MSA Licence Question

[Patsy]

Hi,

Quick question - I am planning to race next year in the NW FF1600 championship. I got my go racing pack off the MSA about 2 months ago but for various reasons haven't done my ARDS test yet.

If I do my ARDS test and have my medical this year will I then have to reapply for my licence in the new year (and at what cost?) or am I best off waiting until the early new year and get my ARDS in then - will my application be valid or will I have to get a new go racing pack?

Thanks,

Patrick.

[eddystar]

Brilliant question, I am looking for the same answer and I have just had a medical done. A friend said I would have to fork out another £52 pounds for the 2010 race pack... Which I presume everyone has to do every year?...If so, would I have to get another medical done? ls it then best to wait until next year to do my ARDS, or does it matter? AND...I much study time / if any is required for my ARDS?

Thanks

[Graham]

Once you've done your ards and applied for your first licence, all you do is renew the licence each year if you've raced or not... cost to renew a national B is something like 45 quid per year. licences run from jan 1 to dec 31. So as soon as you've done the ards send off for the licence and then just keep renewing it each year

If your national B ( the first licence you get) or national A ( you can upgrade after a number of race finishes and signatures) and are under 45 you dont need another medical until you are 45.

IIRC international C and above you need a medical every year.

Im not sure on the validity of the ARDS pack, Does the application form have a year printed on it? Technically the blue book changes slightly every year so you could get caught out if an exam question refers to a new rule when you take the written test, but unlikely...


If all else fails call the MSA they are quite helpfull

G

[BobM]

If you do your ARDS and have your medical within the next month or two the best bet is then to apply for your licence after 1st January so you have a 2010 licence. The medical is valid for 3 months but I think the ARDS for much longer. You don't need to buy a new Go Racing pack, just apply after 1st January, you'll be able to download a 2010 form from the MSA website. I did the same.

[stockhatcher]

fairly certain that if you do your licence in Dec possibly even late November, you'll get a 2010 licence.

[AWRacing]

Dont worry that your ARDS form is dated this year, send it off around the start of December and they will send you a 2010 licence. You should also receive it before Christmas. I usually reapply in December and get it 5 days later - January gets really busy.

[Kevp]

The Go Racing Pack does not have a "use by" time limit. You just need to ensure the correct (current) fee is paid with the blueform. I did mine this year with a 5 year old blue form.

[Patsy]

Thanks for your help all. I'm going to do my ARDS test 11th Nov and then do my medical early in Dec and will apply for my license after that.

Now...just need some sponsorship...

[ginettajoe]

Patsy said:

Thanks for your help all. I'm going to do my ARDS test 11th Nov and then do my medical early in Dec and will apply for my license after that.

Now...just need some sponsorship...

..... just remember that when you turn up for your ARDS test without your medical details on the form, the examining school will not stamp or authorise your application. You also require a current photo to be attached to the form. If you do attend your test before your medical, you will have to return your form to the school to be stamped, once your Doctor has carried out your medical! HTH

[apguy]

Graham said:

Once you've done your ards and applied for your first licence, all you do is renew the licence each year if you've raced or not...

Hi. You don't actually have to renew each year. You can have a maximum 2 year gap between licence renewals and still retain your entitlement.

After 2 years you need to show proof of previous entitlement (such as old licence or timing sheets) and the re-issue of the licence is discretionary . Otherwise it's an ARDS retake.

I know this as I'm on the cusp of my 2 year time limit.

[nick997]

ginettajoe said:

..... just remember that when you turn up for your ARDS test without your medical details on the form, the examining school will not stamp or authorise your application. You also require a current photo to be attached to the form. If you do attend your test before your medical, you will have to return your form to the school to be stamped, once your Doctor has carried out your medical! HTH

They stamped mine ok at Brands, no medical on it. I already had a kart licence which I sent off with the stamped ARDS form but Brands knew nothing about that.

[drmotorsport]

I did my ARDS and medical in oct/nov 2000 and only applied for the licence in Jan 2001 using the form with the 2000 pack - just scribbled over the date on the app form and paid the appropriate fee. This arrangement still seems to be ok to do from what i've heard.