🏁 How to Get Your Racing License: SCCA & NASA Beginner’s Guide
If you’re ready to go from track day enthusiast to licensed racer, getting your competition license is the next step. The process isn’t as complicated as it might seem, especially when you break it down by organization. Below is a side-by-side look at how to earn your racing license through SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and NASA (National Auto Sport Association).
SCCA Competition License: Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Become an SCCA Member
Before anything else, join the SCCA. You’ll need an active membership to apply for a license. my.scca.com
✅ Step 2: Complete the Online Driver’s School Modules
As of 2025, all new applicants must complete two online learning modules (each ~20 minutes). These cover race procedures, safety, and SCCA-specific expectations.
📚 Tip: You must be logged in to my.scca.com to access these modules.
✅ Step 3: Apply for a Novice Permit
Submit:
- Completed forms from the SCCA website
- A medical exam (signed by your doctor)
- Proof of completing the online modules
- Payment for the novice permit
This permit allows you to attend SCCA Driver Schools and participate in races under supervision.
✅ Step 4: Attend an SCCA Driver School
You’ll need to attend at least one SCCA-accredited driver school. Some regions offer these directly; others may accept private schools like Skip Barber or Bondurant, but always confirm eligibility first.
⚠️ Note: SCCA schools focus on safe, structured, amateur racing—not just car control.
✅ Step 5: Go Racing With Your Novice Permit
You’ll participate in 2–3 races as a Novice under observation. Once you’ve demonstrated safe, competent driving, you can be upgraded to a full competition license.
📝 Already Have Experience?
If you’ve raced before, even if your license has lapsed, you might qualify for a waiver. Contact your Divisional Licensing Administrator with your documented race history to see if you can skip some steps.
NASA Competition License: 5 Easy Options
NASA gives you multiple ways to earn your license. First, sign up for a NASA membership and complete a racing physical exam. Then, depending on your background, you can choose from these five paths:
✅ Option 1: Work Through NASA’s HPDE Program
Start in HPDE1 and progress to HPDE4. Once you reach HPDE4 and get instructor sign-off, you can enroll in a NASA Competition School to earn your provisional racing license.
🕓 Timeframe? It depends on how often you attend and how quickly you improve.
✅ Option 2: Transfer from Another Organization
If you already hold a valid license from another body (SCCA, PCA, BMW CCA, etc.), you may qualify for a direct NASA license. Just submit proof of experience and apply.
✅ Option 3: Use an Accredited Racing School
Have a certificate from Skip Barber, BMW Performance Center, or similar? You can apply, especially if you have additional HPDE or competitive experience to back it up.
✅ Option 4: Get a NASA “Checkout Ride”
If you’ve got solid driving chops but no race record, attend a NASA HPDE event and ask for a checkout ride. If you show enough skill and awareness, officials may approve your license on the spot.
✅ Option 5: Race Endurance with TREC
Join NASA’s Team Racing Endurance Challenge (TREC). Complete six endurance events, and you’ll be eligible to apply for a full competition license.
What You’ll Need (Both Orgs):
- Valid driver’s license
- Medical exam form completed by a doctor
- Club membership (SCCA or NASA)
- Helmet, race gear, and eventually, a race-prepped car
Final Thoughts
Getting your racing license is a huge milestone—but it’s not the finish line. It’s the beginning of a new level of motorsports involvement. Whether you’re aiming for Spec Miata glory, club-level time trials, or endurance stints at Sebring, your license unlocks the door.
Need help finding a school, filling out forms, or picking the right racing class? We’ve got walkthroughs, gear guides, and expert advice waiting for you.