How young can they start?
| Circuit | Youngest session | Height |
|---|---|---|
| TeamSport (indoor) | Mini Racers 4–7, parent stays; cadet karts from 8 | 1.0–1.4m; cadets 1.2m+ |
| Buckmore Park | Bambino School 6–7; juniors from 8 | Juniors 127cm+ |
| Whilton Mill | Bambino 6–8; Cadet 9–11 | 1.22–1.55m |
| Rye House | Juniors from 8 | 1.33m+ |
| Three Sisters | Juniors 8–11 and 12–15 | 1.2m+ (8–11) |
Find the circuits near you on karting near you.
Racing starts at six
Children can race from their sixth birthday in the Bambino class, once they've passed the ARKS test (from 5 years 9 months) and hold a Kart Interclub (Bambino) licence. Bambino races are run as timed qualifying, heats and finals, at circuits licensed for Bambinos.
From 8 they move up to Cadet: Honda Cadet, IAME Water Swift, Rotax Micro and the new electric classes. The whole ladder, by age, is in kart classes explained.
Racing without buying a kart
TeamSport's indoor BIKC championship has a cadet class from age 8 (the rule is a 25-inch minimum inside leg). CLUB100 Experience takes juniors from the year they turn 14. Both provide the karts.
The kit rules for young drivers
Helmets are the one to get right. Under-15s racing in Cadet and Bambino must wear a Snell-FIA CMR or CMS youth helmet (2007 or 2016 standard) weighing no more than 1550g. An adult helmet that happens to fit is not legal.
- Suit: CIK-FIA homologated (2001-1 or 2013-1, Level 1 or 2, or FIA 8877-2022) or leather at least 1.2mm thick.
- Gloves and boots: full gloves, with no mitts or open backs, and boots that cover the ankle.
- Rib protector and neck brace: not required by the 2026 rules, but schools like Bayford Meadows recommend a rib protector.
What parents need to know
- At arrive-and-drive sessions, under-18s need a parent or guardian to countersign, and most circuits want an adult on site throughout.
- To race, a parent or guardian needs a Motorsport UK entrant licence, which isn't issued to under-18s.
- A parent or guardian must go with the young driver to briefings and any stewards' hearing. If you can't be there, send written permission for another responsible adult.
- Booking the ARKS test for an under-18 needs two photos of the driver and one of the parent.
A sensible first year
- A few arrive-and-drive sessions to see if they love it.
- A Bambino school or junior academy session at an ARKS school.
- The ARKS test and a first licence.
- Club racing in a class your local club runs. Find a race weekend.
Questions people ask
What age can a child start karting?
Some circuits run arrive-and-drive from 6 (Whilton Mill, Buckmore Park) and most from 8. TeamSport's indoor Mini Racers start at 4. Racing starts at 6 in the Bambino class.
Can my child race without a licence?
Not at Motorsport UK club meetings. They need to pass the ARKS test (from 5 years 9 months) and hold a Kart Interclub licence. Arrive-and-drive series like BIKC use their own lower-grade licence.
Does my child need a special helmet?
Yes, for racing. Under-15s in Cadet and Bambino must wear a Snell-FIA CMR or CMS youth helmet of 1550g or less. Arrive-and-drive circuits provide helmets.
Do I have to stay at the track?
Usually, yes. Circuits need an adult to countersign for under-18s and most want one on site. At race meetings a parent or guardian with an entrant licence is responsible for the driver.
Your next step
Find a circuit near you
Every UK kart circuit, the clubs that race there and their next race dates.
Sources
- TeamSport: go karting FAQs
- Buckmore Park: juniors
- Whilton Mill: arrive and drive
- Rye House: junior karting
- Three Sisters: junior arrive 'n' drive
- Motorsport UK National Competition Rules 2026 (Edition 3)
- ARKS licence application pack and training syllabus
- ARKS: test fees and overview
- TeamSport: BIKC 2026
- CLUB100: Experience 2026
- Bayford Meadows: getting the right gear
Prices and rules change. Always check with the circuit, club or Motorsport UK before you book.