Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG/ ADR)

CDG/ ADR test fees

See test fees in the table below:

Update on Temporary Exemption Certificates

The DVA will no longer be issuing Temporary Exemption Certificates for heavy goods vehicles and trailers. You will be sent reminders as your vehicles approach their test due date.

New applications are now being accepted for;

• heavy goods vehicles and trailers due an MOT/ vehicle test test 
• heavy goods vehicles and trailers due an ADR test 
• new heavy goods vehicles and trailers that are unable to apply for authorisation 476, for example those which carry dangerous goods on international journeys

MOT/ vehicle test

If your vehicles' MOT/ vehicle test is due you must now apply for an ADR test if their existing ADR1 test certificate has expired. You can apply for the ADR test together with an MOT/ vehicle test or individually.

You should apply for the test in good time, to make sure that your vehicle can be cleared for test before your current certificate expires. On some occasions, it can take up to four weeks to clear a vehicle for test, particularly if there is a problem with your application.

What you need to do

1. Email specialist.testingDVA@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk with 'ADR' and the vehicle registration number, trailer number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the subject line
2. Fill in and attach the ADR application form, take care to fill in the form completely and accurately as incorrect or missing information will result in delays
3. Attach any required documents, such as tank certificates, you must include a copy of both sides of the previous ADR1 Certificate, unless it is the vehicles first test
4. If the vehicle requires a goods vehicle test certificate, fill in all sections and attach the right application form
5. DVA will contact you for payment

New type approved tractor units

An application for the first CDG/ ADR certificate for an articulated tractor unit which is based on the maker's* declaration of conformity costs £28.00. You should follow the process in the above section ‘What you need to do’.

CDG/ ADR approved artic units (CDG/ ADR type approval provided by vehicle maker*) are no longer required to be presented at a test centre for its first inspection.

A test certificate will be posted to you once DVA has received a completed application form and fee. 

The CDG/ ADR application form can be downloaded at the link below.

• CDG or ADR application form

DVA can also test vehicles requiring certification under the CDG/ ADR agreement, something previously only carried out by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

• DVSA website

New semi and draw bar trailers which do not require an MOT/ vehicle test will be required to undergo a full brake test as part of the CDG/ ADR test.

Depending on which type of CDG/ ADR test you applied for, the application form will provide guidance on the vehicle declarations and certificates that are required with the application.

You should send scanned copies of these certificates along with the application form. Original certificates will be required by the examiner at the time of test.

Authorisation 476

Authorisation 476 allows new vehicles and trailers, type approved to the ADR standard, to enter into service and be used on Northern Ireland’s roads only, without the need for an ADR1 test certificate. The first ADR inspection would then be due at the same time as the first MOT/ vehicle test.

Applications must be made by the vehicle maker* or converter and an identical vehicle must have already been ADR certified in Northern Ireland or Great Britain.

What you need to do

1. Download and fill in the application form, at this link - Authorisation 476 for new type approved vehicles 
2. Save the form on your computer or device
3. Email the form to ADRBooking@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk - one vehicle per email, with ‘ADR 476’, the maker's* name and ‘VIN’ or ‘chassis number’ in the subject line

There is no application fee.

The following documents (either printed or digital copies) must be carried in the vehicle:

• a copy of the confirmation email from DVA
• a copy of authorisation 476
• a valid tank certificate, where applicable

Relevant authorities

DVA will be acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland relevant authorities for the CDG/ ADR vehicle certification aspects of the legislation only.

The Health and Safety Executive (NI) is the relevant authority for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (excluding explosives).

• Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland

The Department of Justice Firearms and Explosives Branch is the relevant authority for vehicles carrying explosives.

• Department of Justice

Contact Firearms and Explosives Branch on 028 9052 0057.

Both relevant authorities have appointed DVA to carry out the inspection of vehicles on their behalf.

Going to the test

DVA will email you confirmation of the test date and time. The person taking the vehicle to the test should make sure that:

• where required, they bring a completed and signed declaration for the cleaning/ purging of vehicles - this should not be handed to the examiner, but may be shown through the window or left in the cab,  Download the declaration 
• they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, no one should go if they feel unwell, have tested positive, or live with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive
• they adhere to instructions at all times and must not leave the cab unless asked to do so - if they are unsure of any instruction, they should sound the horn

Failure to meet any of the above may result in the test not being completed and you may lose your fee.

* also known as manufacturer on the ADR application form