ACU Race Licence Course · North West
From track day to
starting grid — in one day.
Earn your ACU motorcycle race licence with PDMCC. Classroom theory and on-track assessment, all in a single day at Three Sisters Race Circuit, Wigan.
Only 2 spots left on the next available session — don't miss out.
ACU Race Licence Course · North West
From track day to starting grid — in one day.
Earn your ACU motorcycle race licence with PDMCC. Classroom theory and on-track assessment, all in a single day at Three Sisters Race Circuit, Wigan.
Only 2 spots left on the next available session — don't miss out.
Compete. Don't just lap.
Track days let you lap alone. Racing lets you compete. With your ACU licence, enter club race meetings — including those run by PDMCC at Three Sisters Race Circuit.
Where you got started — Track days
- Lap alone, no competition
- You pay, anyone can join
- No record, no progression
Where you go next — Club racing
- ✓Race against other riders
- ✓You qualify, you've earned it
- ✓Results, standings, progression
- ✓Join a racing community
How to get your ACU race licence
The ACU race licence — sometimes called the ACU National Road Race Licence (or “ACU license” in the US spelling) — is the qualification you need to enter club road race meetings in the UK. Here is exactly how to get one.
- 01
Pass the CTC
The Competitor Training Course (CTC) is the classroom theory portion — race regulations, flag signals, and safety. PDMCC teaches it face-to-face at Three Sisters Race Circuit in Wigan, not on a video call.
- 02
Pass the BRA
The Basic Racing Assessment (BRA) is the on-track ACU race licence test — three timed sessions assessed by an experienced ACU instructor on the day.
- 03
Log it in Sport80
You upload your CTC certificate and BRA result to acu.sport80.com under "Preston DMCC". We validate both as your sponsoring club.
- 04
Apply for your licence
Once validated, apply for your ACU Novice Road Race Licence directly with the ACU. You are then eligible to enter ACU-permitted club race meetings across the UK.
The full ACU race licence course cost in 2026 is £155 all-in at PDMCC — covering both the CTC classroom session and BRA on-track assessment on the same day at Three Sisters Race Circuit, Wigan. That is the entire ACU licence course cost on our side. You pay the ACU separately for the licence application itself when you submit it through Sport80.
ACU race licence requirements: one-piece leathers, an ACU-approved helmet with a gold ACU sticker, leather gloves covering the wrists, and leather boots above the ankle. BRA candidates also need a motorcycle that meets the ACU Novice Road Race Licence restrictions for their age class.
We run the course at Three Sisters Race Circuit, Wigan — convenient for riders across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, and the wider North West. No need to travel south to Donington or Brands Hatch to get your motorcycle race licence.
Why PDMCC?
Getting your ACU licence doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. We keep it simple — one day, one venue, everything you need.
£155 all-in
CTC and BRA together for less than the bigger providers charge. We're a not-for-profit club, not a business.
One day, done
CTC classroom and BRA track assessment on the same day at the same venue. No Zoom calls, no separate bookings, no waiting around.
North West based
Three Sisters Race Circuit in Wigan. No long trek to Brands Hatch or Donington — right on your doorstep if you're in Lancashire or Greater Manchester.
Small, friendly groups
You're not a number here. Our experienced instructors keep class sizes small so you get the attention they need. High pass rate.
In-person teaching
Our CTC is taught face-to-face at the circuit, not over a video call. Ask questions, meet fellow riders, and see the track before your assessment.
Join a club, not a queue
When you book with PDMCC, you're joining a community of riders who'll support you long after you've got your licence.
Riders like you
From track day enthusiasts to club racers — here's what they say.
“I'd been doing track days for three years. Did the PDMCC course on a Saturday, had my licence by the following week. Raced my first club event two months later.”
Jamie R. — Lancashire
“I was worried about the theory side but the CTC is really approachable. Small group, face to face, everyone in the same boat. Would have done it years earlier if I'd known.”
Mark T. — Greater Manchester
“The price is what sold it. £155 all-in, same day, same venue. I'd been putting it off thinking it would cost a fortune. It really doesn't.”
Steph W. — Cheshire
Only 2 spots left on the next available session — don't miss out.
Upcoming ACU Race Licence Course Dates
Theory and regulations required for motorsport participation. Approx. 3 hours.
On-track practical assessment of riding competency — three 20-minute sessions over a few hours. CTC required first.
Can't make these dates? Get notified when new sessions are added.
ACU Race Licence — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book.
- How do I get my ACU race licence?
- To get your ACU race licence you complete the Competitor Training Course (CTC) classroom theory session and the Basic Racing Assessment (BRA) on-track test, log both in Sport80 under your sponsoring club, then apply to the ACU for your full Novice Road Race Licence. At PDMCC we run the CTC and BRA together in a single day at Three Sisters Race Circuit, Wigan.
- How much does an ACU race licence cost?
- The PDMCC ACU race licence course costs £155 all-in for 2026 — covering both the CTC and BRA on the same day at the same venue. The ACU charges a separate fee for the licence application itself, which you pay directly to them through Sport80 after you have passed both assessments.
- How long is an ACU race licence valid for?
- An ACU race licence is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually. You renew through Sport80 under your sponsoring club — for PDMCC members that is "Preston DMCC".
- What is an ACU race licence?
- The ACU race licence (full name: ACU National Road Race Licence) is the official competition licence issued by the Auto-Cycle Union, the governing body for motorcycle sport in Great Britain. It allows you to enter ACU-permitted club race meetings at circuits across the UK. New riders start on a Novice Licence.
- What is the difference between an ACU licence and an ARDS licence?
- An ACU licence is for motorcycle racing; an ARDS licence is for car racing. The two are issued by different governing bodies (the Auto-Cycle Union for motorbikes, the Association of Racing Drivers Schools for cars) and are not interchangeable — you need an ACU licence specifically to race motorbikes in the UK.
- What is the CTC (Competitor Training Course)?
- The CTC is the theory and classroom part of your ACU race licence. It covers race regulations, flag signals, race procedures, and safety. At PDMCC it is taught face-to-face at Three Sisters Race Circuit on the same day as your track assessment — not over a video call.
- What is the BRA (Basic Racing Assessment)?
- The BRA is the on-track ACU race licence test — three timed sessions assessed by an experienced ACU instructor. Once you pass both the CTC and BRA, you are eligible to apply for your ACU race licence and start entering club race meetings.
- Where is the course held?
- Both sessions take place at Three Sisters Race Circuit in Wigan — well located for Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cheshire. No long trek to a southern circuit required.
- What are the ACU race licence requirements?
- ACU race licence requirements include one-piece leathers, an ACU-approved helmet with a gold ACU sticker, leather gloves covering the wrists, and leather boots above the ankle. BRA candidates also need a motorcycle that meets the ACU Novice Road Race Licence restrictions for their age class.
- Do I need previous racing experience?
- No racing experience is required. The course is designed for riders who have done track days and want to take the next step into club racing. Our instructors keep class sizes small so everyone gets the attention they need.
- What happens after I complete the course?
- You log your CTC Certificate and Basic Riding Assessment in Sport80 under ‘Preston DMCC’. The club will validate both entries, after which you can enter ACU-permitted club race meetings — including PDMCC's own events at Three Sisters Race Circuit.
Got questions?
Any problems booking, or just want to know more before committing — Carl and Sarah are happy to help. Need ACU licence info? Go straight to the source.
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