Guides

ARDS Instructor Licence Grades

What ARDS grades mean

ARDS instructor grades show the level of training, experience and responsibility an instructor holds. They range from D (trackside support) up to S (senior instructor able to run an entire event day).

  • Grade S — Senior Instructor: Oversees full event operations, supervises instructors, and signs Motorsport UK licence forms.
  • Grade A — Advanced Instructor: Highly experienced. Qualified to teach at all levels and deliver Novice Driver Training Courses.
  • Grade B — Instructor: Experienced and able to coach novice and intermediate drivers without supervision.
  • Grade C — Instructor (Full): Qualified to teach novices on track with supervision; the minimum grade for high-speed tuition.
  • Grade C (Probationary): Entry-level instructor licence issued after initial training and assessment.
  • Grade D — Trackside Assistant: Supports safety, helmets, briefings and pit-lane operations; not an in-car instructor licence.

Grade S

Grade S — Senior Instructor

Grade S is the highest ARDS qualification. These instructors are trusted to take responsibility for the smooth and safe running of an entire event day.

Requirements

  • Meet all Grade A criteria.
  • Have extensive, proven operational experience.
  • Be capable of supervising instructors, coordinating sessions and managing the school’s activities on the day.
  • Be registered with Motorsport UK as a recognised signatory for competition licence applications.

Notes

  • Each ARDS school may sponsor up to three S-grade licences per venue, and may choose to cover some or all of the licence fee.
  • Additional S-grade licences may be awarded to qualifying instructors upon payment of the full current fee.

Grade A

Grade A — Advanced Instructor

Grade A instructors are highly experienced and able to teach at all levels, run official training courses and manage groups confidently.

Requirements

  • Have instructed under ARDS at Grade C or above for at least three years.
  • Have held a Grade B licence for at least two years prior to upgrading.
  • Currently hold, or have previously held, an International C race licence.
  • Hold an ARDS-recognised First Aid qualification.
  • Have full knowledge of the Novice Driver Training Course (NDTC) and be able to run it independently.
  • Be fully conversant with Motorsport UK licence procedures.
  • Demonstrate strong briefing and presentation skills.
  • Be able to manage and instruct groups of drivers.
  • Be able to provide in-car instruction across the full range from novice to advanced race tuition.

Track day requirements

  • Understand current track day regulations.
  • Deliver appropriate safety briefings.
  • Instruct effectively at all levels of track day driving.
  • Be listed on the Register of Approved Track Day Instructors.

Notes

  • Grade A is the minimum grade required to deliver Novice Driver Training Course (NDTC) classroom sessions.

Grade B

Grade B — Instructor

Grade B instructors are experienced and can confidently coach novice and intermediate drivers without supervision.

Requirements

  • Have been licensed at Grade C to instruct under the ARDS scheme for at least one full year.
  • Demonstrate regular instructing work at a standard that justifies progression from Grade C.
  • Have a full working knowledge of the NDTC and Motorsport UK licence procedures.
  • Be able to answer correctly all questions on the current written papers.
  • Be capable of instructing unsupervised at novice and intermediate levels.
  • Hold an ARDS-recognised First Aid qualification.
  • Currently hold, have held or be qualified to hold an International C race licence with at least 15 race signatures.

Track day requirements

  • Understand current regulations governing the operation of track days.
  • Be able to instruct on circuit at novice and intermediate track day driver levels.
  • Be listed on the Register of Approved Track Day Instructors.

Notes

  • Grade B is the minimum grade for assessing NDTC candidates on-circuit and for instructing on track days.

Grade C

Grade C — Instructor (Full)

Grade C is the foundation in-car instruction grade for ARDS. Instructors at this level can teach novice customers on-circuit under supervision.

Requirements

  • Currently hold or have held a Race International C licence or above.
  • Demonstrate practical instructional ability.
  • Hold an ARDS-recognised First Aid qualification.
  • Be fully conversant with the Novice Driver Training Course and Motorsport UK licensing procedures.
  • Be able to answer correctly all questions on the current written papers.
  • Within the first 12 months, obtain six signed instruction days from an approved S-grade instructor for satisfactory completion of circuit instruction days worked at an ARDS Member School.

Notes

  • Grade C is the minimum grade required for high-speed tuition on a race circuit.

Grade C (Probationary)

Grade C — Probationary Instructor

The first Grade C licence issued to an instructor is always probationary. This is a structured entry stage with monitoring and supervision.

Requirements

  • Currently hold or have held a Race International C licence or above.
  • Have attended an approved introductory training course for instructors at an ARDS Member School and passed the initial assessment.
  • Be able to demonstrate the ability to instruct.
  • Hold an ARDS-recognised First Aid qualification.
  • Be fully conversant with the Novice Driver Training Scheme and Motorsport UK licensing procedures.
  • Be able to answer correctly all questions on the current written papers.
  • Be able to instruct on track for novice experiences with day-to-day supervision.
  • Demonstrate that they have all the skills and training required for a full Grade D (trackside) competence.

Grade D

Grade D — Trackside Assistant

Grade D is the starting point for trackside operational roles. It allows an individual to support events but does not permit in-car instruction.

Requirements

  • Hold an ARDS-recognised First Aid qualification.
  • Be able to strap drivers into cars in the correct, safe manner.
  • Be able to instruct drivers on the correct selection and wearing of helmets.
  • Be able to demonstrate vehicle controls to drivers.
  • Be capable of enforcing pit lane discipline and safety procedures and controlling spectators.
  • Be completely knowledgeable about flag signals and capable of instructing pupils in this area.

Important

  • The Grade D licence is for trackside use only.
  • It does not imply any competence nor confer any right to instruct in car or advise on driving technique.