Minimum Driver Age
Discussion
I used to do a few track days when I was younger, but nothing for over ten years.
My son has now passed his test and is mad on cars, but insurance is limiting his options for the moment, so I was toying with buying a cheap track day car for him and me to share. (probably a Mx5
) He is earning so we could share the cost and both get some fun out of it. If the worst happens - it's all in the family.
I had assumed he would have to make the age of 18 at least, but I've looked at a few sites and it appears there is no minimum age limit for most of the circuits.
Am I right in thinking that there aren't usually minimum ages, or should I start sending off emails to the various companies to confirm
Cheers,
My son has now passed his test and is mad on cars, but insurance is limiting his options for the moment, so I was toying with buying a cheap track day car for him and me to share. (probably a Mx5
) He is earning so we could share the cost and both get some fun out of it. If the worst happens - it's all in the family.I had assumed he would have to make the age of 18 at least, but I've looked at a few sites and it appears there is no minimum age limit for most of the circuits.
Am I right in thinking that there aren't usually minimum ages, or should I start sending off emails to the various companies to confirm
Cheers,
I have a feeling that MSV used to require drivers to have held a full licence for 12 months but I don't think that applies any more. If 17 he would need you to co-sign his indemnity forms.
Younger drivers on MSA race licences also need grade A or S instructors with them and should only be driving the car they compete in.
Younger drivers on MSA race licences also need grade A or S instructors with them and should only be driving the car they compete in.
QBee said:
Agree the above are correct. I was overtaken by a 16 year old girl driving an Aston GT4 at Snetterton, it it appeared she was leading the championship at the time....and had an FIA race license
That's Jamie Chadwick - she's a seriously good driver. Both the youngest ever and first female to win a British GT championship.OverSteery said:
thanks all,
I'd not thought of putting him through ARDS - might be a good idea.
If he’s got a driving license he can do trackdays. I'd not thought of putting him through ARDS - might be a good idea.
ARDS will cost £300 bare minimum. It doesn’t teach you anything about driving, it is purely a test on flag signals, safety and racing formality, plus a few observed laps to make sure you aren’t a total liability. After that you effectively have a ‘provisional’ racing license which will quickly become useless / worthless unless you go racing and gain some signatures. It’s really only worth doing if you were planning to go racing imminently.
Buy an MX-5 and have some fun! My 21 year old Son and I have gone 50:50 on a track focussed MK1 MX-5 and booked a few track days together. He already drives a MK1 MX-5 on the road so the track car will be 'familiar' for him and will allow him to develop his driving skills in the right environment. If he gets into it we could even double drive the car for autosolo or sprint / hillclimb events in roadgoing class next year (Bristol Motor Club events for example).
The other benefit of sharing the car is that it will involve him in maintenance/upkeep, skills that cannot be learnt sitting at a computer!
The other benefit of sharing the car is that it will involve him in maintenance/upkeep, skills that cannot be learnt sitting at a computer!
Just to reinforce what a great time you can have here is a video from Friday with my Son driving our shared MX-5 at Dalton Barracks. He was absolutely nailing the corners and it was good to learn from each other. Rockingham next weekend!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0TEiUKNzTs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0TEiUKNzTs
The only thing I know about the ARDS test is that you need to be able to heel and toe,,........because a 6ft 7in friend of mine couldn't manage to in the confines of the test car, but the examiner understood and passed him anyway.
Second year of racing, he won the Dunlop TVR European Challenge, without a single on-track accident, so the examiner clearly knew something.
Second year of racing, he won the Dunlop TVR European Challenge, without a single on-track accident, so the examiner clearly knew something.
How difficult are racing licences to get these days. Seems everyone has one of some description. I know there are a few types with FIA probably being the toughest.
I seem to remember Lotus had one which required doing a few laps in their cars and then doing a final test over a few weekends are a few hundred quid.
I seem to remember Lotus had one which required doing a few laps in their cars and then doing a final test over a few weekends are a few hundred quid.
QBee said:
The only thing I know about the ARDS test is that you need to be able to heel and toe
Not true. I was specifically advised not to heel & toe. BlueHave said:
How difficult are racing licences to get these days. Seems everyone has one of some description. I know there are a few types with FIA probably being the toughest.
As I mentioned above, it's very easy to get say an FIA national license but progressing further requires racing experience.BlueHave said:
How difficult are racing licences to get these days. Seems everyone has one of some description. I know there are a few types with FIA probably being the toughest.
Getting an MSA National B race licence (i.e. passing the ARDS test) is really not that hard, any competent trackday driver should be able to do it with minimal coaching. The driving part is about being reasonably consistent, with reasonable pace (doesn't have to be impressive pace) and good awareness; it's not about whether you will be quick, it's about whether you will be safe.H&T is a nice thing to see but not essential for passing the test.
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