The ARKS (Association of Racing Kart Schools) test is the gateway to competitive karting in the UK. It's designed to make sure you can drive safely and understand the rules before you hit the track in a race meeting. It's not designed to catch you out – but it does require preparation. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is the ARKS Test?
ARKS stands for the Association of Racing Kart Schools. The test is a mandatory assessment required by Motorsport UK before you can obtain a kart racing competition licence. It has two parts: a written exam and a practical driving assessment.
You can take the test at any approved ARKS school or with a volunteer club examiner at a participating kart club. The whole process typically takes a half day to a full day.
What Does It Cost?
Before the Test: Preparation
The single most important thing you can do is get some track time before taking the test. Most experienced coaches recommend 2–3 practice days minimum. You need to be comfortable driving an owner kart at a reasonable pace, maintaining control, and following the correct racing line.
What to Study
- Flags – You need 100% accuracy on flags. No exceptions. Learn every single flag signal and its meaning. This is the section people fail most often.
- Safety procedures – Start procedures, grid positions, pit lane rules, what to do in an incident.
- General regulations – Basic technical requirements, helmet standards, equipment rules.
The Start Karting Pack includes a training video that covers the entire syllabus. Watch it multiple times – then watch it again. The flags section in particular needs to be absolutely automatic.
On the Day: What to Expect
The Written Test
20 multiple-choice questions in a classroom setting. 10 questions on flags (you need 100% – every single one correct) and 10 questions on general karting safety and procedures (80% pass mark required).
The Driving Assessment
You'll head out on track under observation. The examiner is looking for safe, controlled lapping at a reasonable pace. In dry conditions, you'll typically need to be within 10% of a midfield lap time for your class.
They're assessing:
- Consistent, safe lapping
- Correct racing line usage
- Ability to circulate safely among other karts
- Appropriate speed (not dangerous, but not too slow)
- Correct response to flag signals
This isn't a race – they're not asking you to set a lap record. They need to see that you can drive safely and competently at a pace that wouldn't be dangerous to you or other competitors in a race situation.
After Passing
Your examiner will stamp and sign your licence application form. You can actually race in your first event using this signed form as a temporary licence (providing you meet certain conditions including being a UK citizen and having no medical conditions).
Send the form to Motorsport UK for your official Novice licence. You'll race with black number plates as a Novice until you've collected signatures from 5 race meetings, at which point you'll become a full licence holder.
Tips From Championship Coaches
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Don't rush the test. Get comfortable on track first. 2–3 coached practice days makes a massive difference to your confidence and competence.
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Flags are non-negotiable. You need 100%. Use flashcards, quiz yourself, get someone to test you. There's no excuse for dropping a mark here.
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Be smooth, not fast. The examiner wants to see control and consistency, not raw speed. A smooth, composed driver at 85% pace is far more impressive than someone ragged at 100%.
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Get professional coaching. You'll learn in one coached day what might take 5 days of self-taught practice. It's the best investment you can make before the test.
How Matrix Can Help
Our 3-day pathway programme is specifically designed to take you from complete beginner to ARKS-ready. Day 1 covers foundations – kart control, lines, braking. Day 2 builds race pace – traffic, starts, data. Day 3 is assessment prep – mock tests, theory support, and readiness checks. All in Birel ART karts with IAME/Vortex engines, coached by British Championship winners.