This following information gives details you should know for taking your compulsory test with us, the successful completion of which will enable you to take part in MSA-sanctioned kart races and you will have one signature on your National B Kart Racing Licence.

Castle Combe is only licenced to run 4-stroke racing karts. Cadet drivers under 12 years old may take the test using a single-engined chassis, while all drivers over 12 should use a twin-engined Pro Kart. Our single and twin-engine karts can be hired at a cost of £25. You are unable to use your own karts at our venue.

The cost of the test is £90 inc. VAT, which is the figure laid down by the Association of Racing Kart Schools in agreement with the MSA.

The test covers all aspects of MSA kart racing and takes the form of a multi-choice questionnaire and an on-track demonstration of your abilities. When racing, you will need your own helmet, overalls, gloves and boots to MSA specification as given in the MSA Yearbook but for your test we can supply the basic clothing as worn by our corporate racing customers.

On arrival, you will sign on and present your licence application form from the MSA's "Starting Karting" pack. YOU MAY NOT TAKE THE TEST WITHOUT HAVING FIRST OBTAINED THIS FORM. "Starting Karting" is an official MSA publication and is available from us at a cost of £49. You can also purchase this directly from the MSA online at http://www.msauk.org/custom/asp/home/default.asp After signing-on you will be shown a video about kart racing, safety and administration, before embarking on a question and answer session and an instructors' briefing covering safety clothing, flag signals and driver conduct.

You will then take your turn on the kart track where you will have a chance to practice and learn the circuit, after which we can offer guidance on speed, racing lines etc. On a second/third attempt you will be assessed for your driving abilities covering:

• Steering – hand position
• Racing Lines – smooth, precise, accurate
• Throttle – correct use of power in the right place
• Braking – at the right time, with the right amount of pressure in the correct place

Also covered – general driving competence, awareness of traffic, safety entering and exiting circuit and an overall assessment.

We set a target lap time, which you have to lap within 10% of the target. The target is a time suitable for an average kart racer taking into account the current weather conditions. At all times you will be assessed on your safe conduct and safety is more important than outright speed. We are assessing you on your ability to drive safely and race competently, not your ability to be the next champion.

Each of the points will attract a comment "pass", "needs attention" or "fail". A pupil must score over 65% to be judged suitable to hold an MSA Kart Racing Licence.

You will also undergo a 10 minute multi-choice test, based on the MSA Yearbook, that tests your knowledge of safety, race administration and procedure. The MSA Yearbook is included in your "Starting Karting" pack. All flag signal questions must be answered correctly and only a maximum of two incorrect questions are allowed in the remainder of the questions.

Once you have passed the test, your instructor will sign your licence application which you send to the MSA along with the results of your medical examination (if applicable) in order to receive your National B Racing Licence.

If you would like to take part in our open Public Grands Prix or our Junior training sessions to gain experience before you take your test,  please contact our team on 01249 783010.