Course

Junior ARDS

Junior ARDS course with written assessment and multiple on-track sessions. For drivers aged from 13 years and 6 months 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 Junior ARDS Course prepares young drivers for safe and structured competitive circuit racing in accordance with ARDS requirements.

Candidates may commence training from 13½ years of age. The ARDS test may be taken from the age of 14.

More detail

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 QR-based recordings, are designed to assist preparation for the ARDS written paper.

The course includes a comprehensive briefing covering circuit safety, gear changing, driving position, braking, racing lines, car dynamics, marshal’s flags and signals, safety car procedures, accident protocols, recovery and being towed, as well as the chronology of a race meeting.

Candidates must complete the ARDS written paper as part of the assessment.

Juniors will drive a minimum of four sessions lasting approximately 20–25 minutes each, with a debrief between sessions.

Gear changing, down-changing techniques, vision (the ability to look sufficiently ahead to identify and react to marshal’s signals), braking, weight transfer and racing lines are all assessed throughout the practical sessions.

Requirements & preparation

New to ARDS?
Licence pathways & requirements
What to expect in the ARDS test

  • Candidates may commence training from 13½ years of age. The ARDS test may be taken from the age of 14.
  • Motorsport UK Go Racing Starter Pack required (purchased separately).
  • 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).
  • Juniors who do not meet this requirement must book one hour of tuition prior to the Junior ARDS course (this may be completed on the same day).
  • Long sleeves, trousers and suitable footwear
  • Crash helmet
  • Course cars supplied for all on-track sessions
  • If anything is unclear during the day, candidates are encouraged to ask questions. The course is intended to support learning as well as assessment.
  • Maintaining control of the car at all times remains essential during on-track sessions.

Overview

Introduce young drivers to safe, structured race driving.

What you’ll leave with: Eligible for Motorsport UK Junior licence / classification upon successful completion. At age 16, juniors renew their Junior licence to an Adult licence (subject to Motorsport UK rules at the time).

What you’ll learn

  • Foundational car control for young drivers
  • Smooth gear changes and clutch operation
  • Basic grip understanding and weight transfer
  • Introductory racing lines and track awareness
  • Awareness, mirrors and predictable behaviour
  • Confidence-building through progressive speed
  • Junior-specific safety and conduct expectations

On the day

  • Comprehensive safety and classroom briefing delivered by senior instructors
  • Explanation of how the day is structured, what is expected on track, and the standards required during the assessment
  • Detailed guidance on flag signals, safety, race procedure and junior-specific expectations
  • ARDS written paper covering flags, safety and race meeting procedure
  • No time limit for the written paper, with instructors available to explain questions where needed
  • Up to 4 on-track sessions (typically 20–25 minutes each) with debriefs
  • Instructor observation, coaching and feedback throughout the day
  • Assessment of smoothness, control, awareness, consistency and safe, predictable driving

Track time is rigid, so please arrive in good time to complete signing-on, paperwork and briefing before your session starts.