Written by Sasha Wynn
Any up-and-coming racer in the United Kingdom, whether they do the occasional event for fun or are chasing the dream of Formula 1, will at some point find that they have to complete the ARDS.
So what is it?
ARDS is an acronym for the Association of Racing Driver Schools and the test is, naturally, a test executed by the Association of Racing Driver Schools. It is a 2 part test consisting of a written component and a practical component; and exists with the purpose of assessing drivers for their suitability to compete, and thus hold a Motorsport UK Competition License (gained upon completion of the ARDS test and required payment). Almost any race activity or event on track in the UK will require you hold one of these licences, so ARDS is truly an inevitability.
How do I pass it?
Now that you know what it is and why you need it, you’re likely wondering how you pass it. That requires a more complicated answer.
But don’t worry! Doris Archer Motorsport is here to help you, step-by-step, so you can get on track as soon as possible.
1. The first step to taking and passing your ARDS test requires you to purchase Motorsport UK’s ARDS ‘Go Racing’ Starter Pack, which costs £110.00 GBP as of July 2024. Inside this pack you’ll find:
- An introduction to racing booklet and an outline of the next steps to getting your Competition Licence
- QR codes for educational films
- Your competition Licence application form
Outlined in the booklet your ‘Go Racing’ Starter Pack contains, is the competition licence medical requirements – however, we recommend you go online and check you meet them before purchasing the Starter Pack. Otherwise, make sure you meet them before booking your assessment with your local accredited racingschool. You can email the address provided by Motorsport UK – medical@motorsportuk.org – if you’re not sure your existing disabilities or medical conditions meet the requirements.
2. The second step to taking and passing your ARDS test: choose your ARDS school and book an ARDS course. Below, we’ve provided a complete list of ARDS schools, taken from the Motorsport UK website.
- Anglesey Performance Driving Centre
- Castle Combe Racing School
- Croft Promosport
- Goodwood Motor Circuit
- Knockhill Racing Drivers School
- MotorSport Vision Brands Hatch
- MotorSport Vision Cadwell Park
- MotorSport Vision Donington Park
- MotorSport Vision Oulton Park
- MotorSport Vision Snetterton
- Silverstone Motorsport Academy
- The Motorsports School (Mallory Park)
- Thruxton Motorsport Centre
ARDS courses vary from school to school, but the main thing is that they all contain a theoretical component and a practical component – a written test and a driving test.
The written test takes 30 minutes, and tests your knowledge on regulations, flags, and safety information. Doris Archer Motorsport can help you prep for this test!
The driving test will consist of an ARDS Examiner heading out with you on track in a road car. This test is to make sure you can drive safely, in a controlled manner, and using the racing line, on a race circuit. There is also often traffic on the circuit during these tests, and that means your ability to drive on track safely with others is also assessed. Doris Archer Motorsport can also help you prepare for the driving test.
3. The third step is to prepare for both the theoretical and practical tests. It’s study time! Here’s how you can get ready:
- Study the Motorsport UK Yearbook- aka The Blue Book – very closely. Pay extra special attention to Section Q: Circuit Racing, as that’s what you’ll be tested on in the written test. Especially make sure you know the flags and safety regulations well. We’re also available for questions you might have!
- Get on-track. Any circuit time you can get will be extremely valuable preparation for the ARDS driving test. Doris Archer Motorsport’s track experience days are perfect for this, and if you let us know during booking that you’re preparing for your ARDS test, we may be able to provide specialised support during your experience with us.
4. The fourth step is taking the test. This will take the majority of your day, with the first part likely consisting of a briefing and some classroom time followed by your written test. The second part of your day will involve the driving test, followed by a debrief where you’ll be told your results and have your licence application stamped if you pass.
5. The final step, assuming that you have passed both the theory and practical components of the ARDS testing, is to complete and return your stamped licence application to Motorsport UK. Then it’s the waiting game for your first ever competition licence!
With Thanks To:
- Mel Higgins [Driver]
- Lee Kenealy [Driver]
- Laura Evans [Social Media Manager]
- Leah Halsey [Presenter and Social Media Content Creator]
- Katrina Muhsin [Presenter and Social Media Content Creator]
- Sasha Wynn [Web Content Manager and Writer]
- Abraham Fernández [Photographer and Videographer]
- Harriet Bluett – HD Media [Photographer and Videographer]
Also with many thanks to:
- Ninety2 Automotive
- Stormvault UK