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Most Frequently asked questions about NHRA competition license and permanent numbers. We have provide this FAQ page to assist new & renewal applicants. If you have further questions about any of the points listed, please call NHRA Div. 3 (765.689.8727) for clarification. Feel free to print this page and carry with you as a handy reference.

Do I need a competition license? Simply, if you race/drive a car or bike that runs quicker than 9.99 seconds, 1/4 mile, or 6.40 1/8 mile you need to apply for an NHRA competition license BEFORE you can begin racing at NHRA member tracks.

How do I get a competition license? There are a few simple steps to obtaining an NHRA competition license.

First will need an NHRA approved physical examination. Your family doctor or walk-in clinic can provide this. You need to use the proper NHRA  approved form which is available at your local track or from the NHRA  Division office, or check NHRA online at www.nhra.com

Secondly, you must pass a blindfold test in your race car - knowing where all controls and switches are without looking for them.

Finally you will need to make a total of six test runs and have those runs witnessed by two drivers who are currently licensed in the class for which you are applying, (or a faster class) and the track official. During the first three runs,  a new driver is required to make one half pass and two moderate runs. During the last three runs, one moderate and two full runs are required. Original time slips from all six runs must be attached to the license application. All test runs must be single (non-competition) runs. Further details on the NHRA licensing procedure are printed on the back of the official NHRA Competition License Application.

How much is an NHRA competition license? You will need to check with your NHRA Division office for the latest fees and charges/requirements. Not included in the NHRA fees is the use of the track. Prices vary from track to track, for the use of the track to make these test runs. Check with the track for these fees.

Do I need an NHRA membership? Yes. Check with your division office.

How long is my license good for? An NHRA sportsman license is good for two years from the date of the physical examination. Top Fuel and Funny Car are good one year from the date of the physical examination.

I'm moving up from Super Gas to Comp Eliminator, Do I need a new license? Drivers moving up to a faster class, or changing wheelbase size will have to complete the upgrade/cross grade requirements. These requirements consist of making three runs in the new car (one moderate, two full runs) in front of two licensed drivers in the same class and the track official. The only exception to this is a cross grade between cars and motorcycles where all new drivers requirements must be met.

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        2012 NHRA Licensing Procedures, applicant's responsibility

1. Test vehicle must pass tech inspection and have a current chassis tag or a 90 day chassis inspection before any test runs are made.

2. A completed ORIGINAL of the NHRA physical and NHRA license application forms must be in hand before any license runs are to be made. No runs are to be made unless physical form is completed by certified medical doctor.

3. Make sure that both drivers witnessing test runs have a current and valid NHRA license equal to or greater than what the driver is applying for. This is the applicants responsibility.

4. Have track manager or witnessing drivers complete blindfold test and sign-off in the appropriate spot, it proves that the driver knows where the controls are.

5. Up-grade or cross grade allowed only if driver has current NHRA license/permanent number.

6. Driver may not compete on the same day as license runs. Must have license in hand.

7. License runs (six) can be made all in one day if track time is available.

8. Drivers must make last 2 - full runs representative of the class license applying for, (minimum 10.0's (6.50 1/8 mile) or faster for a class 4 license).

9. All test runs must be single runs or application will be rejected.

10. All 6 test runs must be completed unless track manager will waive the first 3 runs, as applicant is a previous driver with experience.

11. Applicant must be sure to have signed and dated all information asked for on physical and application forms.

12. The use of the track for test runs are at an additional cost, consult the track manager.

13. Applicant should double check paperwork. When mailing to NHRA include; application, original physical form, and the original time slips for your test runs. Make and keep copies for your files.

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    Most frequent reason for delay in processing license applications

Problems with physical exam forms

Name and address of applicant has not been completed.

Vital statistics have not been filled in.

Applicant has not signed form.

Copy of physical has been sent in. Must send in ORIGINAL.

Doctor has failed to complete the physical form in full.

   Blood pressure missing. Pulse reading missing. Vision not checked. Urinalysis not filled in. If sugar is positive, blood sugar  test (#31) must be completed as outlined. If the applicant is 55 years of age or older, EKG must be done. Medical examiner's name, address, and phone number must be completely filled in and readable. Medical examiner must sign form.

Problems with application/test run forms

Physical Exam must be completed BEFORE ANY test runs are made

Make/model/class of vehicle used for test runs and cockpit orientation test are not completed.

Test runs are not fast enough. Final two runs on license application must be 10.0's (6.50 1/8 mile) or quicker for class 4 license.

Test runs cannot be side by side. ALL test runs must be single runs, even those that are slower than the 10 second requirement.

Test runs have not been signed by currently licensed drivers and/or track operator.

Applicant has not:  Signed form.

                            Indicated in what eliminator the number and license are to be issued.

                            Enclosed the correct amount of money for the required fees.

                            Enclosed time slips with application.

                            Completely filled in requested information on top of application form.

For more information please consult your NHRA rulebook and/or your NHRA division office.