Most racing drivers in the UK follow a similar path: karting first, then a first car, then up through the categories as skills, results and budget allow. There is no single right route, but knowing the usual steps makes it easier to plan.
1. Start with karting
Karting is where almost every racing driver begins. It teaches racecraft, reading a circuit, braking and car control at a fraction of the cost of car racing. Children can start young in the smallest classes, and there are classes for teenagers and adults too.
- Try it first. An arrive-and-drive session at a kart track tells you quickly whether you enjoy it.
- Then test properly. A coached kart test day with the right kart for your age and weight is the step between fun sessions and racing. See karting with Karat.
- Then race. Club championships run at kart circuits across the UK. You need a karting competition licence from Motorsport UK to race (see our licences guide).
2. Move to your first car
The usual move from karts is at around 14 to 16 for single-seaters, or into junior sports and saloon car series. Common first cars include:
- Single-seaters: Formula Ford, F4 and GB4.
- Closed-wheel: Ginetta (the Ginetta Junior is built for young drivers), Caterham for adults, and touring cars.
Before a first race, most drivers do several test days in the car. That's where you learn the car, the tyres and the circuit, with an engineer looking at your data. Read what a test day involves.
3. Step up the ladder
From a first car, single-seater drivers usually move to GB3 or Formula Regional, and closed-wheel drivers to GT4 and then GT3 and Cup cars. Each step is faster and more expensive, and each needs more testing. Our testing ladder shows the steps with indicative budgets.
How testing fits in
Testing is where most of the learning happens. A good test day has a plan (what you're working on), enough laps to make progress, and someone reading your data and video with you afterwards. It's also how teams and coaches get to know you before a season.
With Karat, a test day includes the car, tyres, an engineer and a mechanic, and your data and video afterwards. You can see the test days on sale, or request a quote for something more tailored, such as a multi-day programme.
For parents
If your child is under 18, you'll be involved at every step: approving bookings, signing the declarations and being there on the day. Karat's accounts are built for this: a guardian approves and pays for every booking. Read the help centre for how guardian accounts work.
Next steps
- New to all of it? Start with a coached kart test.
- Ready for a car? Compare the first single-seaters.
- Want a plan and a price? Request a quote.