What is Autotesting?

Autotesting is one of the oldest disciplines in competitive motorsport in Ireland and focuses on precision and controlled driving. The aim is to manoeuvre a car around a set of pylons (cones), to a set route in as short a time as possible. Each event consists of a number of tests (usually 3 or 4), repeating each test a number of times (usually 3 or 4). Each driver is timed on each test and times are totalled to give results in each event. Whoever is quickest through the tests of the day is the winner. The ‘test’ is defined with a Diagram, and involves competitors using both forwards and reverse gears. They are required to cross all lines with the cars leading wheels, park in ‘garages’ and perform ‘nose throws’ (J-turn) and ‘forward throws’ (handbrake turns), and penalties are given for touching pylons or not performing the manoeuvres correctly. An example test is below.

Type of Vehicles

Because the tests involve manoeuvring cars against the stopwatch, smaller cars are more suitable than large ones, although there are normally five different classes for various types for car. Minis and Specials based on Minis are the most popular, and there are also classes for larger saloons and for sports cars. There is no need to have highly modified cars but there are certain basic things that should be done to make sure that a car will perform properly. It also helps to pump the rear tyres to twice their normal pressure. This enables the car to slide easily which is essential for some of the manoeuvres required. Typical classes are as follows:

a) All Mini Saloons

b) Front Wheel Drive specials

c) Rear wheel drive Sport Cars and Specials

d) All Saloons other than Minis up to 1300 cc

e) All Saloons other than Minis over 1300 cc

Typical saloon cars are Toyota Starlets or Opel Corsas but there are no limitations on the types of car you may use.

Licence Requirements and Starting Age

A CLUBMAN category “National B” grade licence is required. A Road Traffic Act driving licence is not needed, nor is a medical certificate. The minimum age is 16 years. Competitors under 18 years of age require written permission from parents or guardians. A first time licence costs as little as €40 if you are a member of one of a Motorsport Irelands affiliated Motor Clubs - non-members pay €80.

How to get Started

Go along to an Autotest, have a look at how things work and talk to some of the drivers as they are a friendly helpful bunch. Deciding on which category to enter will be dictated by your budget, but keep in mind that some sensible modifications to the suspension setup, having an effective handbrake and removing weight will help make the car easier to manoeuvre. Typical first cars are Toyota Starlets as they are quite reliable and robust. There is a Beginners Autotest Championship run by the Trial Drivers Club designed around making the transition to autotesting a little easier. Most find remembering the tests the biggest challenge but competitors will help direct you through the tests if you get lost. The Hewison Autotest Championship rounds tend to have longer and more complicated tests and suit more experienced competitors.

Special Equipment Required

Very little. Most drivers use a knob on the steering wheel so that they can steer with one hand while leaving the other hand free to use the handbrake and gear lever without losing time. The handbrake button also must be disabled. No special clothing is required.

Costs involved

Event entry fees are typically around €60 for experts and €30 for beginners/novices and €8 of petrol. The major costs are tyres, which naturally take a hammering with all the sliding that the car has to perform, and transmissions. Tyres are still not that great a financial burden and typically cost €35 each. Transmission wear is the other major cost, but sensibly built and maintained transmissions can be reliable and as cost effective as using the supplies found in scrapyards.

Beginners/Novice Status

Beginner status shall be defined as an Autotest competitor who has never competed in any Autotest, at any level, whether a stand alone event or forming part of a multi discipline event (eg retro trial).
In the TDC Beginners championship competitors shall only be eligible for the duration of the years Championship in which they competed in their first event.
TDC Autotest Beginners status is a classification for the 'raw' first timer, not an acceptable status for the occational competitor.
TDC Committee discretion shal be final in regard to beginner status of any competitor.