A rally driver is a type of professional racing driver who competes in rally events, where drivers race on a variety of challenging roads and terrains, such as gravel, tarmac, snow, and mud. Rally driving is not only about speed but also about skill and control, as drivers work with a co-driver who reads pace notes to help navigate the course. In the UK, rally driving is a popular motorsport, with events taking place all over the country, from forests in Wales to country lanes in Scotland. Becoming a rally driver usually starts with joining a local motorsport club, getting a racing licence, and taking part in smaller, amateur events before moving up to national and international competitions. Rally drivers need quick reflexes, strong concentration, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. They also need to work closely with their teams to prepare their cars and plan their strategies for each stage.
Rally drivers in the UK typically earn between £15,000 and £50,000 per year, although top professionals can earn much more with sponsorships and prize money.
There are around 1,000 to 1,500 licensed rally drivers in the UK, according to Motorsport UK.
You must be at least 17 years old and hold a full UK driving licence to compete in most rally events.
Supports the rally driver by reading out pace notes and helping with navigation during junior rally events.
Competes in kart racing, which is a common starting point for young people interested in motorsport and rally driving.
Helps with safety and organisation at rally events, gaining experience in the world of motorsport.
Apply for a provisional driving licence when you are old enough, usually at age 15 years and 9 months in the UK.
You need a provisional driving licence to start learning to drive a car on public roads. Apply online through the UK Government website. This is the first legal step before you can take driving lessons or sit your driving test.
Start driving lessons with a qualified instructor and practise regularly. Aim to pass your practical and theory tests.
Professional lessons help you understand the rules of the road and gain confidence behind the wheel. Passing your test allows you to drive unsupervised and is an important foundation before moving into motorsport.
Find and join a motorsport or car club that offers beginner rally experiences or training days.
Many local clubs in the UK organise taster events, junior rally days, and training for new drivers. This is a great way to learn about rally rules, meet other enthusiasts, and practise in a safe environment.
Take part in rally driving courses to learn advanced vehicle control, navigation, and teamwork with a co-driver.
There are specialist rally schools across the UK that teach skills like handbrake turns, reading pace notes, and driving on loose surfaces. These courses can be done at weekends or during school holidays and help you build confidence and experience.
Apply for a competition licence from Motorsport UK, the governing body for motorsport in the UK.
The competition licence is required to take part in official rally events. You will need to attend a beginner’s course and pass an assessment. The licence allows you to enter real races and progress through different levels as you gain experience.
Start competing in junior or entry-level rally events to gain real race experience.
Many events are designed for young drivers, offering a safe and supportive environment to learn. Competing gives you practical experience, helps you build a reputation, and can lead to more advanced opportunities in rally driving.
Racing drivers compete in a variety of motorsports, such as circuit racing or touring cars, often on specially designed tracks.
Motorsport engineers design, build, and maintain racing cars, working on everything from engines to suspension systems to ensure top performance.
Motorsport mechanics are responsible for repairing and preparing rally and racing cars before, during, and after events.
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 vehicles that require specialised driving skills, such as handling high-speed manoeuvres and navigating challenging routes. While rally driving is more performance-oriented, both roles involve controlling a vehicle in dynamic conditions, making them the most similar in terms of skills and qualifications.
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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