A rally driver is someone who races cars in competitions called rallies, which usually take place on closed roads or off-road tracks. Rally drivers need to be very skilled at driving fast, making quick decisions, and working closely with a co-driver, who helps them by reading maps and giving directions. They race in all kinds of weather and on different surfaces like gravel, mud, snow, or tarmac. Rally driving can be very exciting but also dangerous, so safety is very important. Most rally drivers start by taking part in small club events and work their way up. They need to be fit, brave, and able to stay calm under pressure.
Rally drivers in the UK can earn between £20,000 and £250,000 a year, depending on their level of experience, sponsorship, and success in competitions.
There are around 100 to 200 professional rally drivers in the UK, but thousands take part in amateur events each year.
The UK motorsport industry employs over 40,000 people in different roles, including rally drivers, mechanics, and engineers.
A young person who races go karts on special tracks to learn driving skills and have fun competing with others.
Someone who controls small racing cars using a remote, learning about speed, direction, and racing rules.
A young helper who assists a racing team with easy tasks, such as carrying equipment or helping to keep the area tidy during events.
Learn what different car parts do and how cars move.
Read books or watch videos about how engines, brakes, and tyres work. Try to help an adult with simple car checks, like checking tyre pressure or oil.
Watch real rally races to see what drivers do.
Look for rally races on TV or online. Notice how drivers control their cars and listen to their co-drivers. Pay attention to different weather and track conditions.
When you are old enough, apply for a provisional licence in the UK.
You can apply for a provisional licence when you turn 15 years and 9 months, but you can only drive on the road from age 17. Start learning the Highway Code early.
Take lessons with a qualified instructor to learn to drive safely.
Book lessons with a driving school or instructor. Practise as much as possible and ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
Take and pass your theory and practical driving tests.
The theory test checks your knowledge of the rules of the road, and the practical test checks your driving skills. Practise both to feel confident on test day.
Find a motor club where you can meet other rally fans and drivers.
Motor clubs often organise beginner events and can help you learn more about rally driving. Many clubs have junior sections for young people.
Go to a rally school to learn special driving skills.
Rally schools teach you how to drive fast on tricky roads and how to work with a co-driver. They also provide safe practice in controlled environments.
Take part in beginner-level rally events to test your skills.
Look for junior or clubman rallies, which are designed for new drivers. You will gain experience and learn how to handle a rally car in real races.
Racing drivers compete in high-speed car races on tracks, such as Formula 1 or touring car races. They need similar driving skills and quick reflexes.
Motorsport engineers design, build, and test racing cars to make them faster and safer. They work with drivers to improve performance.
Motorsport mechanics fix and maintain racing cars, making sure they are ready for competitions and helping to keep them running safely and smoothly.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Rally Driver. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A rally driver and a bus or coach driver both operate motor vehicles that require a valid driving licence, specialised skills, and adherence to road safety regulations. While rally driving is competitive and involves high-speed manoeuvres, both roles involve controlling a vehicle in real-world settings, often under varying conditions.
You can get into this job through:
You can apply to do a Passenger Transport Driver Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with a bus or coach company.
You will need to hold at least a Category B (car driving licence) to start training.
The apprenticeship typically takes 12 months to complete and combines workplace training with off-the-job study.
You'll usually need:
You can apply to bus or coach companies and train on the job.
Most companies will expect you to have a at least 6 months' car driving experience.
You would be put through Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driver training that normally lasts between 1 and 6 weeks.
Your employer will also give you training for the Certificate of Professional Competence or Driver CPC.
Some travel companies offer contracts where you receive a daily rate until the job is complete. For example, it might be driving passengers on a coaching holiday. In cases like these, the rates can be from £120 a day upwards.
You can find out how to become a qualified bus driver on GOV.UK.
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