Guides · Trials · Checked 10 September 2026
Step by step
- 1
Choose bike or car trials
Motorcycle trials are run by ACU and AMCA clubs. Car trials come in three forms under Motorsport UK: Car Trials (road cars), Sporting Trials (purpose-built cars) and Classic Trials.motorsportuk.org
- 2
Go and watch, or ride along
Motorsport UK suggests watching a club event first and, for car trials, trying it as a passenger before driving.getstarted.motorsportuk.org
- 3
Join a local club
The ACU has hundreds of clubs running trials almost every Sunday, plus summer evening and Saturday events. For car trials, join a local trials club; BTRDA and ACTC run national championships.acu.org.uk
- 4
Register or get your licence
Motorcyclists take out an ACU trials registration or AMCA licence. Car triallists apply for the free RS Clubman licence online.motorsportuk.org
- 5
Get the basic kit and a suitable machine
For bike trials you need a bike, a helmet, sturdy leather boots and suitable gloves; young riders must stay within the capacity limit for their age. For car trials any road-going two-wheel-drive car can be used, and there are no specific personal protective equipment requirements.acu.org.uk
- 6
Enter a club trial on the easiest route
Trials run different routes for different abilities; a 'white' route is typically for novices. Contact the club before entering to check it has a route (or kids' class) that suits you.amca.uk.com
The licence
ACU Trials Registration
ACU Trials Registration (club or national)
Join an ACU-affiliated club and take out a trials registration through the ACU. To try one event first, One Event Trials Registrations are available from ACU Head Office.
Club trial registration £35 and national trial registration £50 for 2026, including personal accident insurance (ACU, 5 November 2025).
Official licence page · acu.org.ukKit you need
- Helmet (motorcycle trials) — Required.acu.org.uk
- Sturdy leather boots (motorcycle trials) — Required.acu.org.uk
- Gloves (motorcycle trials) — Suitable gloves required.acu.org.uk
- Car trials — No specific personal protective equipment is required; specialist cars need items such as a fire extinguisher. A passenger is mandatory.motorsportuk.org
What it costs
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ACU club trial registration (2026) | £35 | acu.org.uk |
| ACU national trial registration (2026) | £50 | acu.org.uk |
| Motorsport UK RS Clubman licence (car trials) | Free | getstarted.motorsportuk.org |
| Car trials club membership (Motorsport UK estimate) | Around £20 per year | getstarted.motorsportuk.org |
| Car trials entry fee (Motorsport UK estimate) | Around £30–£40 per event | getstarted.motorsportuk.org |
| Car for Car Trials (Motorsport UK estimate) | A few hundred pounds, or use your road car if the venue is suitable | getstarted.motorsportuk.org |
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
Trials: questions people ask
How do I get into motorcycle trials in the UK?
Join an ACU or AMCA trials club, take out a trials registration or licence and ride the novice route at a club trial. The minimum kit is a bike, helmet, sturdy leather boots and gloves.
What age can children start trials?
The ACU welcomes riders from four on electric bikes. The AMCA restricts under-6s to electric or cycle trials and sets engine size limits by age up to 15.
Do I need a licence for car trials?
Yes, but it is free. Drivers and passengers need a Motorsport UK RS Clubman licence, which you can apply for online.
Can I do a car trial in my everyday car?
Car Trials are open to any road-going two-wheel-drive car, and Motorsport UK says some competitors use their everyday car where the venue is suitable. Sporting Trials use purpose-built cars.
Can I try a motorcycle trial before registering for the year?
Yes. The ACU offers One Event Trials Registrations from its head office to encourage new riders, who are then expected to join a club and take out a full registration.
Sources, checked 2026-09-10: acu.org.uk · acu.org.uk · motorsportuk.org · getstarted.motorsportuk.org · motorsportuk.org · amca.uk.com · getstarted.motorsportuk.org. Rules and fees change; the governing body’s own page is always the final word.