MSV Trackdays can help you take the first step to becoming a racing driver, at FIVE of our circuits across the country, with the official NDTC (ARDS) test to gain your racing licence.
All NDTC (ARDS) tests take place on the same day as our General track days, so use the Calendar page and use the filter for ARDS. Scroll through the dates for your preferred circuit, select a date that works for you. The ARDS test book button is featured at the bottom of each booking page. AM arrival is at 8:00 and PM is typically 12:00.
You can take this test at several of our racing circuits (Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Donington Park, Oulton Park and Snetterton). Sitting the test is Motorsport UK's minimum requirement and a great introduction to motorsport, ahead of what we hope will be years of happy racing.
After watching the official video and listening to important info from a top instructor, you will sit the first part of the test, a two-part written assessment to check your knowledge of Section Q of the Motorsport UK Competitors' and Officials' Yearbook (Blue Book) on Car Racing.
Then it's on to the driving part of the test, where one of our instructors will assess your track driving during a 20-minute lapping session in our school car (BMW 1 series) at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park and Snetterton (£270). On select dates Jan-March each year the test is available at Cadwell Park, but in your own suitable car, which must have an H-pattern gearbox and a passenger seat (£245).
You will need to already hold a 'full' drivers licence and during the assessment must be able to demonstrate that you are a competent circuit driver and that you can lap consistently in a safe and controlled manner amongst traffic. You must also show your knowledge of the racing line and ultimately assure the instructor that you are safe and able to enter your first race. Driving on circuit is a very different world to the road, so prior circuit driving experience is strongly advised. Don't worry - they will not be looking for you to set a new lap record and although it is a test, we think you'll enjoy yourself as well! If you think that you need some training on track prior to sitting your test, visit the 'Training' section of our website which includes our Race Academy.
If you haven't done so already, you must order your Racing Starter Pack (£110 plus P+P), in advance of the event. It contains your race licence application form (bring this with you) and covers your licence fee for the year. Test info and Motorsport UK regulations are accessed via a QR code download link inside. This helps you prepare for the NDTC (ARDS) test. Then it's as simple as booking an appropriate date.
The NDTC (ARDS) test takes half the day - If you would like to take part in the other half of the trackday, in your car, please book by phone for a half-day price. The ARDS test takes place on the same day as the trackday but is its own separate product.
Book a date from this calendar page. Using the filter to select ARDS will narrow it down for you.
Junior ARDS (NDTC) Licence Test
MSVT offer the Junior ARDS course for drivers wanting to gain their Motorsport UK Race Interclub (formerly junior National B) Junior Formula race licence which is required to enter the relevant junior championships. The course is a half day event with intensive one-to-one training from our ARDS instructors, all of whom have experience with all Junior Championship race vehicles. It is broken down into theory and practical sections and covers the following in our school cars:
Theory
- Circuit safety, gear changing, braking, racing line, basic car dynamics and physics
- Marshals flags and signals, safety car, action to be taken in the event of an accident/breakdown
- Chronology of a race meeting
- ARDS written exam
Practical
- Initial low speed driving assessment to assess clutch and throttle control. Pulling away, reversing and hill start scenarios
- Gear changing, braking, racing line
- Cornering, lapping with an instructor
- ARDS driven track assessment
The Junior ARDS Course is £600 and available at Brands Hatch only. Please check the upcoming dates listed below for availability:
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Thursday 25 January 2024 - CLOSED
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Sunday 18 February 2024 - CLOSED
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Saturday 9 March 2024 - CLOSED
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Saturday 7 April 2024 - CLOSED
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Tuesday 7 May 2024 - SOLD OUT
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Saturday 15 June 2024
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Tuesday 23 July 2024
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Thursday 8 August 2024
For questions relating to the Junior ARDS test please email us at ards@msv.com
NB: A junior ARDS test for a driver that holds an International kart licence is as follows: An International kart licence holder would be exempt from the extended driving element of a junior ARDS test and the price would be £270. The test will follow the same format as a senior test. However, the test is still held on the same day as the full junior course and must be approved and booked on the phone. Junior drivers without car experience will need to do the full junior course.
ARDS Advanced Course (for existing race licence holders)
Our Advanced ARDS course is designed for existing racing drivers and includes tuition and an ARDS re-test which will provide you with another 'signature' on your upgrade card and is designed to move you up the grid! The course £549 plus the chosen track day in your own car. During the morning sessions, participants will follow the Race Academy Course format which looks at specific advance driving techniques and includes one-to-one tuition from our highly experienced ARDS instructors. In the afternoon sessions participants are also required to complete the full ARDS test again (included). Whilst this is an assessment, the amount of 1-2-1 tuition received throughout the day will advance your driving skills further and prepare you for your next race.
To arrange an Advanced ARDS course - please contact us on 0344 2254424 or email ards@msv.com
