Dangerous goods vehicles: get an MOT and ADR test
How to find an MOT centre to test your dangerous goods vehicle, declare it’s safe to be tested, and what to bring to the test.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Dangerous goods vehicles need to pass an MOT (annual test) and ADR test every year.
You can book to:
- have these tests done on the same day at the same MOT centre
- have them done separately
Check when your tests are due
Check your MOT history to see when your vehicle’s MOT expires.
Your vehicle’s ADR certificate lasts for one year. Check the certificate to see when it expires.
If your ADR certificate expires before your MOT
You can still drive the vehicle if it has a valid MOT certificate. However, you must not use it to transport dangerous goods if the ADR certificate has expired.
Find an MOT centre that can test your vehicle
The type of MOT centre your vehicle can be tested at depends on whether it will be purged or laden with dangerous goods when you take it for the test.
On the service to find an MOT test centre, the centres are categorised as:
- green – can test any dangerous goods vehicles that have been purged and cleaned
- amber – can test vehicles laden with, or not purged of, a restricted set of dangerous goods
- red – can test vehicles laden with, or not purged of, any other dangerous goods
Your vehicle will not be accepted for its test if you do not take it to the right type of centre.
If your vehicle is purged and declared safe for inspection (green category)
You will be able to take your vehicle to any MOT centre if it’s purged and safe for inspection. You should take it to a green test centre if possible.
If your vehicle is laden with dangerous goods or has not been purged
Depending on the type of goods your vehicle has been carrying, you will need to get it tested at either:
Restricted dangerous goods (amber category)
Take your vehicle to an amber MOT centre if your vehicle is laden with, or not purged of, any of the substances in the table.
| Substance | UN number | Additional testing requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | 3065 | Only with a hazard code of 30 or 2Y |
| Argon compressed | 1006 | |
| Butane | 1011 | The vehicle must be certified leak-free |
| Carbon dioxide | 1013 | |
| Compressed hydrogen | 1049 | The vehicle must be certified leak-free |
| Diesel fuel or gas oil or heating oil (light) | 1202 | |
| Elevated temperature liquid | 3256 or 3257 | |
| Fuel, aviation, turbine engine | 1863 or 1063 | |
| Helium and oxygen compressed | 1956 | |
| Helium compressed | 1046 | |
| Hydrocarbon gas mixture | 1965 | The vehicle must be certified leak-free |
| Kerosene | 1223 | |
| Liquefied argon | 1951 | |
| Methane or compressed natural gas | 1971 | The vehicle must be certified leak-free |
| Methane or refrigerated natural gas | 1972 | The vehicle must be certified leak-free |
| Nitrogen compressed | 1066 | |
| Nitrogen refrigerated liquid | 1977 | |
| Nitrous oxide | 1070 | |
| Oxygen refrigerated liquid | 1073 | |
| Propane | 1978 | The vehicle must be certified leak-free |
| Tars liquid | 1999 |
Other dangerous goods (red category)
Take your vehicle to a red MOT centre if the vehicle is:
- laden with any other dangerous substance not listed in the amber category
- not purged after previously carrying any other dangerous substance not listed in the amber category
Apply for an ADR test
Before you book your ADR test at an MOT centre, you should apply to get an ADR test.
You will need to include which test centre you want to get your vehicle tested at when you complete the form.
Once you have submitted your application form, you can contact the MOT centre and give them your application reference number to book your test.
Vehicles and trailers need their own ADR certificates, so you will need to submit 2 applications if you have an articulated or drawbar combination.
Test fees
MOT fees
The cost of your MOT will depend on:
- how many axles your vehicle has
- whether you are getting it tested at an MOT centre or a DVSA test centre
Check the fees for heavy goods vehicles and trailers.
ADR test fees
The ADR test costs:
- £83 at an MOT centre
- £116 at a DVSA test centre
If you want to test a vehicle and trailer at the same time you have to pay a fee for both the vehicle and the trailer.
Service charge (sometimes called a pit fee)
The MOT centre can charge you a service fee. They can charge:
- £55 for a HGV
- £40 for a trailer
You can be charged the service fee twice if your vehicle is having an MOT and ADR test at the same time.
Declare that your vehicle is safe to be tested
You must complete a declaration form (called a VTG15) and bring it to the test centre on the day of your test to show the examiner:
- the type of dangerous goods the vehicle will be carrying, or the last load carried
- if you’ve purged and cleaned the vehicle and made it safe for inspection
- if you’ve not purged and cleaned the vehicle but you’ve taken reasonable precautions to make the vehicle safe for inspection
Take your vehicle to the test
The inside of the vehicle must be clean before your test. Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if the vehicle is not clean.
You should arrive 10 minutes before the test time.
You must bring:
- the completed form declaring your vehicle is safe to be tested (VTG15)
- your ADR driver card if the vehicle is laden or has not been purged
- your appointment letter if you have one
- the vehicle’s plating certificate
- a tachograph exemption form if your vehicle is exempt
- original insurance certificates for fixed tanks, batteries and pressure vessels if your vehicle is having an ADR test
You must be a qualified ADR driver or be accompanied by one if the vehicle is laden or has not been purged for the test. Only a qualified ADR driver can drive the vehicle to and from the test.
Passing the test
If your vehicle passes the MOT
Your result will be recorded in the MOT database. You can check your MOT history to see the result and the expiry date online.
If your vehicle passes the ADR test
You will be given an ADR certificate for your vehicle. This certificate will last for up to one year, as long as the vehicle has a valid MOT covering that period.
You can keep the same renewal date each year if your vehicle passes its next ADR test:
- up to a month before the expiry date
- up to a month after the expiry date
Failing the test
If your vehicle fails the MOT
Most MOT centres will not carry out repairs on your vehicle. You will usually have to take it away and get the faults fixed.
If the faults mean that the vehicle cannot be allowed on the road the examiner may allow on-site emergency repairs.
Once you have had the faults fixed you need to book another test and pay a retest fee.
The cost of the retest will depend on:
- how many axles your vehicle has
- whether it’s a full retest or a partial retest
- whether it’s being retested within 14 days of the original test
- whether you are getting it tested at an MOT centre or a DVSA test centre
Check the fees for heavy goods vehicles and trailers.
If your vehicle fails the ADR test
You will need to arrange to get your vehicle retested within 14 days of the original test.
If the retest takes place within 14 days of the original ADR test, you have to pay:
- £39 at an MOT centre
- £63 at a DVSA test centre
You will not have to pay for the retest if either:
- the vehicle is retested within one working day
- the vehicle would have passed the ADR test, but an ADR certificate could not be issued because the vehicle failed the MOT test
Getting your vehicle retested 15 days or more after the original test
You need to apply again using the form to apply to get an ADR test if your retest takes place 15 days or more after the original test.
You will need to pay the full test fee again.