What is a Production Car Autotest?

A Production Car Autotest (PCA) is similar to an Autotest, a low-speed, challenging test of precision car control against the clock. The main difference between the two is that a PCA requires a passenger, allowing drivers aged 14 and above to compete.

A PCA takes place on tarmac or grass areas, often car parks or flat fields, with courses marked out by plastic cones or pylons. Generally completed in first and reverse gears, a PCA often includes skills like handbrake or J-turns.

Participants tackle a number of timed tests, which they must memorise beforehand, and have a number of attempts at each. The passenger comes in handy, supporting the driver with navigation of the course.

Five second penalties are incurred for hitting cones, or for failing to stop at a line. A more severe penalty is given for taking the wrong route. The winner is the driver with the lowest accumulated time.

How to take part in a Production Car Autotest

There are a number of clubs across the UK organising regular Production Car Autotest events that are open to newcomers. Events are run by local volunteers, with rules and regulations determined by Motorsport UK, the governing body, to provide safe, fair and fun competition.

To find a club or an event near you, or to volunteer to support your local Production Car Autotests, register here and a member of our team will be in touch to match you with a StreetCar-accredited club.

You can take part in a PCA in an everyday road car, and cars can be shared, or ‘double driven’. Your closest competitors would then be the team in the same car as you.

Checklist

For a Production Car Autotest, no special equipment or training is needed. Any standard car that is taxed and has a valid MOT is eligible for these competitions – two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, a small hatchback, or even an estate car. It doesn’t matter what you drive, it matters how precisely you drive it!

You do not need a driving licence, provided someone else is driving the car to and from the event.

You will need:

A Club membership
Any car with a valid MOT, taxed and insured for road use
Your entry fee
An RS Clubman licence from Motorsport UK
Optional: A pump or compressor, along with an accurate tyre gauge

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