How to Get Your Motorcycle Road Race Licence in the UK
Special thanks to Mark Berry at No Limits Racing (NLR) for his contributions to this article.
If you have ever watched British Superbikes or MotoGP and thought, "I could do that!" then obtaining your race licence is the first official step to go from road rider or track day enthusiast to actual racer.
While it is a serious commitment, the process is structured and accessible if you follow the correct steps. Thanks to No Limits Racing, here is TDA’s guide on how to get your ACU Road Race Licence in the UK.
Join an ACU-Affiliated Club
Before you can apply for anything, you must be a member of a racing club affiliated with the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), the governing body for motorcycle sport in the UK.
- Why: You cannot get a licence without being a member of club
- How: There are hundreds of clubs across the UK (e.g. Bemsee, EMRA, No Limits Racing). Pick one that races at circuits you like or offers a championship that suits your budget.
Tip: Most clubs will sign your licence application form as soon as you join.
See our comprehensive list of UK Motorcycle Road Racing Clubs and the racing classes they offer.
Apply for the Licence
Once you have your club membership code, your Competitor Training Course (CTC) and Basic Rider Assessment (BRA) certificates, and your eyesight report, you can apply for your licence via the ACU.
- The Licence: You will start with a Novice, then progress to a Clubman or National after that.
- The Orange Bib: As a novice, you must wear a high-vis orange vest (bib) over your leathers. This warns other riders that you are new to the grid.
The Medical and Eyesight Test
You must ensure you are physically fit to race.
- Eyesight: You will need an eyesight report signed by an optician. This is a standard requirement to ensure you can see flags and other riders clearly. You will need a new test every three years if under the age of 70.
- Medical: If you are under 70 and healthy, you might only need the eyesight report and a self-declaration. However, if you have certain medical conditions or are over a specific age threshold (usually 70+), you may require a full medical examination and ECG. Always check the latest ACU handbook for the specific age requirements.
The Training: CTC and BRA
You cannot simply buy a licence; you have to prove you are safe. In order to do that, you must pass two specific assessments. These can sometimes be done on the same day, or even online for the CTC.
Competitor Training Course (CTC)
This is a classroom-based session with a focus on safety and regulation knowledge. It covers the essential rules of racing, flag signals, safety procedures, and what to do when (not if) you fall off. The course concludes with a multiple choice questionnaire.
Basic Rider Assessment (BRA)
This is the practical element where you ride on the track over a number of sessions, assessed by a qualified ACU coach. You do not need to break lap records here; you need to demonstrate that you are competent and predictable (not a kamikaze pilot).
There’s a dedicated focus on launching the bike for race starts (arguably the most dangerous part of a race), holding a line, and general bike control.
- The Bike: For the BRA (riding assessment), your bike does not necessarily need to be full race or track spec (e.g., no lights), it can even be a road bike but it must be safe. However, for your first race, it must be fully race-prepared: lock-wired (sump, filler caps, calipers), have a brake lever guard, rain light, and ACU-approved tyres.
- Gear: One-piece leathers (of at least 1.2mm thickness), ACU Gold stamped helmet, proper motorcycle boots, leather gloves, and dog-tags (identification) are mandatory.
Go Racing
With your licence in hand, you can enter race meetings.
- Novice Restrictions: You are still a full "racer" in the eyes of the ACU, but to upgrade to a Clubman Licence and ditch the orange bib, you need to hone your racecraft by completing 10 separate races (only one race per day counts) at three different circuits satisfactorily.
- Bike Requirements: Your motorcycle must meet strict scrutineering standards (lock-wired bolts, catch trays/belly pan, rain light, ACU-approved tyres).
- Gear: One-piece leathers, ACU Gold Stamped helmet, proper motorcycle boots/gloves, and dog-tags (identification) are mandatory. It’s also advised to wear a back protector underneath the racing suit, cover the majority of the spine, and ideally be certified to EN1621-2:2014 or higher standards (you’d be daft not to).
Useful Resources
- For the official rules, handbook, and application forms visit the ACU website
- See our list of UK Motorcycle Road Racing Clubs and the racing classes they offer
- Read our road bike to race bike guide to see what's needed to get your motorcycle ready for racing
Expert Opinion: Mark Berry (NLR)
Someone who knows a lot about getting started in racing is Mark Berry from No Limits Racing (NLR). He’s been guiding us through creating this, erm, 'guide' to make sure it’s as accurate as possible. But we wanted to ask him in his own words to dispense some advice:
Mark Berry: “Starting racing is a proper adventure, it is seriously addictive, and will cost you loads in time and money - don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! But is it worth it? Absolutely.
“No Limits Racing has been getting riders through their race licence process for 12 years, and that’s over 200 riders a year. So we’ve seen and worked with people of all ages, backgrounds, riding experience and skill level. What can I also tell you, is that the racing paddocks are a family, a community. We call it the No Limits Racing family. And like most families, there is the occasional disagreement! But not many.
“Starting anything new can feel a bit scary and racing is no different; until you’ve experienced sitting on a grid for that first race start, it can be a bit overwhelming. But what I can also say is that no question is a stupid question, but make sure you’ve read everything that the ACU and your club has provided for you first!
“The most common thing people do wrong when starting the race licence process is over-thinking; the CTC is mainly common sense - so read the question twice - and when it comes to the Basic Rider Assessment, we are not looking to see the next Rossi! It’s an assessment, not an audition for a Factory Yamaha MotoGP contract; just relax and enjoy your riding.
“Also remember that other riders only want to beat you on the track and not in the paddock. So if you’ve forgotten something, don’t know how to do something, need some advice; you’ll always find help in the race paddock as they all remember what it’s like to start - you’re never alone. The hardest thing about starting anything is just getting started, but we’re here to help.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to get your ACU race licence?
The No Limits New Racer Course (CTC + BRA) is approximately £195 and includes club membership to No Limits which in turn comes with a host of discounts on racing essentials, such as tyres. Check out the No Limits Online Shop.
If you're joining another club, membership fees can vary.
From 2026, the ACU Licence Fee is £98 (paid directly to the ACU) which includes ‘new-and-improved personal accident insurance’ integrated into the annual fee.
What bike preparation is required for the BRA?
For the BRA (riding assessment), your bike does not necessarily need to be full race-spec (e.g. no lights), but it must be safe. However, for your first race, it must be fully race-prepared: lock-wired (sump, filler caps, calipers), have a brake lever guard, rain light, ACU-approved tyres that conform to the class regulations you are entering.
What gear do I need for the BRA?
One-piece leathers (not two-piece with a full zip), ACU Gold Stamped helmet, proper motorcycle boots/gloves, and dog-tags (identification) are mandatory. It’s also advised to wear a back protector underneath the racing suit, cover the majority of the spine, and ideally be certified to EN1621-2:2014 or higher standards
What is the structure of the CTC (Classroom) day?
These can be online, in person, or even on the same day as a BRA. The course covers flag signals, grid procedures, and safety rules. This ends with a multiple-choice test.
What is the structure of the BRA day?
Participants must have completed the Competitor Training Course (CTC) in order to participate in a Basic Rider Assessment (BRA) day. The Basic Rider Assessment (BRA) is a practical, on-track assessment required to obtain a first ACU Road Race Licence in the UK. It is designed to ensure a rider is competent to handle a motorcycle in a race environment. The day typically involves a series of on-track sessions where participants are evaluated by ACU-approved coaches.
Given arrival, registration, having their bikes and gear checked for suitability followed by briefing time and track time, generally riders will complete the BRA in an hour. Typically, NLR will run four courses across a day: two morning and two afternoon sessions.
There are three on-track sessions (usually 15–20 mins). Coaches watch for competency, not speed and lap times. You must demonstrate you can launch (start), can control the machine safely around the circuit, and exit the track safely. Wouldbe racers ride in small groups with an instructor. For youth riders there’s usually four riders per coach, increasing to six adult riders per coach.
- Track session 1: To observe and assess your basic machine craft, e.g. proper use of gears, brakes, and throttle control.
- Track session 2: Putting into practice what’s been observed in Session 1 and then with more attention paid to thinking about racing lines and braking points. Also observed is circuit safety & awareness: understanding flags (yellow, red, black), safety procedures, and adapting to circuit conditions.
- Track session 3: Practice Starts: A crucial part of the day is experiencing a staged race start, including grid position assembly, the warm-up lap, and the starting lights.
- Debrief: A final assessment of the rider's competency to receive their signature for the licence.
Can you fail the Basic Rider Assessment day?
Yes. Failure is mostly due to safety issues, not a lack of lap speed. Common reasons include: failing to spot flag signals, riding unpredictably (swerving across the track), or crashing during the assessment.
You are unlikely to fail if you stall the practice start, as long as you have followed the procedure you’ve been taught.
Are there different classes of ACU licence?
Yes. You start as a Novice (Orange Vest). After completing 10 races (only one race per date counts) at three different circuits, you upgrade to Clubman (removes vest). Above that are National and International licences.
Which circuits do ACU courses?
Courses are held at most of the major UK circuits like Donington Park, Mallory Park, Snetterton, and Cadwell Park.
Which organisers do ACU courses?
Whilst the Competitor Training Course (CTC) is often an online course, the Basic Riding Assessment (BRA) can be arranged through the following ACU Test organisers:
How old do you have to be to get an ACU licence?
Children 11-12 years old can apply for junior licences to compete in a junior race series, but this is NOT with the ACU.
For young riders aged 13-15 (the earliest you can complete a CTC and BRA is aged 13), it is restricted to smaller capacity race bikes. More powerful machines are gradually opened up as you get older, most notably at age 15 with a National licence.
From 16 years old there's a lot more variety of race classes on a Novice licence, however the field really opens up at 16 with a National licence, e.g. Formula 600 and Supersport (BMW F900R is accessible from 16 with a Clubman).
Once you hit 17+ you can finally ride anything (unlimited capacity) with a National licence.
For older riders (18+) the unlimited capacity machines are achievable with a Clubman licence, until then older Novice riders are restricted to the same bike classes as a 17 year old Novice.
Check out the latest ACU licence structure by age and bike class in more detail here: ACU Licence Structure Explained.
How do you renew your ACU race licence?
Once you’ve got an ACU Road Racing licence, is it just a case of renewing or might there be a retest?
Generally, you just renew annually (pay the fee) and change the level of your licence, subject to having the correct signatures/eligibility to upgrade. You only need to retake the CTC/BRA if your licence has lapsed for 5+ years. Every third year you will need a new eye test, up to the age of 70.
