Guides · Drifting · Checked 10 September 2026
Step by step
- 1
Book beginner training
Driftland's Beginner Drift Training uses Driftland's own cars, with at most 4 people per instructor and car, over about 4.5 hours. It needs a valid UK manual driving licence.driftlanduk.myshopify.com
- 2
Prepare your own car to venue rules
Driftland requires a fixed-back bucket seat, at least a 3-point harness fixed to the floor, working front and rear tow hooks or straps, a 2L AFFF foam extinguisher, front windows no lower than 2 inches, and a noise limit of 105 dB.driftland.online
- 3
Book an open practice day
Practice days are for drivers bringing their own car. Driftland's run 10am–3pm with Test & Train, Intermediate/Advanced and Twinning lanes, and you must show a physical driving licence card on the day.driftland.online
- 4
Bring the right kit
Driftland requires a suitable motorsport helmet, a long-sleeved top and long trousers. Teesside requires an approved helmet, no exposed skin and closed-toe shoes, and a full metal cage for twinning.teessidemotorsports.co.uk
- 5
Try a festival event
At Drift Matsuri (Anglesey), newcomers and champions are treated the same. Cars need a minimum 6-point cage with door bars, seat belts and a 1kg extinguisher, and drivers must be 16+.driftmatsuri.com
- 6
Step up to competition
Championships such as Drift League GB have full technical rules: 6-point cage, bucket seats, 4-point harness, plumbed-in extinguisher, fire-retardant suit, gloves and boots, and approved helmet standards.driftleague.co.uk
The licence
Driving licence for practice days
No competition licence needed to start
No Motorsport UK competition licence is needed for the practice days checked. Driftland requires a full UK manual driving licence photocard; drivers without one must do 3 hours of private group hire and pay a £50 Driftland licence fee. Teesside accepts a full UK driving licence, or an MSA race licence plus drift experience, or PH Drift training or a reference.
Driftland licence fee £50 plus private hire at £250 per hour for drivers without a full UK manual licence (Driftland rules, updated 01/10/2024).
Official licence page · driftland.onlineKit you need
- Helmet — Practice days: 'suitable motorsport helmet' (Driftland) or 'approved helmet' (Teesside). Drift League GB accepts standards including FIA 8859-2015, Snell SA2015 and Snell SA2020, and helmets must be no more than 5 years old.driftland.online
- Clothing — Long sleeves and long trousers (Driftland); no exposed skin and closed-toe shoes (Teesside). In Drift League GB competition a fire-retardant suit, gloves and boots are mandatory.teessidemotorsports.co.uk
- Car safety (practice day) — Fixed-back bucket seat, minimum 3-point harness, front and rear tow points, 2L AFFF extinguisher (Driftland).driftland.online
- Roll cage — Needed for twinning at Teesside, and a minimum 6-point cage is required at Drift Matsuri and Drift League GB.driftmatsuri.com
What it costs
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Driftland Beginner Drift Training (venue car) | £399 per person | driftlanduk.myshopify.com |
| Driftland drift practice, own car (25 Aug 2025 session) | £100 driver; £50 car-share driver | driftland.online |
| Driftland route for drivers without a full UK manual licence | 3 hours private hire at £250 per hour (shareable by up to 8 drivers) plus £50 Driftland licence fee | driftland.online |
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
Drifting: questions people ask
Do you need a licence to drift in the UK?
Not a competition licence for the practice days checked, but you need a full UK driving licence. Driftland requires a manual licence, and Teesside also accepts a race licence plus drift experience, or PH Drift training.
Can I drift in my own car?
Yes, at own-car practice days, as long as the car meets the venue's rules. At Driftland that means a fixed-back bucket seat, at least a 3-point harness, front and rear tow points, a 2L foam extinguisher and a 105 dB noise limit.
How much does a drift practice day cost?
Driftland charged £100 per driver and £50 per car-share driver for its August 2025 practice session. Its beginner training in Driftland's own cars is £399 per person.
How old do you have to be to drift?
Drift Matsuri's minimum driver age is 16. Driftland and Teesside practice days require a full UK driving licence.
Do I need a roll cage to drift?
Not for Driftland practice days, based on its published rules. Teesside requires a full metal cage for twinning, and Drift Matsuri and Drift League GB require a minimum 6-point cage.
Sources, checked 2026-09-10: driftland.online · driftmatsuri.com · driftlanduk.myshopify.com · driftland.online · teessidemotorsports.co.uk · driftleague.co.uk. Rules and fees change; the governing body’s own page is always the final word.