Free DGSA Study Resources: 10 for Syllabus, Papers and ADR Text (2026)

1.Vektor ADR reference library, for plain explanations beside the text

We built these ADR reference pages for people who move dangerous goods: UN numbers, the nine classes, hazard identification numbers, labels, limited quantities and the 1,000 point rule, each naming the ADR provision behind it. For DGSA study the library is a second reader beside the text, never the text.

Source: vektorgroup.eu

2.DVSA DGSA exam syllabus, for what the UK exam covers

The UK syllabus sets out each exam: core, all classes, then road, rail or inland waterways, with topic groups, timings, the pass mark and the texts you may take in. It was restructured on 2 June 2026, so notes written before then may follow the old groups.

Core takes 1 hour 15 minutes, all classes and road 1 hour 45 minutes; the pass mark is 65%.

Source: gov.uk

3.DVSA sample exam papers, for the format of the UK exam

The GOV.UK collection links three sample papers as PDFs: core (11 pages), all classes (9 pages) and road (12 pages). They are question booklets in the exam layout.

Source: gov.uk

4.DVSA's guide to answering exam questions, for how answers are marked

This page says what an answer must show: the regulation references used and the steps taken. A reference has to name part, chapter, section, sub-section and packing instruction number. Four example questions come with worked answers.

Source: gov.uk

5.DVSA's booking page, for dates, fees and venues

The page that fixes your deadline. It lists the next UK exam, 26 November 2026, with applications open 11 September to 12 November 2026, and four 2027 sittings. Qualifications Scotland administers it.

Source: gov.uk

6.DfT's DGSA guidance, for what the role and certificate involve

The Department for Transport explains who needs a DGSA, the adviser's duties, annual audit reports and renewal. It says formal training is not a legal requirement.

Certificates last five years; renewal means passing the exams within the final year of validity.

Source: gov.uk

7.UNECE's ADR 2025 files, for the road text itself

Road candidates answer from the ADR text. DVSA and CILT Ireland both link this UNECE page for it, and CILT says ADR 2025 came into force on 1 January 2025.

Source: unece.org

8.OTIF's RID 2025, for the rail text or a core text of choice

RID is the rail counterpart of ADR. DVSA lists it as a text of choice for core and all classes and as the text for the rail paper.

Source: otif.org

9.CDG 2009 on legislation.gov.uk, for UK national law

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 apply ADR and RID in Great Britain. DVSA lists them for every UK exam.

Read it with the approved derogations and transitional provisions; GOV.UK says that document is binding as if it were part of CDG 2009.

Source: legislation.gov.uk

10.CILT Ireland's DGSA page, for the Irish exam

In Ireland the Health and Safety Authority appointed CILT as the road DGSA examination body, and the railway regulator appointed it for rail. The page carries road and rail syllabuses, two sample papers listed as with solutions, fees and dates.

Source: cilt.ie