Trials

Classic Trials

These involve off-road competitive sections linked by non-competitive liaison sections on public roads. Each car carries one or more passengers, to act as ballast and to navigate the links sections.

Observed sections are generally tougher than those on Car Trials, so some car preparation is necessary.

Minimum Requirements

A roadworthy car (with a current MoT Certificate for any car which needs one).
The driver must hold a valid club membership card and a valid RTA Licence.

Trials

This is the oldest form of motor sport, which gave rise to hillclimbs, sprints, rallies and autotests.

The competitive element in a trial is the ability to climb gradients of varying difficulty. Each trial has several observed sections on private ground. The organisers try to prevent cars completing (or ‘cleaning’) each section. There is no timing - the distance covered without stopping determines the winner.

There are three different types of trial, each requiring different vehicles and skills.

Car Trials

Perhaps the best form of motor sport for the complete novice, you can use a perfectly standard road car with no risk apart from getting it covered in mud!

Minimum Requirements

A roadworthy car (with an MOT Certificate for any car which needs one).
The driver must hold a valid club membership card.
Anyone who is 15 or 16 years old or has not passed a driving test, may drive if accompanied by the holder of a full RTA Driving Licence.

Sporting Trials

These are for cars built solely for off road trials.

Cars must meet specific regulations - either the National Formula or the 750MC Formula - and the tests are much tougher than for Car Trials, in order to offer a challenge for the purpose-built cars.

Minimum Requirements

An eligible car.
The driver must hold a valid motor club membership card and an RTA Driving Licence. However, if the driver is 16 or 17 years old and does not hold a RTA licence, he or she must be accompanied by the holder of a full Driving Licence.