In the UK, motorsport competition is run under the rules of Motorsport UK, the governing body. To race, you need a competition licence from them. To test or drive an experience, you usually don't. This guide explains the difference in plain terms.
This is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Licence grades, requirements and prices change. Always check the current details on the Motorsport UK website before you book a course or enter a race.
Do I need a licence for a test day?
A private test day is not a competition, so a race licence is often not needed. Circuits and car classes set their own rules, though: some circuits ask for a licence on certain days, and some faster cars need one for insurance. When you book a test day with Karat, we check what that circuit and car need and tell you before you pay.
Do I need a licence for a driving experience?
No. A supercar or race car experience is driven with an instructor, at the circuit's experience sessions, and needs no competition licence. You need a valid driving licence for some experiences (we say so on the experience page), and every driver gives their details and signs a short declaration before the day.
Karting licences
To race karts in the UK you need a karting competition licence from Motorsport UK. Drivers usually start on a novice licence, and progress by completing races. The class you can race depends on your age. Karting clubs and Motorsport UK explain the current steps, and many kart tracks run starter days.
Car racing licences
For car racing, the usual starting point is Motorsport UK's starter pack, followed by a race licence course and assessment at an approved racing school. Passing it gives you an entry-level national race licence. You then upgrade by finishing races and collecting signatures, which opens up higher grades and more championships. International series need international grades.
Some championships also set their own minimum licence grade, so check your series' rules before you plan a season.
Medicals and age
Licences come with health requirements, which can include a medical self-declaration or an examination, and age limits for each grade. Under-18s need a parent or guardian's consent. Motorsport UK publishes the current requirements.
How Karat helps
- Tests: we check what each circuit and car needs, and keep your licence details with your account so we can confirm it quickly.
- Getting ready to race: test days are the best preparation for a licence assessment and a first race. See what a test day involves.
- Questions: ask us, or request a quote for a programme that takes you from first test to first race.