There’s nothing quite like your first time on the track. Helmet on, visor down, engine rumbling beneath you. You grip the wheel, press down on the accelerator – and then, halfway through your first lap, it hits you. Karting is trickier than it looks.

The good news is that every excellent driver has started exactly where you are – and there are a few easy things to avoid when you first take to the track.

Thou Shalt Not Death-Grip the Wheel

The mistake: White knuckles, locked arms, fighting the kart.

When you tense up, you actually make the kart harder to control. Jerky steering will reduce your speed and make the car feel wobbly as you drive.

How to avoid it: Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders and bend your elbows. Turn the wheel smoothly, not aggressively.

Thou Shalt Not Drive Like Dodgems 

The mistake: Charging into corners flat out and hoping for the best.

Karting isn’t about chaos – it’s about control. If you fly into every corner at maximum speed, you’ll overshoot, lose momentum, and end up crawling back into the race after a few awkward turns. 

How to avoid it: Slow down as you enter a corner, and speed up on your way out. Brake a little earlier than you think.

Thou Shalt Not Brake Too Late

The mistake: Leaving your braking until the absolute last second.

It may feel brave, but it rarely works. When you brake too late, you often slide wide – which means you’ll lose speed on the next straight.

How to avoid it: Brake before you turn, and be deliberate with it. The goal is a clean, powerful exit from a corner – not a dramatic, juddering brake.

Thou Shalt Not Ignore the Lines

The mistake: Taking the shortest route around the track.

The shortest way around a corner isn’t always the fastest. Cutting tight lines might feel efficient, but it’ll kill your exit speed.

How to avoid it: Use the full width of the track. Let the kart drift naturally on exit – it’s all about finding the flow, and following it.

Thou Shalt Not Look at the Bumper Ahead

The mistake: Paying too much attention to the kart in front.

If you stare at the kart in front, you’ll copy their mistakes and miss your own braking points.

How to avoid it: Always lift your vision further ahead than feels natural – look through the corner, and your hands will follow your eyes.

Thou Shalt Not Put Speed Over Skill

The mistake: Thinking the fastest person wins because they’re braver.

Karting is a technical sport! The best drivers aren’t just bold – they’re consistent, hitting the correct braking point lap after lap.

How to avoid it: Focus on one improvement at a time. Nail one corner, then another. It’s all about chasing consistency.

Thou Shalt Not Treat the Throttle like a Light Switch

The mistake: On. Off. On. Off. On. Off.

Sudden throttle changes unsettle the kart and make it harder to stay balanced through corners.

How to avoid it: Feed the power in progressively as you straighten the wheel. Smooth acceleration will keep you stable, and help you carry speed properly.

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Remember – nobody turns up and nails it straight away. The drivers who improve fastest are the ones who treat karting like a skill to learn. Slow it down slightly. Smooth it out. Look further ahead. Be consistent. Do that, and you won’t just go faster – you’ll start to understand why.