There are six licenses available in Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec. Five of these licenses are for traditional racing, each level more in-depth and difficult that the last, and the sixth, the Rally (R) License is for dirt racing. Each successive road license unlocks the ability to races more difficult race events, while completing the R-License allows the player to complete in rally events. These licenses, in order of increasing level, are:
- B License
- A License
- International B License
- International A License
- Super License
- Rally License (can be done before completing other road license)
Each license is awarded by the completion of seven driving 'exams' followed by a graduation test. Each test is awarded gold, silver or bronze trophies according to performance. While all three types of trophy are considered passes, achieving all gold trophies for a particular license awards the player with a prize car.
The background menu for GT3's License Center features Sears Point Raceway's dragstrip, a track appearing in the sequel under the name Infineon Raceway. Curiously enough, there is a logo for NASCAR Winston Cup Series on it, with tobacco sponsor (Winston) left intact.