Course

Junior ARDS

Junior ARDS course with written assessment and multiple on-track sessions.

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?
See ARDS Race Licence pathways & requirements.

  • 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

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 briefing
  • ARDS written paper
  • Up to 4 on-track sessions (typically 20–25 minutes each) with debriefs
  • Instructor observation, coaching and feedback throughout

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