Race License Expiry

[BritishRacinGrin]

I held a National 'A' License in 2013. I didn't renew in 2014 as I moved to a different country. Am I right in thinking that if I don't apply for a license in 2015, my previous experience will be null and void and I'll have to start from scratch again and do an ARDS?

[SmartVenom]

No, you can apply again for a National A Licence. With a National B you can apply again if you've held a licence in the 3 years prior. I think A is even more flexible.

8.2.1. A competitor making an application for the first time for a Race licence must
obtain a novice race driver ‘Go Racing Driver Pack’, which contains the required
application form, from the MSA and then complete an approved course at a school
registered with the Association of Racing Drivers’ School (ARDS). The procedure to be
followed is contained in the ‘Pack’.
Competitors who have reached their 14th Birthday may apply for a Race National B
Licence to allow them to race only in Junior Race Formulae specifically authorised by
the MSA. The Licence application must be endorsed and submitted to the MSA by a
Junior Race Championship Organising Club. This Licence will state ‘Junior Race
Formulae Only’ and will be held by the Championship Organising Club(s).
Exemptions from 8.2.1. are as follows:
8.2.2. Anyone who has held a National ‘B’ Race licence at any time during 2012, 2013
or 2014. Competitors who have not renewed or held a National ‘B’ licence since 2011
must comply with the requirement for first time applicants detailed above.
8.2.3. *Anyone who can provide proof of having ever held, or entitled to hold, a Race
licence of higher status than Restricted or National ‘B’. Competitors who have not
renewed their licence for five years or more will be required to pass the ARDS written
examination.

Edited by SmartVenom on Wednesday 7th January 11:33

[Mobsy]

I think the difference is because you could have held a Nat 'B' but never have raced. To get a Nat 'A' you will have had to obtain 6 upgrade signatures from completed races. I'm in a similar position having held a Nat 'A' a few years ago, to renew my licence this year I just have to pass the written part of the ARDS test. Up to 5 years you can renew without doing any part of the test.

[Grumpy Griff]

I was in a similar position. I held a Nat A until 2009. It lapsed for 5 years and I have just got my 2015 license. All I needed was a medical (I'm over 50) and to take my written ARDS paper again. This cost me £50 at Brands and is bookable via their call centre (they were very helpful).

As stated if you have a Nat B its completely different

[RobM77]

I rung the MSA up the other day and was told that my National B, which I last held in 2010, could be re-activated without re-taking an ARDS test if I provided proof of completing a certain number of races (I can't remember the figure, but it was less than 10) and it didn't matter when those races were. That seems to differ from what's said above - do you think I was mis-informed?

[Psycho Warren]

Remember it says ever held or "entitled to hold". So you may well have done enough races to upgrade to nat A even if you never bothered to do so.

[RobM77]

Psycho Warren said:

Remember it says ever held or "entitled to hold". So you may well have done enough races to upgrade to nat A even if you never bothered to do so.

Yes, that's what the guy on the phone said, I could choose from a Nat B or Nat A. I've only ever entered Nat B races so never bothered with the A. That makes sense now, thanks.