Bundesportal | Dangerous goods driver; registration for the ADR test

More Information

Publisher

Bavaria

Last update or date of publication

January 27, 2026

The ADR certificate is a certificate in accordance with the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (= Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route, abbreviation = ADR).

To obtain the ADR training certificate, you must first attend a training course lasting at least two and a half days at a recognized training provider. You must then pass an examination at the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

The examination for dangerous goods drivers is usually conducted by the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce following the relevant training course at the training provider's premises.

The training courses and therefore also the examinations are divided into a basic course, advanced tank course, advanced class 1 course, advanced class 7 course and refresher training. Each course concludes with an examination.

The duration of the examination for the:

Initial training
- Basic course: 45 minutes
- Advanced tank course: 45 minutes
- Advanced course class 1: 30 minutes
- Advanced course class 7: 30 minutes
Refresher course: 30 minutes

The ADR training certificate is valid for five years from the date of passing the basic examination. To extend the ADR training certificate for a further 5 years, a refresher course must be attended and the refresher examination passed. This must be done before the ADR training certificate expires. If the validity date has passed, it is mandatory to complete an initial training course and examination.

ADR training certificates are extended for a further 5 years from the date of validity if the refresher training has been successfully completed within 12 months before the ADR training certificate expires.

Label

Preconditions

You will only be admitted to the respective examination if you have attended the corresponding training course recognized by the IHK without any absences.

You will only be admitted to the examination for an advanced course if you have passed the examination for the basic course in addition to attending a recognized training course.

You will only be admitted to the refresher examination if you present a valid ADR training certificate in addition to attending a recognized training course.

The examination fee is based on the applicable fee schedule of the relevant IHK.

Basis for legal action

Satzung / Statut der IHK betreffend die Ausbildung der Gefahrgutfahrer/-innen

§ 14 Abs. 3 Verordnung über die innerstaatliche und grenzüberschreitende Beförderung gefährlicher Güter auf der Straße, mit Eisenbahnen und auf Binnengewässern (Gefahrgutverordnung Straße, Eisenbahn und Binnenschifffahrt - GGVSEB)

§ 5 Abs. 2 Gesetz über die Beförderung gefährlicher Güter (Gefahrgutbeförderungsgesetz - GGBefG)

Procedure

First, you attend a training course lasting at least 2.5 days at a recognized training provider.

As a rule, the training organizer will register you for the examination at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). If not, register online or in writing with the IHK.
The IHK conducts the examination. This usually takes place directly after the course on the organizer's premises.
The examination is passed if the number of errors specified on the examination form has not been exceeded.

Once you have passed the examination, the IHK will issue you with the ADR training certificate and you can start working.

Deadlines

The ADR certificate is valid for 5 years.

Processing time

As a rule, you will receive notification of whether you have passed or failed the examination approximately 2 weeks after taking it.