GETTING STARTED

TRIALS
Introduction
Trials
Rallying
AutoSOLO & Autotests
Sprints & Hillclimbs
Isn't it expensive?
The first step
Marshalling as a sport
Events for non-drivers
Starting as a competitor
Using your shopping car
Competition Licences
Your first event
First event - On the day
The next step?
Circuit racing
Further information
Back to Main Site
Complete document

 

 This is the oldest form of motor sport, from which have evolved almost all the other disciplines: hillclimbs, sprints, rallies and autotests.

All trials are essentially tests of the ability of cars to climb sections of ground having varying difficulty and gradient. The observed sections of these events take place on private ground, and the tests are designed to challenge the competitor to complete the section without sliding
back. Time is not a factor, the distance covered is all that matters. Bristol MC organises three types of trial, each requiring different vehicles and driving skills.

Production Car Trials

Perhaps the best form of motor sport for the complete novice. The sections are on private land, off the beaten track, but still negotiable by a perfectly standard road car. There is virtually no risk, except you may need to take it the car-wash afterwards!

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 (e.g. The Fedden Trial)
These are for special cars that are 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 Production Car Trials, in order to offer a challenge for the purpose-built cars. The sections are often on wooded land and can sometimes be steeper than you can walk up!

Minimum Requirements

An eligible Sporting Trials ‘special’

  • The driver must hold a valid motor club membership card and an RTA Driving Licence.
  • However, anyone who is 16 or 17 years old may drive, even if they do not hold a RTA licence, as long as he or she is accompanied by a full Driving Licence holder.
 The Fedden Trial 1998

Classic Trials (e.g. The Allen Trophy)
Classic Trials involve off-road competitive sections linked by non-competitive sections on public roads. Each car carries one or more passengers, to act as ballast and to navigate on the link sections. Although the observed sections usually use tracks – marked on the OS map as RUPPs, BOATs or Bridleways – they are generally tougher than those on Production 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.
 Pete & Carlie Hart competing in the Lands End Trial
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