Course
ARDS Race Licence
Novice Driver Training Course (ARDS) at Mallory Park. For drivers aged 16 years and older on the date of the course. Must be able to drive an H-pattern manual gearbox car competently without looking at the gears (real-world driving experience required; simulator experience is not sufficient).
Overview
The ARDS Race Licence Course prepares candidates for safe, first-time competitive circuit racing.
Candidates must obtain a Motorsport UK Go Racing Starter Pack prior to attending the course and bring the required licence application documentation on the day. The Starter Pack materials, including USB and online resources, are designed to assist preparation for the ARDS written paper.
More detail
The course includes a comprehensive classroom briefing covering circuit safety, flags and light signals, race procedures, signing-on, scrutineering, safety equipment and race meeting structure.
Candidates must complete the ARDS written paper as part of the assessment.
The practical driving assessment includes instructor demonstration laps followed by assessed on-track driving. Candidates are evaluated on vehicle control, smoothness, balance, weight transfer, situational awareness and flag recognition while driving.
Requirements & preparation
New to ARDS?
Licence pathways & requirements
What to expect in the ARDS test
- Motorsport UK Go Racing Starter Pack required (purchased separately).
- Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the Go Racing Starter Pack before attending.
- Long sleeves, trousers and suitable footwear
- Crash helmet (provided if required)
- Course cars supplied for assessments
- If anything is unclear during the day, candidates are encouraged to ask questions. The course is designed to support understanding as well as assessment.
- Module 2 and Module 3 may be delivered in a different order depending on class size and running schedule.
- Losing control of the car or leaving the circuit beyond track limits during the practical assessment will normally result in a fail.
- Candidates who do not meet the required driving standard must complete one hour of remedial tuition prior to the course (this may be completed on the same day).
Overview
Prepare for safe, first-time competitive circuit racing.
What you’ll leave with: Eligible for Motorsport UK Interclub (Race) Licence upon successful completion, subject to Motorsport UK regulations in force at the time of application.
What you’ll learn
- Fundamental racing lines and apex strategy
- Basic car control including braking, throttle and steering discipline
- Vision, awareness and predictable circuit navigation
- Racecraft basics and safe overtaking etiquette
- Full flag signals, regulations and pit-lane rules
- Preparation for the ARDS written paper
- On-track assessment of consistency, observation and control
On the day
- Module 1: Comprehensive classroom briefing delivered by senior instructors in a relaxed, open environment
- Explanation of course structure, track standards, flag signals, race meeting procedure and what is expected on circuit
- Instructor demonstration laps showing lines, braking points, turn-in points, apexes and exits
- Module 2: ARDS written paper covering flag signals, first race meeting safety, essential safety knowledge and general procedure
- No time limit for the written paper, with instructors available to clarify questions where needed
- Module 3: On-track driving assessment with instructor support, guidance and encouragement throughout
- Driving assessment focused on control, awareness, consistency and safe, predictable circuit driving
- Written paper reviewed by the Chief Instructor and driving assessment completed by the instructor before final sign-off
Track time is rigid, so please arrive in good time to complete signing-on, paperwork and briefing before your session starts.