Minors (Under 18)

SCCA prides itself on being a family affair. Over the 70+ year history of our club, you will find second and even third generations still involved and racing together.

Making our programs and events accessible to families necessitates including opportunities for those under age 18 to not only attend events, but get actively involved having #funwithcars as well.

Here are some basic details for those under 18. If there are additional questions or concerns, please reach out to the program chairs and they will be happy to help!

Minor Waivers

Liability waivers are required for every person competing or working at an SCCA event, this includes minors. Both parents or guardians must individually sign these waivers. Waivers are available at registration for those new to SCCA and participating for the first time. However, regular attendees and workers are encouraged to complete an Annual Waiver, which will serve for the entire year, to streamline registration and access to events.

For events that are open to spectators, SCCA does not require a minor waiver. However, individual tracks and sites may have their own waiver and release requirements that spectators are required to adhere to for entry.

In 2022, SCCA made the Annual Waiver process available online, so the required documentation can be completed easily from home.

Hard, paper copies of the event minor waivers are available as well and may be downloaded here.

NOTE: The form must be printed in color to be valid. It must also be either notarized or witnessed by an SCCA Licensed Official. 

Event Specifics

Here’s the details on how minors can participate across all SCCA events.

Minors are welcome to attend and spectate at any SCCA event. They are only allowed in “cold” areas and must avoid and stay out of any racing sections deemed “hot.” This includes the racing surfaces, pit lanes, grid and impound. SCCA does not require a minor waiver for spectators, but some tracks may have their own minor waiver requirements for entry.

Designated spectator areas are typically marked where minors may go to watch the action.

To volunteer in a “hot” area during an SCCA road racing event, a minor must be a minimum of 14 years old, have a completed Annual Minor Waiver, and request a specialty license from the chief of their desired volunteer specialty. These “hot” specialties include Flagging & Communication, Grid, Impound, and Emergency Services.

There is no age limit for “cold” volunteer locations, and a single event minor waiver is sufficient. The “cold” areas include Registration, Timing & Scoring and Tech (Scrutineering).

Minors under the age of 18 may begin the process to attain a competition license at the age of 14. Additional steps are required for minors age 14-15. Details on the process for each are outlined here:

14-15 year old Licensing Process

Novice Permit Application with Instructions for Minors

Competitors with a state-issued driver’s license or learner’s permit (those 15 or older) may compete in the same configuration as they are legal to drive on the street.  Driving license or permit restrictions must be followed. If those restrictions require a passenger and the event allows a passenger, that passenger must be either the driver’s parent/legal guardian or an instructor who meets the restriction requirements. Instructors must have the written permission of the driver’s parent/legal guardian witnessed by an adult SCCA member or notarized to ride as a passenger and the restrictions imposed by the underage driver’s state of residence must allow the instructor to ride as a passenger. Must have SCCA Annual Minor Waiver on file with SCCA National Office.

Minor Ride Alongs

Must be at least 12 years old or at least 57” tall.  Ride-alongs are at the discretion of the Chief Steward for the event. The passenger must be wearing a helmet that fits correctly. Safety restraints/seat belts must be in proper working condition and adjusted to fit the passenger.

Minor Participation in Track Night events requires pre-approval. For approval to be given, the following must be met:

  • The minor must be a licensed driver and have an Annual Minor Waiver on file with the SCCA National Office.

  • The minor must display some level of sanctioned performance driving experience.  Acceptable options include autocross, karting, or track events.

  • A parent or legal guardian must be on site for the event.

  • The vehicle and track must be deemed appropriate for a beginning driver.

Provided these criteria are met, approval may be given.

Minor Passengers

Minors, 12 years of age or older, are allowed to ride along during the low-speed touring laps, but may not drive.

All drivers 17 years old or younger must meet the Driver Eligibility requirements and contact Event Officials before the event and get approval from the Event Lead.

In addition the following items are required for participation by a minor:

1. Completed Annual Minor Waiver.

2. Weekend or Full Membership of the SCCA.

3. A valid driver’s license which does not require a passenger in the vehicle, issued by state, province, territory or country.

4. When applying for a Time Trials License, he or she must apply directly to SCCA Member Services.

Any participant (driver or rider) under the age of 18 must have a Minor Waiver signed by both parents. Competitors with a valid state-issued Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit may drive in a Road Rally, following the state requirements for permitted drivers.

Drivers must possess a currently valid automobile driver’s license, or a valid full competition license issued by SCCA. Minor drivers must be able to show that they have permission to operate the vehicle in the event.

Minor Passengers

Passengers are not allowed during competition runs at National events. At non-National events, one (1) passenger can ride in an approved seat located in the forward- most occupant area of a vehicle that has passed tech inspection (3.3.A-3.3.N) and is registered for competition on that day. The passenger must be no younger than twelve (12) years of age or at least 57” tall and must meet all liability waiver requirements. The passenger must be wearing a helmet that fits correctly and meets the requirements of 6.3.P of the current SCCA RallyCross rules. Safety restraints/seat belts must be in proper working condition and adjusted to fit the passenger (3.2.H).

** State and Track Specific Limitations: Some states or tracks may have additional rules and regulations that apply to minors within their jurisdictions. Questions about minor participation at specific events can be addressed with event chief stewards.