics of the cargo, in some cases it is necessary to take additional courses, including:
• Course on transportation of dangerous substances in tanks;
• Course on transportation of explosive substances and products;
• Course on transportation of radioactive materials;
• Retraining course in case the driver changes the chosen direction of transportation.
After the driver completes his training on the basic course, he is allowed to transport the following dangerous goods:
• Packaged in special packaging (this item also includes medium-capacity containers for bulk cargo and large-sized containers);
• Bulk substance;
• Substances packed in removable tanks, the capacity of which does not exceed 1 m3, or in built-in tanks;
• Substances transported in special means-batteries, the total capacity of which does not exceed 1 m3);
• Substance packed in tank containers, portable tanks or multi-element gas containers, the individual capacity of which does not exceed 3 m3).
In each country participating in the European Agreement, a competent authority is appointed, the purpose of which is to allow training centers to train drivers. Also, the competent authority must check and approve the training course, as well as organize exams to control and test the knowledge of drivers.
After the infamous terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the European Agreement decided that all ADR/ADR member countries are required to keep registers of all valid documents on the training of drivers of vehicles engaged in the transportation of dangerous substances. Only the employees of the competent bodies have the right of access to these registers, all the others deal only with the sample certificates posted on the UNECE website.
The validity period of the ADR certificate is 5 years. After the expiration of the term, the driver must retake the exams to confirm his qualifications and receive a new document that confirms the right to transport dangerous goods on the chosen route.