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Confused by the alphabet soup of M, C, and R grades? You are not alone.
One of the biggest hurdles for new drivers in New Zealand isn't the cost of the car—it's figuring out the paperwork. Do you need a licence just to do a bent sprint? Can you race in the 2K Cup with a ClubSport licence?
We’ve decoded the Motorsport New Zealand (MSNZ) rulebook to help you pick the right piece of plastic for your 2026 season.
The Big Three: M, C, and R Licences
For 90% of Kiwi enthusiasts, there are only two licences you need to worry about.
M Grade (ClubSport)
- Best For: Beginners, Track Days, Sprints, Drifting.
- What You Can Do: Race against the clock (one car at a time).
- Medical: Self-Declaration (usually no GP visit).
- Exam: Basic Online Quiz.
- 2026 Cost: ~$105 NZD.
C Grade (National Race)
- Best For: Wheel-to-Wheel Racing (2K Cup, BMW, SS2000).
- What You Can Do: Race against other cars (grid starts).
- Medical: Medical Declaration (GP visit only if issues).
- Exam: Written (Open Book) + Oral Exam.
- 2026 Cost: ~$225 NZD.
The R-Grade (National Rally) Licence
- Best For: Drivers and co-drivers competing in rally events, ranging from clubmans rallies to the New Zealand Rally Championship.
- What You Can Do: Compete in timed, high-speed special stages on sealed (tarmac) or unsealed (gravel) private or closed public roads. This involves a driver and a co-driver who reads route instructions from a road book. It also covers you for all ClubSport events.
- Medical Required: Yes, a medical assessment is required upon application.
- Exam Required: Yes, an examination is required. You must be familiar with the National Sporting Code, Schedule A, and Appendix Three – Schedule R of the MotorSport Manual.
- Cost: The fee is $265.00. If you already hold a current Race licence and apply for a Rally licence of the opposite grade, you will only be charged the higher of the two fees. Both grades will then display on your digital licence.
Not Ready for an Annual Licence? Try a Day Licence
If you only want to enter a single ClubSport Advanced event (like a tarmac sprint, autocross, or drift day) without committing to an annual MSNZ licence and year-long club membership, you can purchase a Temporary Day Licence.
- Available directly through the event organiser on the day or via online entry.
- Typically costs around $15–$30 on top of the standard event entry fee.
- Allows you to test the waters before investing in a permanent M-Grade licence.
1. M Grade (ClubSport): The Entry Level
The "Have a Go" Licence.
This is where everyone starts. The M Grade allows you to compete in events where you are racing against the clock or judging criteria, but not directly fighting for a corner with another car.
- Events Covered: Motorkhanas, Autocross, Hillclimbs, Bent Sprints, and Drifting.
- The Process: It is almost instant. You typically join a car club, apply online, and pay the fee.
- Do I need a medical? Generally, no. You simply complete a medical declaration online stating you are fit to drive.
Pro Tip: You don't actually need an M Grade licence for "ClubSport Basic" events (like a grass motorkhana). You only need it for "ClubSport Advanced" events (like a gravel sprint or drifting competition).
2. C Grade (National Race): The Real Deal
The "Rubbing is Racing" Licence.
If you want to sit on a starting grid with 30 other cars in the 2K Cup, Honda Cup, or unexpected racing, you need a C Grade (C1) Licence.
- Events Covered: All Circuit Racing, Endurance Series, and everything in M Grade.
- The Process: This is more formal. You must pass a physical exam (test) with an accredited examiner.
- The Medical: You fill out a medical declaration. If you have any conditions (heart issues, diabetes, etc.), MSNZ may require a full clearance from your GP.
The C Grade Exam: Don't Panic
The "Exam" sounds scary, but it is designed to keep you safe, not to fail you. It is usually held at your local car club (e.g., Canterbury Car Club or HRC) with a volunteer examiner.
The Format:
- Written Test (40 Questions): This is Open Book. You can literally bring the Motorsport Manual (or your laptop) into the room and look up the answers.
- Oral Test (10-15 Questions): The examiner will ask you random questions. You must answer the "Safety Critical" ones (flags) from memory.
Crucial Warning: You MUST know your flags by heart. If you get a Yellow Flag or Red Flag question wrong, you will likely fail immediately. You cannot look these up in the book during the oral section.
How to Get Your Licence (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Join a Club
You cannot get a licence without being a member of an MSNZ-affiliated club (e.g., Canterbury Car Club, Hamilton Car Club, etc.). Expect to pay $70–$100/year for membership.
Why do I have to pay both a Club fee and an MSNZ fee?
Beginners often wonder why they have to pay two separate organisations. MotorSport New Zealand writes the national regulations, manages licensing, and covers event insurance—but they don’t actually organise race days. The affiliated car clubs are the grassroots engine: they hire the circuits, buy the timing equipment, and provide volunteer marshals. Your club membership directly funds the infrastructure that makes local motorsport possible.
Step 2: Apply Online
Log in to the MotorSport Online system. Select "Profile," then "Licences," and apply for a National Race (C1) or ClubSport (M) licence.
Step 3: Pay the Invoice
As of 2026, the fees are approximately $105 for M Grade and $260 for C Grade.
Step 4: Book Your Exam (C Grade Only)
The system will tell you to contact a local examiner. You meet them (usually at the track or clubrooms), sit the test, and they sign you off. Your licence then appears digitally in the MSNZ App.
How the MSNZ App Works on Race Day
MotorSport New Zealand licences are 100% digital via the official MSNZ mobile app. At event documentation/sign-in, scrutineers scan your personal QR code. The app uses a live Traffic Light System:
- Green: You are fully cleared to race (licence and club membership are active).
- Red: Stand-down status or an issue needs resolving (such as an expired club sub or pending medical).
Other MSNZ Licences You Might Encounter
- Entrant’s Licence: Required when a team owner, business, or sponsor is entering a vehicle on behalf of a driver.
- Official’s Licence: Dedicated accreditations for volunteer marshals, scrutineers, and Clerks of the Course who run and officiate the events.