Are you thinking about renting a golf cart during your next vacation? They can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to know the basics of how to drive a golf cart before you hit the road.
In this article we will teach you everything you need to know about driving a golf cart safely to make sure you have a great experience.
We’ll cover topics such as how to steer, how to brake, and how to avoid accidents.
So whether you’re an experienced driver or a first-time golfer, this post has something for everyone!
How Do You Drive A Golf Cart?
So at a high level, driving a golf cart is very similar to driving a car or go-kart in the sense that you’ve got a steering wheel, ignition, gas and brake pedals, and selector switch to choose between forward and reverse gears.
You’ll operate a golf cart just like you would a car, except the golf cart has a lower top speed, is smaller than a car, and there are different rules to consider when driving on roads.
Before we fully explore how you should drive a golf cart, let’s get an understanding of how golf carts work and what they are.
What Kind Of Vehicle Is A Golf Cart?
A golf cart is considered a low speed vehicle (LSV) and/or a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) depending on the equipment it has on it and how it’s being used.
Golf carts are small, four-wheeled vehicles that are designed for use on golf courses.
They typically have a top speed of around 20 miles per hour and can between two and six people.
While golf carts are most commonly found on golf courses, they can also be used for other purposes like farming or construction work, or even just as a fun way to get around your neighborhood.
Typically you’ll need to be at least 14 years old to drive a golf cart in most states, and that’s only if you’re not driving on public roads.
If driving on public roads, you’ll need to be at least 16 and have a valid driver’s license.
Check out more about what makes a golf cart street legal before driving yours on public roads.
Now that we know what golf carts are, let’s move on to how you can drive one safely.
How To Drive A Golf Cart: The Basics
As we mentioned earlier, driving a golf cart is similar to driving a car in that you have a steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake pedal.
The main difference is that golf carts have a lower top speed, so you’ll need to take it easy when accelerating and braking.
Another thing to keep in mind is that golf carts don’t have standard transmissions like cars do.
Instead, they use what’s called an On/Off switch which allows you to choose between forward and reverse gears.
Make sure you familiarize yourself with the controls of the golf cart before driving it.
Now let’s move on to some more specific tips for driving a golf cart safely.
Step 1: Press Down On The Brake Pedal
Most golf carts require that the brake pedal is pressed down before it can be started.
Even if this isn’t the case, it’s still a good ideal to keep the golf cart steadily in place while you start it up!
Most golf carts will also have an emergency brake which is either a pull-handle style, or is built into the brake pedal.
Make sure the emergency brake is not engaged when you start driving the golf cart.
Step 2: Buckle Up
While golf carts have lower speeds than automobiles, you still have to take safety precautions for yourself and other passengers.
Make sure to use a golf cart car seat if your passengers are too little to use seat belts.
Step 3: Check Your Passengers & Gear
Make sure all your passengers’ arms and legs are safely inside the vehicle and that everyone is sitting down before driving.
It’s also a good time to make sure any gear you have is secure and tied down.
Step 4: Turn The Golf Cart On
You’ll start your golf cart by turning the key, just like in a car.
Insert the key into the slot and turn the key clockwise to the right.
If you’re driving an electric golf cart you may not hear anything except a chirp or slight hum, and it may not even feel like the golf cart is on. That’s okay!
If you’re driving a gas golf cart, then you’ll hear the engine kick on.
Step 5: Make Sure The Golf Cart Is In Gear
Check out the golf cart to see if it’s in drive or reverse.
This is usually designated as “D” for drive, or “F” for forward, and “R” for reverse on most golf carts.
If you hear a constant beeping, that usually signals that the golf cart is set in reverse gear.
Step 6: Accelerate The Golf Cart
Press the right pedal (the “gas” or acceleration pedal) down with your foot, being careful to apply light pressure until you get used to the golf cart’s acceleration.
Step 7: Apply The Brakes
If you need to slow down or stop the golf cart, now’s the time to use the brake pedal, which is the left pedal.
Apply gentle pressure rather than “slamming” on the brakes until you get a good feel for what pressure is needed.
Step 8: Go In Reverse (If Necessary)
Once the golf cart is at a full stop, you can move the gear to reverse while pressing down on the brake pedal.
If the cart starts beeping, then you’ll know you’re in reverse gear.
Now you can go in reverse if you need to, applying the acceleration or brake pedals just like in forward gear.
Keep in mind most golf carts will go a little slower in reverse as a safety feature.
Step 9: Pay Attention To Your Fuel Level
Get familiar with the range your golf cart can drive on a single tank of gas if using a gas golf cart, and how far it can drive on a single charge if using an electric golf cart.
Nothing’s worse than getting stranded miles from your starting point because you let the golf cart run out of power!
Know The Rules Of The Road
Each state and some counties have their own laws regarding driving golf carts, and these get even more specific when you’re driving a golf cart on public roads where there are other vehicles present.
Beyond requiring a driver’s license, many states do not allow driving golf carts on public roads after dark, and some states may require reflective devices on the golf cart.
Do your homework beforehand on these items.
Some states may even require special insurance to operate a golf cart on open roads.
This is probably already taken care of if you’re renting a golf cart from a golf course or from a rental service while on vacation, but it’s always good to ask.
Golf Cart Driving Safety Tips
Start by making sure everyone in the golf cart is wearing their seatbelt.
Golf carts can be unstable and if someone isn’t wearing a seatbelt, they could be ejected from the cart in the event of a collision or rollover.
Next, pay attention to your surroundings and drive defensively.
Always pay attention to the speed limit of the roads you’re driving on and obey them.
You should always assume that other drivers don’t see you, even if you’re driving on a golf course.
Be sure to yield to pedestrians and give them plenty of space when passing by.
It’s also important to avoid driving in wet weather conditions as golf carts can slip and slide on wet surfaces.
Take note to never make sharp turns to avoid rollovers and injury to you or your passengers.
Finally, make sure you stay aware of your speed at all times.
Remember, golf carts have a lower top speed than cars so it doesn’t take much to go too fast.
Accelerate and brake slowly to avoid losing control of the golf cart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Golf Carts
Driving a golf cart is pretty easy, assuming you have some basic prior driving experience.
It is very similar to driving a car or go-kart, with the exception that golf carts usually operate at lower speeds than cars and don’t have doors on them.
You’ll need to take your time getting used to the acceleration and brakes to see how much pressure you need to apply.
Yes, driving a golf cart is like driving a car, but at lower speeds.
Your golf cart may not have a windshield, horn, or turn signals like a car, but it does have a brake and gas pedal and goes in both forward and reverse.
