The transport of dangerous goods by road is regulated by the European ADR Agreement, which establishes the requirements to ensure the safe transport of these substances. In 2025, in both Spain and France, obtaining an ADR permit is essential for drivers wishing to operate tank vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
What is an ADR permit?
The ADR permit is a certification authorising drivers to transport dangerous goods by road. For tank vehicles, additional specialisation is required to enable the safe handling of hazardous liquids or gases.
Requirements to obtain an ADR licence in France in 2025:
- Valid driving licence: Hold a driving licence of the category corresponding to the vehicle to be driven.
- Specialised training: Complete a training course at an approved centre covering aspects such as the classification of dangerous goods, safety measures, emergency procedures and current legislation.
- Theoretical examination: Pass a test that assesses the knowledge acquired during the training.
- Medical fitness: Present a medical certificate attesting to physical and mental fitness to drive vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Periodic renewal: The ADR licence is valid for five years, after which a refresher course must be taken and an examination passed for renewal.ADR licence for road tankers. How to obtain it in France in 2025
Differences with Spain:
Although the process of obtaining an ADR licence is similar in both countries, there are some differences:
- Training centres: In France, the centres must be authorised by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, while in Spain, the authorisation corresponds to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).
- Course content: Training programmes may vary in duration and specific content depending on national regulations.
- Administrative procedures: The procedures and documentation required may differ between the two countries.
Is my Spanish ADR permit valid for transporting dangerous goods in France?
Yes, the ADR permit is valid internationally in all countries that are signatories to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), including Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and many others.
This means that:
- If you obtain an ADR permit in Spain, you can legally drive in France or Belgium carrying dangerous goods, as long as the permit is in force and valid for the relevant category (e.g. tanks).
- You do not need to obtain a new ADR licence for each country you travel to, as long as you follow local regulations regarding signalling, equipment, documentation and specific road rules.
Important: Although the permit is recognised, each country may have additional requirements for vehicle markings, language of on-board documents or additional training. For example:
- In France, documents must be available in French.
- In Belgium, basic knowledge of local emergency procedures may be required.
Obtaining an ADR licence in France in 2025 is a structured process to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods. It is essential that drivers are properly informed and comply with all requirements to operate legally and safely.
If you would like more information about dangerous goods transport or any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.