MSVT can help you become a racing driver, at FIVE of our circuits across the country - with the official NDTC (ARDS) test to gain your racing licence.
All ARDS tests (for those with a road licence) take place on the same day as our General track days. Use the Calendar page and 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. These are £270.
You can take this test at several of our racing circuits (Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Donington Park, Oulton Park and Snetterton).
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) On select dates Jan-March 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 essential. Don't worry - they will not be looking for you to set a new lap record! If you think you need some prior training - visit the 'Training' section of our website which includes our Race Academy.
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 ARDS test. Then it's as simple as booking an appropriate date.
The 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 a 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 Licence Test
MSVT offer the Junior ARDS course for drivers wanting to gain their Motorsport UK Race Club Junior Formula race licence which is required to enter the relevant junior championships. The course is a half day event with one-to-one training from our ARDS instructors. 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 scenario. 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 - Sunday 1 December 2024 - Fully Booked
MSVT Junior ARDS - Brands Hatch - Sunday 8 December 2024 - Fully Booked
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 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 (gear changing) 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. 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 driving techniques and includes one-to-one tuition from our experienced ARDS instructors. In the afternoon sessions participants are also required to complete the full ARDS test again (included).
To arrange an Advanced ARDS course - please email ards@msv.com with your preference of our available ARDS test circuits.
