Race licence after 18 year break - medical

[matlockscot]

Just seeing if I can avoid medical fees. I held a National B licence for 5 years back in the late 80's/early 90's. I know I have to go through the ARDS training route, but the notes tot eh form say that I only need a medical if this is my first licence (I am still under 45). Would that apply in my case or would I need to have another medical? I had a full ECG trace medical for work last year (all normal)> I'll call MSA tomorrow but just wondered if anyone knew the answer?

[dellow]

You need a medical each year for a race licence.

[matlockscot]

I know that always used to be the case, but the form now has a self-declaration and the following guidance in the notes;

If you are applying for an International licence, and have not supplied a medical within the last 12 months Or If you are aged 45 or more and are applying for a Race, Kart (not Kart Endurance) or Truck licence, and have not supplied a medical within the last 12 months. Or If you are 18 or over, applying for a Race, Kart (not Kart Endurance) or Truck licence, and have never provided a medical report before. You must have a medical examination and ask you doctor to fill in Section 3 of the application.

As I have held a race licence before and have provided a medical report (several times!) I don't know whether I need another GP report. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I call the MSA

[ctsdave]

dellow said:

You need a medical each year for a race licence.

Only if you have an international licence or are over 45. Otherwise you can 'self certify' yourself as fit each year at renewal time, as I do!

[matlockscot]

Just spoken to MSA and as they have my last medical record on file, I only have to self-certify.

Of course my physical condition has not changed in the last 18 years !!!!

[ginettajoe]

matlockscot said:

Just seeing if I can avoid medical fees. I held a National B licence for 5 years back in the late 80's/early 90's. I know I have to go through the ARDS training route, but the notes tot eh form say that I only need a medical if this is my first licence (I am still under 45). Would that apply in my case or would I need to have another medical? I had a full ECG trace medical for work last year (all normal)> I'll call MSA tomorrow but just wondered if anyone knew the answer?

Hi,

I carry out ARDS tests at Teesside Autodrome & have just had a similar situation with a chap wanting to renew his licence. Basically, all you require is to sit the written part of the test and the sponsoring school has to issue a letter to the MSA, confirming that you have completed that requirement. No medical is necessary, and the total cost is £50. If you require any further information, please PM me and I'll endeavour to advise you accordingly.

HTH Regards, Howard

[Al Weyman]

I let mine laps a few years but avoided the Ards test by supplying evidence of past races via timesheets and programs. They (MSA) were quite helpful in this respect.

[matlockscot]

Thank you all for the advice & comments. I've signed up for ARDS next week at Snetterton, I could probably do with a bit of track time so no big deal (sadly before I saw the Ginettajoes's offer!). I've moved (internationally) about 8 times since I last raced so would struggle to find my race results.
Thanks again

[jagracer]

Do you still have your original licence? If so you can produce that and you won't need the ARDS test.

[matlockscot]

No idea where it is ! The MSA still have the details on file (which worked for the medical) but not sure about ARDS. Anyway, all booked up now to do it next week.

[jellison]

ARDS test - what is that - glad I got in before all that - not sure I'd take to having someone see how I can drive round a track - though of course it is fine for everyone else

[aycee]

Sorry to resurect this one but,looking into a medical for my licence.Just past 45 years!!!

All these fees are starting to mildly annoy me a bit.

Annual Medical:£125 could be more!
Annual MSA Licence fee:£53
Annual Club membership fees: £150ish per series if I race in more than one club.
Race Entry fees: £250 per race minimum.

All that is before I allow $$$$$ to run the car and get to the races etc.

No such thing as cheap Motorsport is there.Cant not do it though!

[BobM]

aycee said:

All these fees are starting to mildly annoy me a bit.

Annual Medical:£125 could be more!

Ask around and see if you can get the medical done for less. I'm a GP and that seems pretty steep to me for the very minimal work involved. I think a lot of GPs quote high not being aware that it's a single side of A4 and takes only a few minutes.

Whereabouts are you?

[aycee]

BobM said:

Ask around and see if you can get the medical done for less. I'm a GP and that seems pretty steep to me for the very minimal work involved. I think a lot of GPs quote high not being aware that it's a single side of A4 and takes only a few minutes.

Whereabouts are you?

surrey.It is a pain if it has to be done every year.Thats £200 just for a licence!

[moffspeed]

Andy - YHM.

[BobM]

aycee said:

surrey.

Ah, I'm not much help to you then (South Wales).

aycee said:

It is a pain if it has to be done every year.Thats £200 just for a licence!

Yes, agreed, but I accept the reasons for it and in the grand scheme of things it's not a big proportion of the total cost of racing. And as I said I think £125 is more than it need be for the medical.

[jagracer]

BobM said:

Yes, agreed, but I accept the reasons for it and in the grand scheme of things it's not a big proportion of the total cost of racing. And as I said I think £125 is more than it need be for the medical.

When I actually pay for my medical its never more than fifty quid and if you know the right people you can get a stress ECG and medical for one hundred.

[moffspeed]

Glad to hear that you're now sorted Andy. There is a massive variance in fees for this medical - and this probably reflects more on a practitioner's enthusiasm for non-NHS work on top of the daily grind rather than greed. As another poster mentioned the medical is far less detailed than most GP's assume - it's far less probing than the equivalent for PPL or HGV entitlement.

So the real problem is the form itself. I do a lot of HGV/PCV medicals - the paperwork is 8 pages long and asks about previous medical history in depth - so it takes 40 mins minimum even if you're desperate to get home in time for Eastenders. The MSA form is effectively 1/2 a side of A4 and involves a few simple questions and then blood pressure, visual acuity/fields/colour vision and a urine test. If you're cynical about it you could probably knock it out in 10 mins - so if you're charging the average of £100 or thereabouts its a nice little earner. However most doctors (hopefully) would approach the medical with the view that they should do a comprehensive examination even though the form doesn't necessarily demand it - after all it's your signature on the bottom of the page. Hence the fees.

Regarding exercise ECG's take care - the MSA has a list of approved centres for this and the report has to be written by a consultant - so you might not get away with anything less.

It's a physically stressful sport and Frank Sytner's recent medical issues whilst at the wheel (and sadly Gerry Marshall and Denis Hulme in the past) should serve to remind us of that...

Edited by moffspeed on Saturday 4th June 10:03

[BertBert]

Well if anyone in Surrey can point me to a medical for less than £100 for next feb let me know!
Cheers
Bert

[jagracer]

Motor Racing medics at Gatwick were around £70 last year.