Want to Get Your SCCA Competition License? It Begins With Allen Berg Racing Schools

Attending a racing school is a critical, required first step toward your racing activities. And be aware that not all racing schools are alike. The training methodologies and curriculum at Allen Berg Racing Schools (ABRS) have been carefully developed over the past 15 years by former Formula 1 World Championship driver and the school’s founder Allen Berg. Berg competed with Osella Alfa Romeo during the 1986 F1 season against the likes of Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and many more. The renowned, extensive, and professional curriculum offered at ABRS has been accredited by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and allows those students who have successfully completed the course to obtain a “Certificate of Compliance”.

This certificate includes a clear recommendation of license level, which in most cases is “Novice”. ABRS graduates have 365 days after completion of their course to submit all of the required materials to obtain their permit, which will be supplied directly from the SCCA. Here are the steps required to take you from an ABRS racing school to competing on track in an SCCA event!

STEP 1 – Join the SCCA. You are required to be a member in good standing of the SCCA. At some point prior to or at the time of your SCCA license application, you have to join the SCCA. Make sure to alert the ABRS chief instructor prior to your first on-track session that you wish to be assessed and to receive the required paperwork upon successful completion of your racing school program. To join the SCCA, simply click here. 

STEP 2 – Attend and successfully complete your racing school program with Allen Berg Racing Schools at one of our tracks; WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca or Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Dates and availability can be found on the ABRS website by clicking here: https://www.allenbergracingschools.com/programs/formula/

NOTE: Prior to attending your ABRS racing school, make sure to READ AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE SCCA’s 2023 General Competition Rules (link here:  GCR ), paying special attention to the section on FLAGS. This is where you’ll also find information about specific vehicles as well as equipment requirements and standards.

NOTE: Students can qualify for their NOVICE license by enrolling in a 2- or 3-day program – please contact us to determine which program best applies to your situation. Also of note, those who successfully complete a 5 days of ABRS training – one 3-day racing school followed by one 2-day ABRS Advanced program – can apply directly for a Full Competition License with the SCCA.

STEP 3 – You’ll need to go visit your doctor for a sports physical. ABRS grads can click here to download that form, as well as the Novice Permit form.  SCCA Members over the Age of Majority (typically 18 years of age) can add an Annual Waiver digitally through the Member Account Portal – Instructions If you are 14-18 years old and want to drive competitively, you (and your parent) will need to complete a digital Minor Waiver available here: Instructions

STEP 4- Submit your Paperwork which includes the Novice Permit Application with all of the required documents (digital files can be uploaded through the Member Account Portal once you become an SCCA member) and Novice Permit fee to the SCCA Member Services Department at 6620 SE Dwight St. Topeka, KS  66619: 

NOTE: If you are 14-17 years of age, you must apply for all Competition Licenses through the SCCA Member Services Department at the National Office. The Novice Permit, often referred to as a “logbook,” allows you to enter an SCCA Driver School and later, SCCA Regional Club Racing events. Anyone 14 years and older, who has a Motor Vehicle Operators license or previous racing experience, may be eligible for a Novice Permit. Items required prior to issuance of a Novice Permit include:

1. A current Physical Examination dated no more than six months prior to application.

2. A photocopy of both sides of his State Operator’s Permit/Driver’s license, government-issued identification, passport, or birth certificate.

3. 14 – 17-year-olds:

a. A digitally completed Parental Consent, Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement form. Instructions

b. A digitally completed Minor’s Assumption of Risk Acknowledgment form.  Instructions

4. If you are 18-21 years of age and live in Alabama, Nebraska, or Wyoming, a notarized Minor Waiver Release form.

5. Novice Permit fee. For details, contact the Member Services Department at 800-770-2055 ext. 215.

What’s Next?

Upon successful completion of your 2- or 3-day ABRS racing school program PLUS three additional SCCA Regional race weekends (you’re still a Novice for your first three), you are eligible to receive an SCCA Full Competition License (except where noted above – successful completion of an ABRS 5-day program). You have two years from the date of issue to complete the Novice requirements.

Once the requirements are met, send your completed Novice Permit, signed off by the event Race Director/Chief Steward at your third race; a copy of your Physical Exam; Competition License Application, and fee to the Member Service Department. You will soon be the proud owner of a Full SCCA Competition License.

CREDITS: Contents, in part, courtesy of the SCCA.