First Gear is the easiest and cheapest intro to motorsport, if you’re aged 12–17.
You’ll be provided with a car for the day, and you’ll buddy up with a race driver instructor to coach you.
First Gear will be the first step for you getting a full Motorsport Australia licence. And you’ll have bragging rights with your mates as the first person to drive a car!
Whether you want to get into circuit racing, rally or off road racing, First Gear is the first step.
Want to get ahead? Click here to find a Motorsport Australia Car Club that suits where you live and what you’re interested in, and ask your parents to help you sign up to a car club.
First Gear exercises are designed for small groups to ensure that every participant gets a chance to learn new skills from our expert instructors in a safe environment. After they have mastered the basics of car control, they will be ready to progress to participate in club level motorsport events.
Motorsport Australia’s First Gear partners, Driving Solutions (NSW) Driver Dynamics (VIC) & Australian Driving Institute (SA) will supply road vehicles for the events.
There will be further First Gear initiatives to be announced to give young people more opportunities to participate in a club environment.
State Government Kids Voucher programs assist children and young people with the costs of participation in sport and active recreation activities. Please refer to the FAQ section at the bottom of this page for more information.
| Date | Location | State | Partner | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 24 September | Sydney Motorsport Park | NSW | Driving Solutions | Register |
| Saturday 4 October | Mallala Motorsport Park | SA | Australian Driving Institute | Register |
| Friday 30 May | Sydney Motorsport Park | NSW | Driving Solutions | Photos |
| Saturday 28 June | METEC Bayswater | VIC | Driver Dynamics | Photos |
| Saturday 5 July | Norwell Motorplex | QLD | Norwell Driving School | Photos |
- Car control
- Braking
- Road & motorsport safety
- Steering
- Vehicle dynamics & physics
- Motorsport pathways
- How to get a Motorsport Australia Licence
- Access to industry experts on the day
- Cars are supplied to you
- An affordable motorsport experience
- A friendly, encouraging and safe environment
- Duration: 4 Hours
- Cost: $149
- Cars provided
- Open to teenagers 12-17 years old
- No prior experience required
Do I need to provide my own car?
No, suitable vehicles will be made available for participants to drive.
Do I need a Motorsport Australia licence to participate in the activities?
Yes, you will need a junior Motorsport Australia licence to participate. However, this will be included as part of your entry into the event if you don’t already hold a licence.
There will be no charge for the licence for first time participants who have never held a Motorsport Australia licence.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry to an event will cost $149.
What State Government Kids Voucher programs are available and how can I apply for one?
State Government Kids Voucher programs assist children and young people with the costs of participation in sport and active recreation activities. There is overwhelming evidence of the positive direct effects of sport and regular physical activity on health and wellbeing.
Motorsport Australia is proud to be affiliated with the following Sport and Recreation stating bodies that will allow you to apply for a voucher and reduce the cost of participating in First Gear.
Please visit the websites below to better under the program guidelines for each state and eligibility criteria:
Victoria: getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers
Important points to note:
- Specific dates (or claim periods) when you can apply.
- You must have incurred your expense (signed up for First Gear) within the specific dates too.
- You will need to provide proof of payment of your expense when you apply.
NSW: service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/active-kids
Important points to note:
- Two validity periods during the year.
- Apply for a voucher though My Service NSW Account. Please email participation@motorsport.org.au your voucher and the participants date of birth.
- You will then be given a promo code to use on the First Gear application form which will discount the entry cost.
Is this program suitable if I have never driven a car before?
It is recommended that you have a very basic ability to operate a vehicle prior to the event to maximise your learning on the day. Our instructors will be on hand to guide you.
Are parents allowed to participate?
For the interests of safety, only instructors and the participants are allowed on the activity areas. Parents are free to spectate and take photos from the designated viewing points.
Do I need a race suit to participate?
No, non-flammable long sleeve clothing and closed toe shoes are acceptable.
For any other questions, please feel free to contact Motorsport Australia on 1300 883 959 or participation@motorsport.org.au.
Motorsport Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.