A great entry into motorsport, an AutoSOLO is a test of your precision and car control, with slalom sections and longer turns. Courses are on a sealed surface (closed car parks, for example), marked out by plastic cones or pylons, often numbered to help with navigation.

The aim is to complete the course in the correct direction, as quickly and accurately as possible. If you hit a marker, you incur a time penalty, and driving in the wrong direction results in a ‘wrong test’.

Completed mostly in first and second gear, the risk to your road car is negligible.  

Taking place on private land, Car Trials usually cover challenging terrain, with hills, mud, or other obstacles. The courses are marked out with coloured markers or canes, and the aim is to get from the start line to the finish line without stopping.

Speeds are low and there is no time limit, but momentum must be maintained in a forward motion in the direction of the course.

Planning your approach to each section is key, as is technique, but some Car Trials allow support from a bouncer – a passenger who can bounce the car up and down to help the car gain traction.

A popular spin-off of a Road Rally, time plays a greater part in a Targa Rally. A cross between a Rally and an Autotest, a Targa consists of a course marked out by cones, with a set route and a navigator to direct. The aim is to follow the correct route, in the quickest time possible.

Targa Rallies are most commonly held during the daytime, on private land, with twists and turns keeping speeds low. Some events may use multiple venues, navigating on public roads between locations.

At single venue Targa Rallies, you may share your car, taking it in turns to act as driver or navigator. Teamwork is key.

12 Car Rally, Navigational Scatters and Treasure Hunts

A special stage (SS) is a section of closed road at a stage rallying event. Competitors attempt to complete the stage in the shortest time. A rally on a special stage is coordinated such that each competing car begins after a set interval, to reduce the chance of impedance by other competitors. Each special stage is a relatively short section, usually up to about 10 miles in length. A rally usually comprises approximately 10–15 special stages. The driver with the lowest overall time for all special stages in an event is the winner. 

Sprint is a high-speed discipline in which drivers take turns to set a time around a lap of a race circuit or a point-to-point course, with the fastest times determining the results.

Sprints are typically held on racing circuits, as well as disused airfields, and with venues spread right across the country you won’t have to travel too far to have a go yourself.

Competitors are given practice runs before the competition properly starts. You will get two runs against the clock, with your best time counting in the final results.

A non-competitive form of Rallying, a Touring Assembly is a great way to enjoy your car and experience the navigational aspects of other rally formats. Touring assemblies are social events designed as fun for the whole family. Participants follow a pre-determined, often scenic, route on public roads. Directions are provided ahead of time, and speeds rarely exceed 30mph. Often, there are one or two refreshment stops, where you can socialise with other enthusiasts.