100+ Free UK ADR Class 1 Explosives Practice Questions

Pass your UK ADR Dangerous Goods Driver Class 1 Explosives Exam (Qualifications Scotland / DfT) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More ADR Dangerous Goods Driver Training

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

ADR Dangerous Goods Driver Training Certificate — Core Module (Europe)

Practice Questions100 questions

UK ADR Dangerous Goods Driver Class 7 Radioactive Exam (Qualifications Scotland / DfT)

Practice Questions100 questions

UK ADR Dangerous Goods Driver Packages Exam (Qualifications Scotland / DfT)

Practice Questions100 questions

UK ADR Dangerous Goods Driver Tankers Exam (Qualifications Scotland / DfT)

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: UK ADR Class 1 Explosives Exam

15 MCQs

Official SQA Class 1 Explosives specialisation paper length

Qualifications Scotland / DfT ADR exam specifications

10/15

Passing score (70%) required on the Class 1 CBT paper

Qualifications Scotland DGDT

1,000 kg

NEM limit for Division 1.1 on EX/II vehicles

ADR 7.5.5.2.1

16,000 kg

NEM limit for Division 1.1 on EX/III vehicles

ADR 7.5.5.2.1

5 years

ADR vocational certificate validity before mandatory refresher

ADR Chapter 8.2

100

Free OpenExamPrep practice questions for UK ADR Class 1

OpenExamPrep

UK ADR Class 1 Explosives is a 15-question SQA CBT (pass 10/15, 30 mins) required to transport commercial explosives in Great Britain and Europe. It covers divisions 1.1–1.6, compatibility groups A–S, EX/II and EX/III vehicle standards, NEM calculation, and security plans. This free bank provides 100 practice questions aligned with DfT syllabus.

Sample UK ADR Class 1 Explosives Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your UK ADR Class 1 Explosives exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the ADR classification system for Class 1 explosives, what characterizes a Division 1.1 explosive?

A.Substance or article with a mass explosion hazard affecting almost the entire load virtually instantaneously

B.Substance or article with a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard

C.Substance or article with a fire hazard and minor blast hazard but no mass explosion hazard

D.Substance or article presenting no significant hazard outside the package

Explanation: Division 1.1 consists of substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost the entire load virtually instantaneously.

2Which Class 1 hazard division is assigned to articles that present a projection hazard but NOT a mass explosion hazard?

A.Division 1.1

B.Division 1.2

C.Division 1.4

D.Division 1.6

Explanation: Division 1.2 comprises substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard.

3Commercial fireworks such as consumer sparklers or small Roman candles packed for retail are typically classified under which Division?

A.Division 1.1A

B.Division 1.5D

C.Division 1.4G or 1.4S

D.Division 1.2L

Explanation: Consumer fireworks and small pyrotechnic articles present minor hazard effects confined mostly to the package and are classified as Division 1.4 (Compatibility Group G or S).

4What does Compatibility Group A designate in Class 1 dangerous goods classification?

A.Article containing a primary explosive substance and two or more effective protective features

B.Propellant powder or other deflagrating explosive substance

C.Pyrotechnic substance or article containing a pyrotechnic substance

D.Primary explosive substance such as lead azide or fulminate of mercury

Explanation: Compatibility Group A is defined in ADR as a primary explosive substance (e.g. lead azide, lead styphnate). Because of extreme sensitivity, Group A substances must never be loaded with other explosives.

5Why is Compatibility Group S unique compared to all other compatibility groups in Class 1?

A.Hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are confined within the package unless degraded by fire

B.Packages in Group S may be carried in any non-EX vehicle without any ADR driver training

C.Group S explosives spontaneously detonate if exposed to atmospheric moisture

D.Group S items are exempt from orange-plate display regardless of quantity

Explanation: Group S comprises substances or articles so packaged that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are confined within the package, unless the package has been degraded by fire.

6What is the primary difference between Division 1.5 and Division 1.1 explosives?

A.Division 1.5 has no mass explosion hazard under any circumstance

B.Division 1.5 consists of very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard but low probability of initiation

C.Division 1.5 can only be carried in liquid tank vehicles

D.Division 1.5 comprises articles with self-contained initiation mechanisms

Explanation: Division 1.5 consists of very insensitive substances (e.g. ANFO blasting agents) which have a mass explosion hazard but are so insensitive that there is very little probability of initiation or transition to detonation under normal transport conditions.

7A package is labelled with Hazard Label 1.3G. What does the letter G signify?

A.Gelatinous industrial blasting explosive

B.Gas-generating explosive device for automotive airbags

C.Pyrotechnic substance or article containing a pyrotechnic substance

D.General store explosive suitable for passenger train transport

Explanation: Compatibility Group G denotes a pyrotechnic substance, or an article containing a pyrotechnic substance, or an article containing both an explosive substance and an illuminating, incendiary, tear- or smoke-producing substance.

8Which Compatibility Group is assigned to detonators and detonator assemblies for blasting?

A.Compatibility Group A

B.Compatibility Group D

C.Compatibility Group S

D.Compatibility Group B

Explanation: Compatibility Group B consists of articles containing a primary explosive substance and not containing two or more effective protective features. Detonators for blasting fall into Group B.

9What is the classification code for black powder (gunpowder) when packaged in granular form?

A.UN 0027, 1.1D

B.UN 0336, 1.4G

C.UN 0044, 1.4S

D.UN 0241, 1.1D

Explanation: Black powder (gunpowder) granular or powdered is UN 0027, Division 1.1, Compatibility Group D.

10Division 1.6 comprises extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard. What is required for an item to be assigned to 1.6?

A.The articles must be submerged in water during transit

B.The articles must contain only extremely insensitive substances and demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental initiation

C.The articles must be manufactured without any chemical oxidizers

D.The articles must weigh less than 50 grams per unit

Explanation: Division 1.6 contains extremely insensitive articles which contain only extremely insensitive substances and demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation.

About the UK ADR Class 1 Explosives Exam

The UK ADR Class 1 Explosives examination is a touchscreen multiple-choice CBT for drivers transporting Class 1 explosive substances and articles. Administered by Qualifications Scotland for the UK Department for Transport (DfT), it tests knowledge of Hazard Divisions 1.1 to 1.6, Compatibility Groups A through S, EX/II and EX/III vehicle construction and electrical safety standards (ADR Chapter 9.2/9.3), Net Explosive Mass (NEM) payload limits (1,000 kg for EX/II vs 16,000 kg for EX/III), High Consequence Dangerous Goods (HCDG) security plans (ADR 1.10), emergency evacuation and cargo fire prohibitions. Passing awards the Class 1 endorsement on the 5-year UK ADR vocational training certificate.

Questions

15 scored questions

Time Limit

30 minutes (centre-scheduled touchscreen CBT)

Passing Score

10 out of 15 correct (about 70%)

Exam Fee

Typically £20–£30 SQA/Qualifications Scotland exam fee per paper (course tuition for Class 1 commonly £400–£600) (Qualifications Scotland / SQA DGDT on behalf of the Department for Transport)

UK ADR Class 1 Explosives Exam Content Outline

30%

Class 1 Hazard Divisions & Compatibility Groups

Mass explosion (1.1), projection (1.2), fire (1.3), minor (1.4), insensitive (1.5), extremely insensitive (1.6); Compatibility Groups A through S and mixed loading prohibitions.

25%

EX/II and EX/III Vehicle Construction & Equipment

EX body specs, fire-resistant tarpaulins, smooth spark-free interior lining, engine/exhaust heat shields, IP65 wiring, battery master switches, and fire extinguishers.

25%

Net Explosive Mass (NEM) & Stowage Rules

Calculating NEM (net explosive active content), vehicle payload caps (1,000 kg EX/II vs 16,000 kg EX/III), cargo restraint, parking isolation, and convoy rules.

20%

Security Plans, Emergency Protocols & Reporting

HCDG security plans (ADR 1.10), driver photo ID, emergency standoff distances, non-firefighting of cargo fires, and ADR 1.8.5 incident reporting.

How to Pass the UK ADR Class 1 Explosives Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 10 out of 15 correct (about 70%)
Exam length: 15 questions
Time limit: 30 minutes (centre-scheduled touchscreen CBT)
Exam fee: Typically £20–£30 SQA/Qualifications Scotland exam fee per paper (course tuition for Class 1 commonly £400–£600)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

UK ADR Class 1 Explosives Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorise the 6 divisions: 1.1 (mass explosion), 1.2 (projection), 1.3 (fire/minor blast), 1.4 (minor hazard), 1.5 (very insensitive mass explosion), 1.6 (extremely insensitive).

2Learn key compatibility groups: A (primary powder), B (detonator), C (propellant), D (secondary detonating), E/F (articles with propellant/initiation), G (pyrotechnics), S (packaged safety).

3Remember vehicle payload NEM limits: EX/II is capped at 1,000 kg for 1.1; EX/III permits up to 16,000 kg for 1.1.

4Understand EX vehicle rules: engine in front of firewall, exhaust heat shields, IP65 wiring, dual battery master switch, no open-flame heaters in cargo space.

5Drill HCDG security: photo ID mandatory, vehicle GPS tracking, no unattended parking in public spaces, and never fight a cargo fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK ADR Class 1 Explosives exam?

It is the specialisation CBT paper required for drivers carrying Class 1 explosive substances or articles on road vehicles in Great Britain and under ADR regulations.

How many questions are on the Class 1 paper?

The official SQA paper consists of 15 multiple-choice questions. The pass mark is 10 out of 15 (70%) within a 30-minute time limit.

What vehicle type is required to carry Class 1 explosives?

Vehicles carrying Class 1 explosives above exemption limits must be certified as EX/II or EX/III vehicles holding a valid annual ADR Certificate of Approval.

What is Net Explosive Mass (NEM)?

NEM (or Net Explosive Quantity NEQ) is the mass of the explosive substance alone, excluding outer boxes, packaging materials, or metal casings.

What should a driver do if a vehicle fire reaches a Class 1.1 cargo?

Do NOT attempt to fight the fire. Immediately sound the alarm, evacuate all persons to a safe standoff distance (at least 300–500 m), and call emergency services (999/112).