How to Get a Race Licence in the UK: Costs, Tests and What to Expect

Knowing how to get a race licence in the UK is the first step for anyone serious about moving from track days into proper competition. The process involves three things: joining a club, passing the ARDS test, and submitting an application. In most cases it takes three to four weeks from start to finish, with a minimum total cost of around £360 to £425 for competitors under 60.

This blog covers what a race licence is, which type you need, the exact steps to get one, what it costs, and what safety equipment Motorsport UK requires before you can compete.

What Is a Race Licence in the UK?

Image Credit: Motorsport UK

A race licence is a competition licence issued by Motorsport UK, the national governing body for motorsport in the United Kingdom. You need one to enter any Motorsport UK-regulated event, be it circuit racing, sprints, hill climbs, rally, and most other competitive categories.

Track days are a different matter. They do not require a Motorsport UK race licence. Most operators ask first-time attendees to sign a novice declaration, but this is not a licence. The distinction matters as many people start with track days and assume a race licence follows automatically. It doesn’t. It’s a separate process with its own test and application form.

Types of Race Licence Explained

See the various licences required for different competitions and levels below:

Licence requirements are defined by the event's supplementary regulations. The grade required depends on the event status: Clubman, Interclub, National, or International. Always check with the series organiser before entering.

5 Steps on How to Get Your First Race Licence

Getting your first race licence is a five-step process. None of the steps are complicated, but they need to be done in order. 

Step 1: Join a Motorsport UK-Affiliated Club

Club membership is not required to hold a Motorsport UK competition licence, but it is required to compete in most club-level events. If you plan to enter any Motorsport UK-regulated circuit, sprint, or hill climb events, you will need to be a member of an affiliated club. Most clubs charge annual fees of £30 to £80. Options include BRSCC, BARC, 750 Motor Club, and hundreds of local affiliated clubs. Use the Motorsport UK club finder to locate one near you.

Step 2: Purchase the Go Racing Starter Pack

The Go Racing Starter Pack bundles the competition licence application form, medical declaration, and first-year licence fee. Purchase it through the Motorsport UK website. It is the correct starting point for almost all new circuit, sprint, and hill climb competitors. The pack also includes member benefits such as exclusive discounts with automotive partners and major retailers.

Step 3: Complete the Medical Requirements

What is required here depends on your age. If you are under 60, only a vision test is required; this is a self-declaration as part of the application form, with no GP visit needed. If you are 60 or over, a full GP medical and vision test is required (the same standard as an HGV or PSV medical), at a cost of approximately £50. A GP medical is also required at any age if you have a declared medical condition that needs further assessment. There is no upper age limit for a race licence. Competitors aged 14 to 17 will also need a legal guardian to countersign the application form.

Step 4: Book and Pass the ARDS Test

The ARDS test (Association of Racing Drivers Schools) is mandatory for a Race Club competition licence. It has two parts: a written exam covering flag signals, regulations, and safety procedures, and a practical on-track assessment at an ARDS-registered circuit.

The practical is not a lap time test. The examiner is looking for car control, track awareness, and that you understand on-track etiquette and procedures. Most candidates pass the first time. Test cost: approximately £245 to £310 depending on venue and whether you use a school car or your own. Kirkistown Race School is one of the 13 Motorsport UK-approved ARDS providers and a convenient option for competitors based in Northern Ireland.

Pre-test training is optional. Some competitors do a single half-day ARDS course (£200 to £400) at a local circuit. Others book a full preparation day at a racing driver school (up to £1,195). Neither is required if you have solid track experience and are confident in your car control.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once you have the Starter Pack, completed medical declaration, and your ARDS test pass certificate, submit the competition licence application form through Motorsport UK. Licences are typically granted within 10 working days.

How Much Does a Race Licence Cost in the UK?

We suggest checking the website to confirm current pricing as these are approximates. Annual renewal is a separate cost from the initial application. Motorsport UK publishes renewal pricing on their website each year.

What Safety Equipment Do You Need?

A race licence tells you that you can compete, it doesn’t tell you what safety equipment you need. That is determined by your championship or series regulations. At the time of writing, Motorsport UK’s minimum standards that most competition categories follow are indicated below but these are subject to change:

• Race Helmet: mandatory for all competitions. Must meet SA2020 or FIA 8860 rating at minimum. Snell SA2020 is the current standard for circuit and sprint events. FIA 8860-2018 is the higher-specification option used at professional level. Always check your series regulations for the exact required standard before you purchase.

• Race Suit: Mandatory for circuit racing and most sprint and hill climb events. Must be FIA homologated to at least 3.2A standard (FIA 8856-2018). Single-layer suits are the entry-level option. Two-layer suits offer better protection and longer heat exposure ratings.

• Harness: FIA-approved harness required for circuit and rally competition. A 6-point harness is standard. If your series requires a HANS device or FHR, your harness must be FHR-compatible. Keep in mind that not all harnesses are, so check before purchasing.

• Gloves and Boots: Recommended for all competition. Mandatory in some series. Fire-resistant gloves and boots are standard equipment at circuit and club racing level.

• HANS Device or FHR: Mandatory in many series above Race Club level and in all circuit racing with significant straight-line speeds. Motorsport UK regulations specify which categories require a head and neck restraint. Check your championship's sporting regulations before your first race.

Race Licence vs Track Day: What Is the Difference?

A track day does not require a Motorsport UK race licence. Track days run under the organiser's own rules, not Motorsport UK regulations.

A Motorsport UK competition licence is required for:

• Circuit racing (any series under Motorsport UK regulation)

• Sprint and hill climb events

• Stage rallying and road rally

• Autotests and AutoSOLOs at Motorsport UK-regulated events

Some lower-level autotest and road rally events can be entered with a club licence rather than a full Race Club licence. Check the supplementary regulations for the specific event.

If you currently do track days and want to start racing, the ARDS test is your next step. Track driving experience is useful, but the skills tested are different: race craft, on-track positioning, flag procedures, and pit lane rules are all part of the assessment.

Final Thoughts

Getting a race licence in the UK is a straightforward process once you know the steps. The paperwork is manageable, the ARDS test is achievable with solid track experience, and the total cost is realistic for most people serious about making the move into competition. Most competitors complete the process within a month and are ready to enter their first event shortly after.

The licence is just the starting point. Once you have it, the next step is choosing the right discipline, finding a club, and understanding what car and safety equipment you actually need to compete. For a full breakdown of your options, read our guide: How to Get Into Motorsport in the UK. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the ARDS test cost in the UK?

The ARDS test typically costs £245 to £310 depending on the venue, school, and whether you use a school car or your own. This is separate from the Go Racing Starter Pack (approximately £119). Total minimum for under-60s: approximately £360 to £425.

What is the ARDS test?

ARDS stands for Association of Racing Drivers Schools. It is the mandatory test to obtain a Race Club competition licence in the UK, consisting of a 30-minute written exam on flags and regulations, and a practical on-track assessment at a licensed circuit. Most competitors pass the first time.

How old do you have to be to get a race licence?

The minimum age for a Race Club licence is 14. Competitors aged 14 to 17 require a legal guardian to countersign the application form. There is no upper age limit, but you do need to satisfy the relevant medical requirements for your age group.

Do you need a driving licence to get a race licence?

Not for the licence itself. Motorsport UK does not require a full UK driving licence to hold a competition licence. Note that some individual ARDS test venues do require a full road licence to use their school cars on the day, so check with your chosen venue before booking.

What medical requirements apply for a race licence?

Under 60, only a self-declaration vision test is required; no GP visit needed. Competitors aged 60 or over must complete a full GP medical and vision test (approximately £50). A GP medical is also required at any age if you have a declared medical condition.

How long is a race licence valid for?

Motorsport UK competition licences run for a calendar year (January to December) and should be renewed annually through the Motorsport UK website.

What happens if you fail the ARDS test?

You can retake it. There is no fixed limit on retakes, but each attempt costs the full test fee. Most ARDS schools will provide guidance on what the examiner is looking for before you try again.

Can I use a kart licence to compete in circuit racing?

No. A kart licence covers karting competition only and is obtained via the ARKS test (Association of Racing Kart Schools), which is a separate process from the ARDS circuit test. To compete in circuit car racing you need a Race Club competition licence. If you are coming from a karting background, the ARDS test is your route across.