Guides · Updated 29 September 2026 · Sources at the end
The short answer
Do a track day or karting, buy Motorsport UK’s first race licence pack (£119), pass the ARDS course (£289 in a school car at MSV), then enter a club championship. You can hold a Race Club licence from 14. The 750 Motor Club’s own estimates put a ready-to-race car from £4,000 and the kit from £950, with entries £360–£450 per double-header race weekend.
The route, 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What it costs
| 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) |
| 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) |
| ARDS Novice Driver Training Course at Croft | £295 |
| 750 Motor Club racing membership | £95 per year |
| Race kit (overalls, gloves, FHR/HANS, helmet) – 750MC estimate | From £950 |
| Race car, secondhand ready to race – 750MC estimate | From £4,000 |
| 750MC formula registration | Typically £100 (series) or £150 (championship) |
| 750MC race entry fees | Approx £360–£450 per double-header race weekend |
Published figures from Motorsport UK, MSV, Croft and the 750 Motor Club, checked September 2026.
Starting younger: karting
Most racing drivers start in karts, from age 6. The cheapest first step is an arrive-and-drive session at a local kart track, with no need to own a kart or kit. To race your own kart at Motorsport UK club meetings you buy the first kart licence pack, pass the ARKS test and race with novice plates for your first events. The karting guide has the licence, costs and first events.
Watch before you commit
Go to a club meeting, walk the paddock and talk to the championships you’re considering. Every UK circuit race meeting is on the calendar, and every result we’ve timed shows how competitive each grid is.
Questions
How old do you have to be to race cars in the UK?
14. Motorsport UK lists the Race Club licence as '14+ ARDS Test'. Individual championships may set higher ages.
How much does it cost to start racing cars?
The licence pack is £119 and the ARDS course £289 in a school car at MSV. The 750 Motor Club estimates a car from £4,000 and kit from £950, plus about £360–£450 per double-header race weekend.
Do I need a road driving licence to race?
ARDS schools such as MSV and Croft require a full road driving licence for the course, and track days need a full, unrestricted DVLA licence.