DGSA exam booking: applications reopen 27 November 2026
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has updated its guidance for people who want to qualify as a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA), or renew an existing certificate. Applications to book an exam are not open at present and will reopen on 27 November 2026.
Cost and structure
Candidates must pay £135 for every subject they sit. Qualifying requires three exams, so the total comes to £405. The exams must be passed again every five years to stay qualified.
The rail and inland waterways exams take place at the same time, so a candidate can only take one of them on a single exam day. Qualifications Scotland administers the exams and confirms the full venue address once a booking is made. Belfast is listed as a venue.
How booking works
- After applying, DVSA emails payment details within three working days.
- Payment must be made before 5pm on the last date for applications. Anyone who misses the deadline must apply again when applications reopen.
- Once payment is made, Qualifications Scotland emails a booking confirmation.
- To move to the next exam date, candidates should email Qualifications Scotland at least 14 days before their exam.
Missed exams and appeals
Candidates who cannot attend because of bereavement, illness or injury must email Qualifications Scotland at least 14 days beforehand, with proof attached. With less than 14 days' notice, no refund is available, though the booking can be moved to the next exam date.
Results can be appealed if performance was affected by certain circumstances. Appeals and supporting evidence must be emailed to DVSA before results are published. DVSA aims to respond within 30 working days. It cannot change a test result, but a successful appeal could lead to a free resit.
After the exams, certificates can take up to eight weeks to arrive and must be signed and dated on receipt.