ARKS Tests at Camberley Kart Club
Last Updated: Thursday, January 19th 2012 at 11:48 AM
Before the MSA will issue a race licence for the first time all novice drivers must complete the Association of Racing Kart Schools (ARKS) test, either at an approved Race School or with a registered examiner. The fee for 2012 is £90.00 and the test is in two parts, a multiple choice question paper followed by a driving assessment. We have two examiners registered with the MSA to conduct the ARKS tests.
A.R.K.S. Test (Made Easy) by Ian Johnson & Mike Carr
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The belief of many is that obtaining your race licence is just too complicated – not true! It’s a lot easier than finding your way to Shennington, avoiding the village itself.
Belief No.2 it’s just too expensive! It can be, but not if you take your test at Blackbushe. At Blackbushe we charge ONLY £90 so that having completed your test you can practice for the rest of the day free – what a bargain! We’re even tempted ourselves!!!
How?
- Apply for a “go karting” starter pack obtained from the Motor Sport Association, MSA priced £49.00 (As of January 2012. Price subject to change without notice)
- Continue practising, honing your skills until you can lap Blackbushe in approximately 110% of a race lap time. If you are a cadet, 100cc, 125 Rotax Max that is a time, on a dry circuit, of approximately 30 – 32 seconds. ( Gearbox should be approximately 23 – 25 seconds)
- You are now lapping consistently in a good time. You have watched the video, supplied in your starter pack, you know your flags, go on take the plunge it’s easy!
- Contact an ARKS examiner. Most clubs have one – at Blackbushe we have two - Mike Carr & Ian Johnson. ARKS tests are normally carried out on the second Saturday of each month. So ‘phone up and book your place.
- If you book the test with us the plan is you turn up as on a normal practice day. Sign on and pay nothing – tell them you are an ARKS pupil. The ARKS test starts at 11 a.m. So irrelevant of what class you are driving you should have one session to make sure the outfit runs and the driver still remembers his way round.
- 11 a.m. We meet in the signing on hut. One of us ramble on about the flags, overalls, helmets, procedures etc. We then watch the video yet again. The first part of the test is a multiple choice section – tick the right box. You must achieve at least 18 correct answers out of 20 questions. You will also be asked to correctly identify a selection of the flags used in karting. If you have watched the video and listened to our ramblings you will have no problem (it’s easy).
- You now take to the track in your relevant class where your driving standard is assessed. If you can consistently lap within the 110% time, you are aware of other drivers on the circuit, you don’t fly off into the undergrowth every other lap, then the ARKS examiner will be suitable impressed, sign and stamp your licence application form, found in your starter pack. You then send the form to the MSA with a further nominal fee for your race licence and hey presto! You have become a racer. (It’s that simple).
Medicals?
Under 18 year olds do not need a medical unless a medical condition exists.
18 -45 year olds must have a medical examination prior to obtaining a licence.
From 45 until you’ve had enough you need a medical every year.
Your licence application from has a medical section on it. Take it to your doctor to complete, the main points being colour blindness test, eyesight test, urine test and blood pressure test. The doctor will usually make a charge for this.
Contact
It’s that easy so phone one of us and go for it! Mike Carr: 07920 712384 or Ian Johnson: 01252 520056
Useful links:
Motor Sports Association: www.msauk.org
MSA Getting started in karting direct link: http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.asp?article=785