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Licences & the ARDS test

Your kart licence won't let you race a car. Here's how to get your first race licence.

Last checked against Motorsport UK guidance: September 2026

The short version

  1. Buy the Motorsport UK Race starter pack.
  2. Book and pass the ARDS Novice Driver Training Course at an approved race school.
  3. Get your application form stamped by the ARDS examiner.
  4. Send it to Motorsport UK for your first Race Club licence.

The starter pack

For car racing, Motorsport UK's "Your First Race Competition Licence" starter pack is the only way to get your first Race Club licence. The fee for that first licence is already included in the price of the pack.

What's in the pack

  • A guide introducing you to racing, plus links to online resources
  • Your Motorsport UK competition licence application form
  • Your first Race Club licence, already paid for

Price: £119 at the time of writing.

Source: Motorsport UK shop. Check the current price before you buy.

The ARDS test

ARDS stands for the Association of Racing Driver Schools. It's a group of race schools recognised by Motorsport UK that train and test new drivers. Member schools around the UK run the Novice Driver Training Course, which most people just call "the ARDS". Motorsport UK quotes 13 schools, while the ARDS website currently lists 10. See them in our directory.

The test has two parts:

PartWhat happens
WrittenA 30-minute written test in a classroom. It covers the circuit racing regulations (Section Q of the Motorsport UK Yearbook) and flag signals.
TrackYou drive laps of the circuit in a road car with an examiner, among other traffic. They're checking you can lap safely and in control. It isn't about being fast.

Source: Motorsport UK, ARDS. Find a school at ards.co.uk.

From usKarters sometimes treat the track test like qualifying. Don't. The examiner wants to see smooth, sensible, safe driving and good awareness of other cars. Save the heroics for race day.

How to prepare

These are Motorsport UK's own tips, plus a couple of our own:

  • Know your flags perfectly. Motorsport UK says you need 100% on flag knowledge. Make flashcards and test each other in the car on the way to the circuit.
  • Watch the safety film that comes with the course material.
  • Read Section Q of the Yearbook, the circuit racing regulations.
  • Understand the racing line. Karters usually have this nailed, but a car is heavier and brakes differently.
  • Consider a track day first at the circuit where you'll take the test. It isn't compulsory, but it helps. Most schools also offer training packages for complete novices.

Medicals

Anyone applying for a first Race Club licence has to meet Motorsport UK's medical requirements. Depending on your answers to the medical questionnaire, you may need a doctor's medical, an ECG and/or a vision test. The details come with the starter pack, so read them early. Booking a medical can take longer than you'd think.

Source: Motorsport UK, medical & licence requirements.

Under 18?

If you've been karting, you'll know that under-18s need a parent or guardian involved in the licence process. In karting, the parent or guardian applies for an Entrant (PG) licence alongside the driver. Check the car racing application form carefully for what's needed, and ring Motorsport UK if you're not sure.

Licence costs

LicencePriceNotes
Race starter pack£119Includes your first Race Club licence
Race Club (renewal)£104Formerly called Race Inter Club
Race National£167Needed for some championships. Check your series regulations

Prices from Motorsport UK at the time of writing and may have changed. Source.

Still stuck?

Motorsport UK's membership team are genuinely helpful. Ring them on 01753 765 050.