Guidance

Dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA): privacy notice

Updated 4 September 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dvsa-privacy-notices/dangerous-goods-safety-adviser-dgsa-privacy-notice

1. About this service or activity

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is an executive agency of the Department for Transport (DfT). DVSA administers the dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA) examinations and certification.

To manage the approvals and audits for this scheme DVSA provides associated guidance and support to the training providers. DVSA also provide a ‘find your nearest’ service at find a training course to become a dangerous goods (ADR) driver so the public can find relevant training.

The data controller for DVSA is DfT - a data controller determines the reasons and how personal data is processed. For more information, see the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Data Protection Public Register. DfT’s registration number is Z7122992.

Data is also held by the Scottish Qualification Authority as the data processor of DVSA.

2. Data we need for candidates

The personal details we collect from candidates to arrange training, examinations and issue their certificates is:

  • name
  • date of birth
  • address and postcode
  • telephone number
  • email address
  • country of birth
  • nationality
  • the details of your examination or qualification
  • payment details

The lawful basis for processing is public task under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009.

DVSA publishes a list of DGSAs on GOV.UK. The personal data we collect for the purposes of this list will include:

  • name
  • email address
  • postcode
  • telephone number
  • the details of your examination or qualification
  • DGSA candidate number

A full privacy notice which includes the DGSA list can be found at Get added to the dangerous goods adviser list: privacy notice.

3. Why we need the data

We need the personal data we collect from you to:

  • add you to the DGSA list and remove you form this service (should you request removal from it)
  • arrange the DGSA examinations and issue you with a certificate
  • issue communications about changes to the DGSA regulations

4. What we do with it

We collect, use and store the data you give us for the reasons set out in this policy. We will not:

  • sell or rent your data to third parties
  • share your data with third parties for marketing purposes

We will share your data if required to do so by law – for example, by court order, or to prevent fraud or other crime.

5. How long we keep your data

We’ll only keep your personal data for as long as it is needed for the reasons set out in this policy or as long as is required by law. We will hold your personal data for:

  • 2 years after you book your DGSA exam
  • up to 2 years after you get added to the list of DGSAs unless your qualification lasts longer than that
  • 2 years from when you provide your consent to us
  • 5 years from certification

6. Where it might go

Our IT infrastructure and technology has been checked to make sure it’s safe and secure.

All your data is held on DVSA servers based in the UK.

7. Protecting your data and your rights

The DVSA personal information charter sets out what steps are taken to protect your data, and the rights you have over your data.

8. Automated decision making and profiling

Your data is not subject to automated decision making or profiling as defined in data protection legislation.

9. Changes to this notice

We may change this privacy notice at our discretion at any time.

When we change this notice, the date on the page will be updated. Any changes to this privacy notice will be applied to you and your data as of the revision date.

We encourage you to periodically review this privacy notice to be informed about how your data is protected.

10. How to contact us

If you have any questions about anything in this document or if you consider that your personal data has been misused or mishandled, you can contact the DVSA data protection manager

DVSA data protection manager
Data Protection Manager
DVSA
1 Unity Square
Nottingham
NG2 1AY

Contact DVSA customer services if you have a query that is not about how your personal data is used.

You may also make a complaint to the Information Commissioner, who is an independent regulator.

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