ARDS National B Race Licence

You have decided that you want to go racing and the tvrs are for you. Fantastic, you are now on your way! To compete in the Dunlop tvr Challenge you will need a race licence, more specifically a “National B”. How do you get one?

Step 1. You must obtain an application Form.
A “Getting started Pack” from the MSA or Demon tweaks costs £50 and contains…

An MSA Handbook, with everything you need to know about Racing in. An MSA DVD, on how to pass your ARDS test, helpful info on how racing works in the UK and what is required at your first meeting. An invitation to the Silverstone Drivers Academy. A list of Amateur Racing Drivers Schools around the country where you can take your test. A numbered Application Form.

Step 2.
You must have a Medical with your GP. £80
He will

• Test your vision (eye test and colour test)
• Blood Pressure
• Heart & Lungs
• General fitness
• Urine sample (testing for Drugs or Alcohol) 

On completion he will sign your form. THIS IS MANDATORY!

Step 3.
ARDS test. @£250

A two part, half day test to ensure that you are competent in a car (Ford Focus at Castle Combe in my case) and have read and understood the Blue book and Track regulations.

On arrival, they will take you through induction making sure that all your paperwork is in order i.e. Application form (including Dr’s stamp) and Full drivers licence. If do not have these in order they will send you home!
From there, you have some class time which includes the playing of the DVD.
Next it’s out on the track for a few laps with the Instructor, who will help you with the Lines for that Circuit. Once he is happy with you, he will let you drive “unassisted” for two or three laps whilst he assesses you. If you are happy on Trackdays and are a competent driver, you will pass this assessment without issue. Failures only come from unsafe or incompetent driving, woeful ignorance of the racing line or if you leave the tarmac at anytime.

This under your belt, it’s back to the classroom for the written Exam. Multiple choice you must be able to clearly recognise all the Flags and their meanings and answer three fairly straightforward safety questions. This part of the test is 100% only -  you must get them right. Then there are around 12 other questions on racing, race day format and general. You must achieve 60% here.

It’s all very straight forward and remember, they want you to pass! The prime function of this exam is to make sure you are
A, Aware of the Rules and Regs
B, Competent and comfortable behind the wheel.

Finally, you will now be able to send off for your Licence. Send off your completed form with a Photo and a Cheque for £60 to the address on the form and your driving licence style “National B” race Licence will arrive around three weeks later. If you have a race imminent you can fast track this for an additional fee, but I wouldn’t push it too much. Get your application in, in good time. With your licence in hand you will be able to compete in the “Challenge” but you will be required to wear the “cross of Shame”. This is the Novice sticker (black X on a yellow background) which must be attached to the rear offside corner of your race car to show the faster cars behind that you are a Rookie” and must be treated with some caution. Not as some suggest an aiming point put on your car as the best point to tip you off the track! This must be worn for Six races after which it can be removed and you can call yourself a race driver.

So get yourself booked on and get on with it! It is all straightforward stuff and a lot of fun.