What do you need to become a drift driver in Argentina?

To start, only learning to control a rear-wheel-drive car on a closed track, with an instructor and without your own car. To compete, a rear-wheel-drive car that meets the series technical rules, a helmet and suit as required, an entry and, if the series demands it, a licence. Each organizer sets its own requirements: ask for them in writing.

Do I need a sports licence to compete in drifting?

For a TROMPO class, no, and you do not need a driving licence either: it is a closed track. To compete, it depends on the series: the CDA of the Automóvil Club Argentino has no drift category on its list (checked on October 3, 2026), and the Drift GP Argentina rulebook that is online does not mention a licence. Ask the organizer before entering; if they ask for the CDA one, the process starts with the medical licence.

Can I start without my own car?

Yes, and it is the most sensible option. The first step is classes in the school car: at TROMPO, a BMW E36 328i with an instructor beside you, at El Picódromo, Monday to Thursday. Your own car comes once you can already control a slide.

How do you get to Formula Drift from Argentina?

Formula Drift requires its own licence. According to its announcement of February 26, 2026, you enter PROSPEC by winning an affiliated Pro-Am championship, through a recommendation from its scouting program or by petition; the petition is mostly used by drivers from outside North America with a current competition licence, and it does not guarantee a place. For a petition to have a chance, you should arrive with a current competition licence and verifiable local results.

From what age can you start?

In TROMPO classes, only people aged 18 or over drive. Motorsport sanctioned by the CDA has earlier routes: according to its requirements for minors (art. 35 of the RDA), from age 15 a provisional licence for promotional car categories can be requested, with certified karting experience, an approved medical licence and a certified authorization from both parents; and its 2026 fee list includes karting from age 7.

Oct 3, 20261 min readUpdated: Oct 13, 2026

How to Become a Drift Driver in Argentina: the Real Path

By Dmitrii McCarthy

How to become a drift driver in Argentina: the real path

This article is currently available in Spanish. Quick summary: you do not need your own car or a sports licence to start. Step one is learning to control a rear-wheel-drive car on a closed track with an instructor beside you; then come practice days and track days, your own prepared car with the safety gear each series asks for, and only then a beginners' class in an amateur championship. Each organizer sets its own rules: the CDA of the Automóvil Club Argentino lists no drift category (checked on October 3, 2026), so ask the series for its rulebook and licence requirements in writing. The guide also covers how a foreign driver can reach Formula Drift, which requires its own licence.

Read the full guide, with sources and dated costs, in the Spanish version of this article.

Frequently asked questions

What do you need to become a drift driver in Argentina?: To start, only learning to control a rear-wheel-drive car on a closed track, with an instructor and without your own car. To compete, a rear-wheel-drive car that meets the series technical rules, a helmet and suit as required, an entry and, if the series demands it, a licence. Each organizer sets its own requirements: ask for them in writing.
Do I need a sports licence to compete in drifting?: For a TROMPO class, no, and you do not need a driving licence either: it is a closed track. To compete, it depends on the series: the CDA of the Automóvil Club Argentino has no drift category on its list (checked on October 3, 2026), and the Drift GP Argentina rulebook that is online does not mention a licence. Ask the organizer before entering; if they ask for the CDA one, the process starts with the medical licence.
Can I start without my own car?: Yes, and it is the most sensible option. The first step is classes in the school car: at TROMPO, a BMW E36 328i with an instructor beside you, at El Picódromo, Monday to Thursday. Your own car comes once you can already control a slide.
How do you get to Formula Drift from Argentina?: Formula Drift requires its own licence. According to its announcement of February 26, 2026, you enter PROSPEC by winning an affiliated Pro-Am championship, through a recommendation from its scouting program or by petition; the petition is mostly used by drivers from outside North America with a current competition licence, and it does not guarantee a place. For a petition to have a chance, you should arrive with a current competition licence and verifiable local results.
From what age can you start?: In TROMPO classes, only people aged 18 or over drive. Motorsport sanctioned by the CDA has earlier routes: according to its requirements for minors (art. 35 of the RDA), from age 15 a provisional licence for promotional car categories can be requested, with certified karting experience, an approved medical licence and a certified authorization from both parents; and its 2026 fee list includes karting from age 7.

Reading about it is one thing, driving it is another

Try it yourself: 30 min at the wheel, no experience needed. From 300 USD (≈504,000 ARS at the P2P dollar rate), Monday to Thursday. 1-on-1 instructor in a BMW E36 and a 50% deposit to book.

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