Do I (really) need to buy a 'Go Racing' MSA pack? (UK)

[Adam2398]

Hi,

I did quite a lot of national karting when I was younger but had to stop. Now I want to do a saloon car season next year and am looking to get my National B licence.

Everywhere says that I need to get a 'Go Racing' pack from the MSA (£59), which contains a DVD, the blue and gold book (available online) and the paper application forms.

My problem is that I don't see why I have to buy this?

I can apply online (much quicker and easier) and I still have to pay the fee, I doubt that the DVD is too helpful for someone who's had a lot of track time at national level and I can download the blue/gold book for free. So am I just paying £59 for a DVD, books and postage?

Is there any reason why I can't just apply online? Also, would I still have to dig out my karting licence (which expired 5 years ago at an old address) and carry the details over?

Any help would be appriciated!

Thanks.

[RPD Motorsport]

The £59 forms part of the fee for your licence in the first year/test fee. It can be done, but is a waste of time as you then also need to pay the 'renewal' fee once you have passed your ARDS (and its more than £59).

[Adam2398]

Thanks for your response.

I didn't realise that the £59 is deducted from your test fee. In that case it's a no-brainer!

Cheers.

[Tim Falce]

I don't think it works quite like that. You pay 250 for your test then 60 or whatever for your B licence, then you carry on paying all the time you race.
Welcome to ten tenths by the way.

[Adam2398]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the clarification & welcome!

I'll speak to the MSA tomorrow to clear it up as I need to check about the status of my old licence anyway.

I'll report my findings back anyway, as I'm sure I won't be the last person to wonder about this!

Thanks.

[Tim Falce]

We've all tried unsuccessfully to avoid the go racing pack but like tax you can't avoid it. If you've never raced it can be helpful but all you really need to know before the test are the flags, the rest you get taught on the day or is common sense.

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

common sense.

[Adam2398]

Thanks, Tim. I guess I'll just go down the normal route.

Although it's not a lot of money, motorsport's expensive enough without unnecessary expenses!

I'm not worried about the test, as I mentioned, I've done lots of racing before, but just want to get my new licence as quickly and cheaply as possible!

[MJones94]

Ah good this question was brought up. I still don't know how they can justify it for nearly £60 for a book and some forms, I agree, totally unnecessary!

[Lancsbreaker]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

but all you really need to know before the test are the flags, the rest you get taught on the day or is common sense.

Really?

All I got when I went for my Ards was (in order) - a few laps in the car - first with the "instructor" then me driving, followed by a showing of the video (that comes with the pack anyway), then the written test - that was a piece of p*** anyway.......

If you fail it, you deserve to be taken outside and shot...along with the clowns who authorise this expensive box-ticking hurdle.......

IMHO, of course