Karting Licence: How to Start Racing with ACI Sport
Do you need a “licence” to drive a kart? A good question, with an answer that surprises many people. To have fun in a rental kart you do not. And you do not need one either if you take your own kart on track just to practise or for fun, without racing. The sporting licence, issued in Italy by ACI Sport, becomes mandatory when you want to race: races and championships.
Let us see how it really works: what the licence is, which grades exist, what you need to get it and the procedure to go on track legally. Without the red tape language. This guide covers the Italian system; if you race in another country, the licence is issued by your national federation.
In short If you do not race, you do not need a licence; it becomes mandatory for races and championships. In Italy ACI Sport grades go by age: Baby 6-8, Mini 9-12, G 12-14, F 14-15 (direct drive only), E from 15 (gearbox karts too, KZ2 and DD2). For their first licence, minors attend the Federal Course.
What the ACI Sport licence is
The ACI Sport licence is the card that allows you to practise karting, at both amateur and competitive level. It is issued by the Italian motorsport federation (ACI Sport) and is the document that identifies you as a registered driver. Without it, you cannot race.
Licence grades (and which classes they are for)
There is no single licence: in national karting the grade depends mainly on age, and each grade gives access to certain classes. Here are the grades in the ACI Karting 2026 regulations:
National Baby: from 6 to 8 years, pre-competitive activity: Baby Kart and Baby Kart TdM.
National Mini: from 9 to 12 years: 60 Mini, MINI Gr.3, MINI Gr.3 Under 10, 60 Easy Kart, IAME X30 Mini, Mini ROK and Rotax Mini MAX.
National G: from 12 to 14 years (reached in the year of issue; from 11 with a competitive medical certificate and a weight of at least 35 kg with equipment): OK-N Junior, OKJ, 100 Easy Kart, IAME X30 Junior, Junior ROK and Rotax Junior MAX.
National F: from 14 to 15 years (reached in the year of issue), direct drive only: OK-N, OK, 125 Easy Kart, Easy Kart BMB Challenge, IAME X30 Senior, IAME X30 Master, KGP Direct Drive, Senior ROK, Super ROK, Expert ROK and Rotax Senior MAX.
National E: from 15 years (reached in the year of issue), direct drive and gearbox karts: all F classes, plus KZ2, KZN, Easy Kart Junior Shifter, IAME Z-I, Shifter ROK, Rotax DD2 and 100/125 Legend.
Licence | Age | What you can drive |
|---|---|---|
Baby | 6-8 years | Pre-competitive activity |
Mini | 9-12 years | Mini classes |
G | 12-14 years | Junior classes |
F | 14-15 years | Direct drive only |
E | From 15 years | Direct drive and gearbox (KZ2, DD2) |
There are also International versions (G, F, E) for racing abroad and in CIK-FIA competitions. The exact grade required by each class is set out in the ACI Sport regulations for the season.
What you need to get it
These are the key elements:
ACI Sport membership. This is the first step: you register with the motorsport federation.
Medical fitness certificate. For competitive activity you need the competitive psycho-physical fitness certificate (sports medicine doctor); for non-competitive activity the non-competitive one from your GP or paediatrician is enough. It is valid for one year.
Federal Karting Course. If you are a minor (aged 9 to 17) applying for a licence for the first time, you must attend a mandatory theory and practical course at a Federal Technical Centre.
Application to the Automobile Club. Driver licences are applied for at the Sports Offices of the Automobile Clubs in provincial capitals; the first issue of special Karting licences goes through the ACI Sport Motorsport Directorate in Rome.
Costs, forms and up-to-date details are on the ACI Sport website: that is where you will find the season's fees and the forms. Always check before you start.
Amateur or competitive: two paths
Let us be clear: to practise or have fun on track with your own kart, without racing, the licence is not mandatory (each track may however have its own access and insurance rules). The ACI Sport licence is needed when you enter actual sporting activity, races: from amateur level up to championships, with the right grade for the class and entry to the events.
In practice: first work out what kind of driver you want to be, then choose the licence accordingly.
The procedure, step by step
1. Get the medical certificate (competitive or non-competitive, depending on the activity you want to do).
2. Join ACI Sport and submit the licence application to the relevant Automobile Club.
3. Obtain the licence of the grade suitable for your class.
4. Enter races (if you race competitively), following the championship regulations.
Not ready for a licence yet, but want to try the track? With our Arrive & Drive you get the kart, the track and the technical support of the TKS RaceLab team, at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala. → Discover Arrive & Drive →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence if I only go on track to practise or have fun?
No: if you do not race, with your own kart or a rental, the licence is not mandatory. It becomes necessary when you take part in races and championships. Each track may still have its own access and insurance rules.
From what age can you get a licence?
It depends on the grade (ACI Karting 2026 regulations): National Baby from 6 years (pre-competitive activity), Mini from 9, G from 12, F from 14 and E from 15. Minors applying for their first licence must attend the Federal Karting Course.
Which medical certificate is needed?
For racing, the competitive sports fitness certificate (sports medicine doctor); for non-competitive activity, one from your GP or paediatrician. In both cases it is valid for one year.
Where do you apply for the licence?
At the Sports Offices of the Automobile Clubs in provincial capitals; the first issue of karting licences goes through ACI Sport (Rome). For information there is the ACI Sport Licence Office.
How much does the licence cost?
The amounts change by grade and season: check the official ACI Sport fee schedule for the current year.
Conclusion
The licence is not an obstacle: it is the step that brings you into karting as a real driver, legal and insured. Work out your class, get the medical certificate, join the federation: three steps and you are on track. And if you just want a taste of the thrill first, Arrive & Drive is the easiest way to start.
→ Before your first session: Karting flags and track rules
Data checked against: ACI Sport, licences, membership and 2026 Sporting Yearbook, Karting Sector Regulations (licence grades, ages and requirements). Fees and forms on the official ACI Sport website.
Questions about this topic?
Message us on WhatsApp: we answer personally, with the experience of people who live at the track. And if you want to drive a real racing kart, with Arrive & Drive you get into one of ours, ready on track. The right spare part? You will find it in the shop.
Arrive & Drive Pro by TKS RaceLab: 2026 karts with Rotax Senior MAX and DD2 engines, Alfano 7 telemetry and trackside technical support at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala. Message us on WhatsApp for information and availability.
TKS RaceLab | Performance Engineering Karting | tksracelab.com
Read also: Karting flags and track rules → · Karting classes explained: from Mini to KZ → · Arrive & Drive: try a racing kart without buying one →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 28 July 2026 | Updated: 8 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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