Some of Australia’s most experienced racing drivers have been forced to pass a mandatory licence test before they can take to the grid in this weekend’s Bathurst 1000. Motorsport Australia has required every driver competing at Mount Panorama to complete a 31-question Driver Regulations Refresher Test and achieve a perfect score before being allowed on track, reportedly forcing some drivers to turn to AI for help.

According to Fox Sports’ Track Torque, an email sent to Supercars and Super2 team managers warned that drivers would not be permitted to participate in the event unless they successfully completed the test. However, that has left drivers confused, with some claiming answers required by the test contradict regulations used in the Supercars championship.

Bathurst -1000-cars -racing -for -position
3

One star reportedly failed the online test three times, while another admitted to using ChatGPT for assistance with three questions because the required answers differed from the Supercars rules they are used to following.

One example of that concerned weaving behind the safety car. While Supercars regulations allow drivers to weave, the Motorsport Australia test required them to answer that they could not.

Another concerned the black-and-orange mechanical warning flag – commonly referred to as the “meatball” flag – which requires a damaged car to return to pit lane. The test reportedly required drivers to answer that they must respond immediately, while drivers claimed Supercars regulations provide a three-lap window.

The test has to be completed unsupervised online and also covers more fundamental motorsport safety topics, including blood-alcohol requirements and procedures during a red-flag period.

Motorsport Australia told the publication that the unusual requirement was introduced specifically for events held at Mount Panorama due to the track’ss unique characteristics. It follows several significant incidents at the circuit during 2026, including a serious crash involving Ralf Aron at the Bathurst 12 Hour, which left the driver with a broken back.

“Safety is paramount,” Motorsport Australia said, adding that the refresher was designed to “bring rules surrounding flag states and safety-car procedures back to the forefront of drivers’ minds”.

The test has also been completed by drivers across all categories competing at this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour and Bathurst 6 Hour, with the same requirement of recording a 100 per cent pass mark before participation in the races is allowed.