Obtaining a B racing Licence


CR1S

CR1S

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Oct 31, 2009
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Hello Everyone

Has any one on here, I imagine some of you have, Done the basic B ARDS Licence. I would just like some information

How difficult is it?
Where did you take the test?
How much did it cost? ( I have read about £350 but that was a while ago )
What kind of doors does it open?

Thanks
Cris
 
If you have the relevant trackday experience it is not that difficult, each venue has a different method, it opens the door to club racing, there are many more costs apart from the test itself.
 
CR1S said:
How difficult is it?
Where did you take the test?
How much did it cost? ( I have read about £350 but that was a while ago )
What kind of doors does it open?
Click to expand...

Not difficult at all. The written test is very easy - but you must also learn your flags and get them 100% right in the test. There's only about 10 flag signals so it's not hard to learn. The practical in my case was very easy, just really had to demonstrate that you can drive with some appreciation of racing lines and braking points. Didn't have to go particularly fast. I think if you spin or lose control you fail.

I took mine at Pembrey. From what I have heard, it is better to take the test at one of the country's smaller circuits like this where they tend to be a bit friendlier and want to see you pass. I understand at Silverstone etc the instructors will push you on a bit on the practical.

Cost:
Go Racing pack for £62,
price of a medical (at your doc's discretion - mine charged me £90 :shocked:),
price of the ARDS test - depends on where, mine was £300.
Actual Race National B licence is £58 (this lasts for one calender year)

Other than allowing you to race at Club level it doesn't open any doors. All I can think of is that you can go on test days and I think you can attend the trade only days at the autosport internation show. I beleive from the point when you pass your ARDS you have 3 months to apply for your actual licence.

Loads of info on the MSA website
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.asp?article=784
 
Last edited:
Jim,

This is actually helpful (I've been too lazy to search this info out myself!)

I need to get this sorted when I am back in UK.

Any idea if there's a waiting list when it comes to the theory/prac tests?
 
thunderboy said:
Jim,

This is actually helpful (I've been too lazy to search this info out myself!)

I need to get this sorted when I am back in UK.

Any idea if there's a waiting list when it comes to the theory/prac tests?
Click to expand...

Sorry Lee, only just spotted this. With Pembrey there's no real school, just the one instructor so it depends what he's up to I guess. When I did my ARDS I was the only one there.
I think the school at Combe shuts for the winter so best give them a ring.

Now I think about it, I think I got something above wrong. Once you have your medical you have 3months to take your ARDS test. Not sure what the deal is with how long you can go from passing your ARDS and buying your first licence.
 
Done my ARDS test last month it was easy in the end got worried for nothing , long as u hav good track skills u will hav to push the car quite hard. Done mine at sliverstone . I had an hours track time 20 mins in class room quite laid back .
 
I passed my ARDS test earlier in January @ Thruxton!

What swung it for me to go there; the practical test is taken in Porsche Caymans.. Compared to front wheel drive euro boxes of other racing schools.

I've never driven rear wheel drive before, so was a little bit nervous & the track was covered in ice and snow in places when I took the test.... Tested my skills a little bit ;)
 
My whole family has got racing licences, my dad did it at silverstone where it was way over priced and wasnt interested if you failed or passed, my brother on the other hand did it at mallory park where very cheap and laid back and wanted you to pass, I did mine at brands hatch with reasonale price and wanted me to pass! :)
 
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