Cross-country motorsport · Motorsport UK
Trialling
A trial is a test of control, not speed: drive through eight to twelve marked sections of hillside without stopping or touching a cone. Lowest score wins. It is the cheapest motorsport there is, and one of the friendliest.
Three ways in
Start hereTyro
For newcomers and unmodified vehicles — any road-legal 4x4, in any condition. Sections avoid anything that could cause damage. Drivers from age 13, passengers front and back from 12. Typically £10–£20 on the day.
RTV
Road-taxed-vehicle trials: tougher ground for road-legal Land Rovers with MOT, tax and insurance. Driven sensibly, vehicles come home unmarked — mud tyres and recovery points recommended. Drivers from 15.
CCV
Cross-country vehicles: certified roll cages, harnesses and helmets, usually trailered in. Severe terrain where getting stuck is part of the sport. Timed CCV events decide results on the clock. For experienced RTV hands.
A trial day
| 08:45 | Signing on and scrutineering |
| 09:45 | Drivers' briefing |
| 10:00 | First sections |
| 14:00–16:00 | Finish, results and the drive home |
Entries are booked online at least 24 hours before the event — the form doubles as your Motorsport UK signing-on declaration. Drivers £30 for RTV and CCV, £40 for timed trials. Passengers, marshals and spectators free.
Licences
Every driver and passenger at a competitive event needs a Motorsport UK competition licence. The good news: the RS Clubman licence covers all our trials and is free from motorsportuk.org. Under-18 rear-seat passengers in a Tyro need neither licence nor membership.
You'll also need club membership — MROC or another ALRC club. Bring both cards on the day.
Marshalling
Trials only run because members marshal them. No experience needed — you'll be shown the ropes, you get the best view on the hill, and at the Majors a packed lunch is part of the deal. Ask at signing-on or email trialscoordinator@mroc.co.uk.
Spectating
Free, always. Wear boots you don't mind ruining, expect mud and hills, and follow the marshals' directions. Most sites have no facilities — event pages say when there are. It's how most members found the club.
Beyond club trials there's a whole ladder — comp safaris, hill rallies, winch challenges — run by neighbouring clubs; ask the competition secretary (competition-secretary@mroc.co.uk) where to look next. League tables and results appear in the club journal and the Facebook group.