£310
Want to take the next step and start motor racing in the UK? Before you can line up on the grid, you’ll need the appropriate Motorsport UK race licence.
At Thruxton Circuit, you can complete the ARDS Novice Driver Training Course, commonly known as the ARDS test, as part of the process of gaining your Motorsport UK Race Club competition licence.
Learn from professional ARDS-qualified race instructors and complete your course at Thruxton, the fastest circuit in the UK.
The Novice Drivers Training Course (ARDS Course) can be purchased as an open gift voucher valid for 1 year from the date of purchase
The Novice Drivers Training Course (ARDS Course) operates from Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire.
We operate on selected weekdays.
On the day drivers must wear clothes that cover their arms and legs | Helmets, race boots and gloves are provided, where necessary.
Spectators are welcome - free of charge
Your gift will be delivered by email straight to your inbox, so it's ideal for last-minute presents. Delivery is free and you’ll receive a personalised experience voucher with an optional gift message
Ready to go motor racing? The ARDS Test (Novice Driver Training Course) is designed to assess whether you have the knowledge and driving ability required to hold a Motorsport UK competition licence.
There is a set process to follow before and after completing your ARDS Test at Thruxton.
The first step towards obtaining your race licence is to apply to Motorsport UK for a Go Racing Starter Pack.
Your pack contains the information and documentation you'll need to begin the process, including your licence application form and essential guidance for starting out in motorsport.
You'll need to have the required racing medical examination completed by your doctor and ensure the relevant form is signed and returned to you. Please be aware that your doctor may charge for completing the medical.
Once you're ready, contact the Thruxton team on 01264 882222 to book your Novice Driver Training Course.
Your ARDS test at Thruxton consists of three key elements:
You'll receive tuition and guidance during the course, but remember that the primary purpose of the ARDS test is to assess your suitability to hold a competition licence.
If you feel you would benefit from additional tuition or track time before completing your assessment, Thruxton also offers an ARDS PLUS course. Speak to our team on 01264 882222 to find out more.
Once you've successfully completed the Novice Driver Training Course, you'll need to submit the relevant paperwork to Motorsport UK for validation.
Once your application has been approved and your competition licence issued, you're another important step closer to getting on the grid and starting your racing career.
Thruxton also offers a dedicated Junior ARDS Training Programme for young drivers looking to take their first steps into circuit racing.
Drivers can take the course from 13.5 years old, with the competition licence issued from the age of 14. Applications must be supported by, or received from, an eligible Junior Race Championship organising club.
Once the Junior ARDS Training Programme has been successfully completed, a registered Thruxton Junior ARDS Instructor will sign off the application. The licence is issued in the driver's name but held by the organising club until the driver reaches the required age to hold their full licence.
For more information about Junior ARDS training at Thruxton, call our team on 01264 882222.
Complete your ARDS driving assessment on a proper race circuit. Thruxton is the fastest race circuit in the UK and a fully licensed FIA venue, giving aspiring racing drivers the opportunity to learn and be assessed in a genuine motorsport environment.
Our courses are delivered by professional ARDS-qualified race instructors who will demonstrate the correct lines and techniques before assessing your driving on track.
We've been delivering driving experiences for more than 35 years. Numbers are carefully managed to maintain the quality of the experience and give drivers the attention they need throughout their visit.
There are no artificial corners or numerous cone chicanes designed to unnecessarily restrict your speed. You'll be driving on the same Thruxton Circuit that hosts some of the biggest championships in British motorsport.
If you've always wanted to go racing, completing your ARDS Novice Driver Training Course at Thruxton is an important step towards securing your Motorsport UK race licence.
Take your ARDS test with professional instructors at one of Britain's most iconic race circuits and start turning your ambition to go motor racing into reality.
Over 35 years of experience in operating driving experiences. Everything is geared around a quality experience and we limit numbers to ensure this.
Thruxton is the fastest race track in the UK and a fully licensed FIA venue - not a disused airfield.
We only use professional ARDS qualified race instructors who will make your drive more enjoyable.
No 70mph speed limits or numerous "cone chicanes" to keep the speed artificially slow.
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.
Will Dendy is an experienced international driver coach; Sweden (Swedish GT Series) the UAE (Yas Marina Circuit) and the UK (British GT, Ferrari Challenge, Porsche Carrera Cup, GT Cup, Motorsport Vision). He has extensive knowledge of all UK circuits in all conditions.
Charlotte Birch is a GT Cup, Lamborghini Super Trofeo & Ginetta G55, Ex Britcar and Junior Saloon Car DriverARDS A Driver Coach
Sid Smith is a racing driver & performance coach currently competing in Porsche Carrera Cup. He has experience in all types of cars & tracks, as well as working a range of skill-levels to maximise their potential.
Buy an open-dated voucher for this experience and book a date later. Dates are released every few months.
Congratulations on receiving a gift voucher for a driving experience at Thruxton Circuit! To get yourself booked in please click "Redeem Voucher".
Redeem voucherThe ultimate memento of your visit to Thruxton. 360 cameras will capture all the action of your drive in 4K, true 360-degree video for you to enjoy afterwards.
Professional quality photos that you can take home at the end of your experience.
We want to substantially raise the game of driving days and driving experiences in the UK - to give our customers the best choice and best value for money driving experiences in the UK.
