SPRING DRIVING EXPERIENCE OFFERS - SAVE UP TO 20%
Header.LogoAlt

Novice Drivers Training Course

£310

So you want to take the next step and actually go motor racing? The first thing you will need is a Motorsport UK Race Club (formerly Race Inter Club) competition licence, which can be gained on successful completion of the ARDS Novice Driver Training Course.

  • Take the ARDS test to get a Motorsport UK Race Club license
  • Learn from the best race instructors in the UK
  • Drive the fastest circuit in the UK
Call 01264 882222 to speak to a member of our team

Need to know

What to expect from the ARDS Novice Drivers Training Course

You can take the course here at Thruxton. There is a set procedure to secure your licence which is set out by Motorsport UK:

  1. Apply to the Motorsport UK for your 'Go Racing' starter pack, which will include:
  • Licence application form

  • USB stick with the 'Go Racing' video on

  • Motorsport UK yearbook

  • Starting Motorsport handbook

  • Association of Racing Drivers Schools leaflet.

  1. Have a racing medical examination with your doctor and ensure that the form is signed and returned to you - some doctors may charge for this.

  2. Contact us on 01264 882222 to book your course. The ARDS test consists of the following:

  • Classroom briefing

  • Driving test. The instructor will demonstrate the lines and technique to you before you drive for a minimum of 5 laps.

  • Multiple-choice written exam

Please remember that although you will receive tuition and help on your course, the main purpose is to test your suitability to hold a competition licence. If you feel you would benefit from additional track time, we offer an ARDS PLUS course which caters for this need. Please contact our team on 01264882222 for more information.

Once you have successfully completed the course you must send all the relevant paperwork to Motorsport UK to be validated:

Motorsport UK, Bicester Motion, OX278FY

Telephone: 01753 765000

About the Junior ARDS Training Program

Thruxton also run the Junior ARDS course for 14 to 17 year olds and up. The cost is £600. Below is the criteria for applicants:

  1. The minimum age for a driver to take the course IS 13.5 years old with the license being issued at 14 years old.

  2. Application must be supported by or received from a Junior Race Championship organising club. These are the BARC (Junior Saloon Car Championship / TOCA Junior from 2025) & BRSCC (Ginetta Junior / Fiesta Junior).

Once they have completed the Junior ARDS Training Programme the registered Thruxton Junior ARDS Instructor will sign off their application. Their licence will then be issued in the name of the driver but held by the organising club of their championship (until they are 16 years old when they can then hold a full licence).

For more information on the ARDS Junior Driver Training Programme, please call 01264 882222.

The Thruxton difference

Quality experiences

Over 40 years of experience in operating driving experiences. Everything is geared around a quality experience and we limit numbers to ensure this.

FIA licensed race track

Thruxton is the fastest race track in the UK and a fully licensed FIA venue - not a disused airfield.

Pro instructors

We only use professional ARDS qualified race instructors who will make your drive more enjoyable.

No artificial corners

No 70mph speed limits or numerous "cone chicanes" to keep the speed artificially slow.

360º videos

The ultimate memento of your visit to Thruxton. Our 360 cameras will capture all the action of your drive in 4K, true 360-degree video for you to enjoy afterwards on all your devices.

Skilled Instructors On The Day

Rob Barff

Professional Driver Coach and retired Le Mans driver. A veteran of eighteen 24 Hour races, including two times Le Mans 24 Hours. 30 years coaching experience, competition licence holder since 1987 with over 65 race victories and 135 podiums.

View ARDS Details

Michael Vitulli

An experienced & recognised ARDS Instructor and Driver Coach in and around the South East area. Having successfully competed in a number of Motorsport Championships around the UK from the age of eight, now over 30 years on and still competing and enjoying Motorsport - currently racing in various UK Championships.

View ARDS Details

James Black

My name is James Black and I currently race in the Britcar Endurance Trophy Championship. I’ve been instructing up and down the UK working at Thruxton, Silverstone and Brands Hatch instructing in supercars, rally cars and drift cars. I Can’t wait for what the future holds.

View ARDS Details
Learn more about our instructors

Upcoming Dates

Already have a voucher?

Congratulations on receiving a gift voucher for a driving experience at Thruxton Circuit! To get yourself booked in please click "Redeem Voucher".

Redeem voucher

What they're saying...

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

VIEW ALL DRIVING EXPERIENCES