Guides · Circuit racing · Checked 10 September 2026
Step by step
- 1
Do a track day
Drive your own car on a circuit at a track day. MSV track days need a full, unrestricted DVLA driving licence, a suitable crash helmet, and arms and legs covered. A race licence on its own is not accepted.car.msvtrackdays.com
- 2
Buy the first race licence pack
Buy Motorsport UK's 'Your First Race Competition Licence (ARDS)' pack. It includes the licence application form, a guide and your first Race Club licence fee.starterpacks.motorsportuk.org
- 3
Pass the ARDS course
Book the Novice Driver Training Course (ARDS test) at an ARDS school. At MSV it is a half-day with a two-part written assessment on Chapter 12 of the Motorsport UK Yearbook and an on-track assessment. You need a full road licence (not provisional or automatic-only).car.msvtrackdays.com
- 4
Vision test and application
Drivers aged 14–59 applying for a first race licence need only a vision test; those 60+ need a medical and a vision test. Submit the stamped form to Motorsport UK within 12 months of passing.motorsportuk.org
- 5
Join a club and choose a championship
Watch a meeting and speak to championships before committing. The 750 Motor Club suggests endurance formulae where drivers share races (Roadsports, Club Enduro, 116 Trophy), plus alternating-driver series such as Locost and Ma7da. Registration usually opens in January.750mc.co.uk
- 6
First race with the novice cross
New racers display a black and yellow novice cross on the back of the car for their first six races. FHRs are mandatory across circuit racing, except for some Period Defined Vehicles.msvr.co.uk
The licence
Race Club
Motorsport UK Race Club licence (formerly Race Inter Club), bought via the 'Your First Race Competition Licence (ARDS)' starter pack
Buy the starter pack, book the ARDS Novice Driver Training Course at an ARDS member school (classroom briefing, written test and on-track assessment), then send the stamped application to Motorsport UK within 12 months. A full road driving licence is required by schools such as MSV and Croft. First-time applicants aged 14–59 need a vision test; those 60+ need a medical and vision test.
Starter pack £119 including the first licence fee (Motorsport UK Shop, checked 10 Sep 2026, listed as sold out). Motorsport UK licence page lists Race Club at £119 (no year shown).
Official licence page · starterpacks.motorsportuk.orgKit you need
- Helmet — Must meet Motorsport UK regulations and carry the correct 'Standard' label. The exact standards are in the Motorsport UK Yearbook and championship regulations.motorsportuk.org
- Frontal Head Restraint (FHR) — Mandatory across circuit racing, except for competitors in certain Period Defined Vehicles.motorsportuk.org
- Fireproof overalls, balaclava and gloves — Listed by Motorsport UK as required and meeting its regulations.getstarted.motorsportuk.org
- Boots and fireproof underwear — Strongly recommended by Motorsport UK's circuit racing guide.getstarted.motorsportuk.org
What it costs
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Your First Race Competition Licence (ARDS) starter pack, includes first Race Club licence | £119 (Motorsport UK Shop, checked 10 Sep 2026; listed as sold out) | starterpacks.motorsportuk.org |
| ARDS test at MSV (Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park, Snetterton, Cadwell Park) | £289 in a school car; £245 in your own suitable car (phone booking) | car.msvtrackdays.com |
| ARDS Novice Driver Training Course at Croft | £295 | croftcircuit.co.uk |
| 750 Motor Club racing membership | £95 per year | 750mc.co.uk |
| Race kit (overalls, gloves, FHR/HANS, helmet) – 750MC estimate | From £950 | 750mc.co.uk |
| Race car, secondhand ready to race – 750MC estimate | From £4,000 | 750mc.co.uk |
| 750MC formula registration | Typically £100 (series) or £150 (championship) | 750mc.co.uk |
| 750MC race entry fees | Approx £360–£450 per double-header race weekend | 750mc.co.uk |
Published figures from the sources shown, checked on the date above. Prices change; confirm with the organiser before you book.
Your first event
Coming up: go and watch one first
Motor racing: questions people ask
How do I get a racing licence in the UK?
Buy Motorsport UK's first race licence pack, pass the ARDS Novice Driver Training Course at an ARDS school, then apply for your Race Club licence within 12 months. The first year's licence fee is included in the pack.
How much does it cost to start circuit racing?
In September 2026 the licence pack was £119 and ARDS tests cost £245–£295 at MSV and Croft. The 750 Motor Club estimates race kit from £950, a secondhand race car from £4,000 and entries of about £360–£450 per double-header weekend.
Do I need a licence for a track day?
Not a race licence. MSV track days need a full, unrestricted DVLA road driving licence and will not accept a race licence on its own. You also need a suitable crash helmet.
Do I need a medical to get a race licence?
If you are 14–59, Motorsport UK requires only a vision test for a first race licence. If you are 60 or over you need a medical and a vision test.
What is the novice cross?
It is a black and yellow cross displayed on the back of a new racer's car for their first six races.
Sources, checked 2026-09-10: starterpacks.motorsportuk.org · getstarted.motorsportuk.org · car.msvtrackdays.com · car.msvtrackdays.com · motorsportuk.org · 750mc.co.uk · msvr.co.uk · motorsportuk.org · getstarted.motorsportuk.org · croftcircuit.co.uk. Rules and fees change; the governing body’s own page is always the final word.