Twitch: Offline Watch
← Back to Beginner Guide All Guides

iRacing Licence System Explained

The iRacing licence system controls which series you can enter. Licences run from Rookie (entry level) up to A class (highest). Understanding how promotion works will help you progress efficiently and avoid frustration.

Licence Levels

iRacing has six licence levels: Rookie, D, C, B, and A. Each discipline (Road, Oval, Dirt Oval, Dirt Road) has its own licence. You cannot be demoted back to Rookie after graduating, though you can still run Rookie series at any level.

Two Requirements for Promotion

To advance to the next licence, you must satisfy both of the following:

1. Minimum Participation Requirement (MPR)

You must complete a minimum number of official sessions in series at your current licence level. For Rookie, that means:

  • 2 races OR 4 time trials in eligible Rookie series
  • You can mix races and time trials (e.g. 1 race + 2 time trials does not meet MPR; you need 2 races or 4 TTs)
  • Eligible Rookie series include: Global Mazda MX-5 Cup (Road), Formula Vee, Formula 1600, Street Stock (Oval), Legends Cup, and the equivalent dirt series
  • Unranked series such as Carburetor Cup, Pickup Cup, and Dallara Dash do not count toward MPR

2. Safety Rating Requirement

New drivers start with a Safety Rating of 2.5. To be promoted from Rookie, you must reach 3.0. Your SR improves by completing clean corners and avoiding incidents. See our Safety Rating Guide for details.

Fast-Track Promotion

Once you meet both MPR and the Safety Rating threshold (3.0 for Rookie), you receive an immediate Fast-Track Promotion to the next licence. No need to wait for the season to end.

Tip: Focus on clean driving over speed. Many rookies finish in the top five simply by surviving while others crash out.

Season-End Promotion

If you do not fast-track, iRacing evaluates promotions at the end of each 12-week season. Drivers who meet MPR and have an SR of 3.0 or higher at season end are promoted. Those below 2.0 may be demoted (except from Rookie, where you cannot go back).

D Through A: Same Rules

From D class onward, the same two requirements apply: meet MPR for your licence level and reach the required Safety Rating. Higher licences typically require more participation (e.g. 4 races or 8 time trials) and an SR of 3.0 or 4.0 for fast-tracking.

Next: read our Safety Rating Guide to understand how to improve your SR, or our Basic Racecraft Guide for survival tips.