Requirements to Start Training at Speedway Motorsports Academy

Thinking about getting behind the wheel of a race car? Before you sign up, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. They’re simple, but they keep you safe and make sure you get the most out of every session.

Age and Licence Basics

First up, age. You must be at least 16 years old for karting programmes and 18 for full‑size car courses. If you’re under‑16, you can still join our beginner workshops, but you’ll need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form.

A valid driving licence is a must for any car‑based training. We accept a UK provisional licence for karting and a full licence for anything above that. If you’re coming from abroad, an International Driving Permit works as long as it matches your home licence.

Fitness, Gear and Health Checks

Racing is physically demanding, so a basic fitness test is part of the enrolment. We’ll check your stamina, reaction time and flexibility – all in a quick 15‑minute assessment. No need to be a gym rat; just being able to handle a corner at high speed is enough.

Safety gear is non‑negotiable. You’ll need a certified helmet, fire‑retardant racing suit, gloves, and closed‑toe shoes. If you don’t own them, we rent gear on the day, but having your own set saves time and often money.Finally, a simple health questionnaire. We ask about any heart conditions, recent injuries or medication that could affect your performance. This helps us tailor the program and keep everyone safe.

Once you’ve cleared these steps, you can book a spot in our introductory course. The first session covers track etiquette, basic car control and an overview of the next levels you can aim for.

Got questions about a specific requirement? Drop us a line or pop into the academy office. We’re happy to walk you through the process and get you on the track as fast as possible.