How to Drive a Go Kart

If you enjoy racing, learn how to drive a go kart. Go karts offer endless hours of racing experience at an affordable price. The small, gas-powered karts are simple to operate and are generally safe when driven properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Purchase a helmet. If you want to drive a go kart, always wear a helmet. The safety gear prevents catastrophic head injuries during karting accidents. Even if you have confidence in your driving abilities, accidents do happen.
2. Wear protective clothing. Ensure that your eyes and body are properly covered. Protective clothing minimizes bodily harm during accidents.
3. Take a seat and buckle in. You need to be seated and secured into your safety harness before you start your go kart's engine. This keeps you in the go kart if it rolls. There is a roll bar to protect you but only if you are buckled in safely. All passengers also need to sit down and buckle in.
4. Operate at comfortable speeds. The faster you drive, the more you increase your chance of an accident. Practice driving at slower speeds until you gain experience. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the go kart. You need a lot of practice before you actually begin to race.
5. Stay off public roads. Only drive on private property. Go karts are low to the ground and difficult for those in regular cars and trucks to see. Attach a warning flag to the go kart increase your visibility.
6. Use your brakes to decrease speed, especially when cruising down steep hills. This prevents you from gaining unnecessary speed and from losing control.

Tips & Warnings

• Drive at your own risk. There is always some degree of danger while driving a go kart.
• Never operate a go kart under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never drive a go kart if you are pregnant or have any other medical condition.