Ralph, Good question. Most sanctioning bodies require a school or evaluation process over several novice events. The SCCA requires you to complete six hours of in-car, on course time at SCCA Drivers School events plus complete at least two SCCA Drivers School events with a "Satisfactory " rating.
Then you must complete two races under your novice permit within one year to recieve a regional license. If you fail to complete all the above in the same year, then you must start again, next season. This process can be problematic if you crash your car or have mechanical issues and miss any events that you may need to complete the process in the one year window.
Or.... if you have a extensive prior racing experience you can ask for a waiver from Chief Steward of a SCCA Drivers School.
Or.... You can attend an accredited professional SCCA school and skip the entire process. Most accredited SCCA schools are three days in length, they will cover track procedures, vehicle dynamics, lots of on track time, heel & toe downing shifting, the racing line, passing drills, rain line, practice starts, etc. and lots of coaching from pro drivers.
I know this is a long answer for a short question but after you have an SCCA license most other racing organizations will honor your permit and issue one of their license. There are many sanctioning bodies but they all follow about the same process in getting a permit.
Of course I think the best way to get a license and start a racing is to go to a professional school, get some great instruction, so you know what to do at your first event.
I know the best school you can attend, so drop me a note
at
don@panoztx.com.
Thanks, db