The first step, which is now common across many branches of motorsport, is to buy the starter pack from the sport’s governing body, the Motor Sports Association (MSA) www.msauk.org .
The starter pack is £104 (2018) it includes the all-important licence application form and a DVD about racing, which is invaluable when you come to take the mandatory test. Try and watch the DVD several times, and pay particular attention to the basic rules and things like flag signals, this is mandatory and is a big part of the Association of racing drives (ARDS) test.
When you have digested the contents of the DVD, you will need to book the ARDS test at one of the member schools, details of which are in the starter pack. It’s worth getting a clear idea of the timescale for booking and taking the test, to make sure you know when you will be ready to race.
Applicants over the age of 18 will need to complete a medical before taking the test, which can be done by your GP. It’s a pretty straightforward process, with both you and your doctor filling in part of the form. The cost for the medical is around £120.
You won’t be surprised to discover that the ARDS test also carries a price tag, of around £200 depending upon venue, which includes the use of a school car for the practical part of the assessment. There are two parts to the test; a practical driving session and a multi-choice theory test covering the regulations.
The last job is to send off your licence application with proof of passing the ARDS test. The form goes to the MSA with a cheque for approximately £60 for a National B Race Licence and, when it comes back in a couple of weeks, you are ready to enter your first race!
What equipment do I need?
Before your first race, you will need race equipment this includes helmet, the head and neck safety device, overalls, gloves and racing boots you will not be able to race without the proper and essential fireproof equipment including underwear and balaclava.
How much you spend is really down to you, but an expected cost of between around £750 and £2,000+ is expected to obtain good quality equipment. Race wear suppliers can also be useful sources of information and offer invaluable advice. Ensure you obtain information about the longevity of the products you purchase, as items such as helmets and overalls have a well-defined legal life. Our ARDS Instructor can guide you and ensure you have a full and thorough understanding of these regulations.
Once you have passed your ARDS test and received your licence, we recommend getting out on track on some test days to familiarise yourself with the car and track ready for your first race.
Oselli Motorsport’s ARDS Instructor: Paul Eales can observe your drive via the VBox camera system built in to our cars and provide you with feedback and answer any questions and will make sure you have a safe and enjoyable first race meeting.
