CBS stops VBGS exams: what does it mean for you?

As a truck driver, you have probably heard of the VBGS exam (Competence in Handling Hazardous Substances). This exam was intended for people who work with hazardous materials, such as warehouse workers or forklift drivers, but since changes in laws and regulations, this exam has lost its function for many drivers. The exam was often taken by people who handled hazardous materials on the shop floor, but now companies have the option of securing professional competence through in-house training or other certifications.
Therefore, CBR has decided to stop offering this exam from July 1, 2025.

Do I need to have the VBGS exam?

If you truck driver are (or want to become) and you work with hazardous substances, it is ADR exam (Accord Dangereux Routier) is probably the exam you need. The ADR exam is specifically for drivers who transport dangerous goods by road. It emphasises safety during transport, including loading, unloading, carrying the right documents and how to act in case of incidents. If you already have a HGV licence (or CE driving licence) and you work with hazardous materials, you probably need the ADR certificate, not the CBGS exam.

The CBGS exam focused on handling hazardous materials in the workplace, such as in warehouses, and was not specific to transporting hazardous materials. However, if you have already passed the VBGS exam, your certificate remains valid for up to five years after its issue, and may still be relevant to your work, especially if you work in logistics and handle hazardous materials in a warehouse.

As a driving school, what do we think about this?

As driving school we regret the CBR's decision to discontinue the VBGS exam, but we understand the decision. Professional competence around hazardous substances is increasingly being arranged by companies through in-house training or other certifications. This offers companies more flexibility and makes it no longer necessary to take the exam at CBR. The VBGS exam has had its value, especially for people who work with dangerous goods, but for truck drivers who focus specifically on transporting dangerous goods, the ADR exam remains the main requirement.

What does this mean for you as a truck driver?

If you have not yet taken the ADR exam, but are driving dangerous goods, this is the next step. This is because the ADR exam remains mandatory for the transport of dangerous goods by road, and it does not stop like the CBGS exam. For truck drivers who have already passed the VBGS exam, your certificate will remain valid for five years, and you won't have to worry about the changes until you have to recertify again.

Want to know more on this topic? Here read the full news release from the CBR.