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Karting · first drive

The first goal is a repeatable lap.

Rental karting normally needs no road licence. Wear the right clothing, understand the briefing and make predictable movements on circuit.

Last updated:23 July 2026

Venue requirements and driving clothing

  1. Wear closed, flat shoes.
  2. Tie back long hair and remove loose scarves, jewellery and pocket items.
  3. Allow time for registration, changing and briefing.
  4. Do not drive after alcohol, medication that affects alertness or when unwell.

Know the controls, signals and pit entry

Remember the throttle, brake, pit entry, lights or flags and what to do if the kart stops. Procedures vary by venue.

If the kart stops on circuit, stay seated.

Wait for a marshal unless the briefing tells you otherwise.

Practise three things in the first session

Smooth inputs usually produce a better lap than late braking and repeated steering corrections.

  1. Look through the corner towards the exit.
  2. Complete most braking in a straight line, then turn and add throttle progressively.
  3. Hold a predictable line and follow the venue’s passing rules.

Measure consistency as well as speed

Compare the fastest lap with the rest of the session. When most laps fall into a similar range, start refining braking points and lines.

Sources

  • FIA Karting International karting rules and safety information.