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Many people are turning to golf carts for driving around town or the campground. They’re an environmentally friendly and convenient way to get around and run errands.
However, learning to maneuver these vehicles can take some time if you’re new to driving. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make it as easy as possible.
Today, we’re sharing some of our best tips for golf cart driving for beginners.
Let’s roll!
Pro Tip: Check out this article on whether or not You Can Carry a Golf Cart on the Back of a Camper before investing in one!
What Is a Golf Cart?
A golf cart is a compact, motorized vehicle traditionally used to transport golfers and their equipment. They’re generally small, slow, and easy to drive. In recent years, we’ve begun to see these tiny vehicles used in everyday life outside of golfing.
Most have electric batteries or small gasoline engines. Depending on the model, they can accommodate two to eight passengers. It’s a smooth ride on flat, relatively mild terrains. While the world record for the fastest golf cart is 118.75 mph, most can travel between 10 and 15 miles per hour. Additionally, some can reach 20 to 40 mph with a few modifications.
Can You Drive a Golf Cart on the Road?
The legalities of driving a golf cart on the road vary by location. Some communities are very friendly and accommodating for golf courses. Where we live in Florida, practically everyone owns a golf cart. You’ll even find golf cart parking at grocery stores and special road lanes for these drivers.
Unfortunately, not every location is as accommodating. Some have stringent local ordinances that drivers must follow. These often include specific safety requirements, ages for drivers, and rules about passengers.
If you’d like to drive a golf cart on the road, you’ll want to research the local regulations for where you live. In addition, make sure your cart has the proper equipment and safety features. When it comes to staying safe, it’s one area where we feel it’s worth being overly cautious. As we often say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Is a Golf Cart Hard to Drive?
When it comes to driving a golf cart, it’s relatively simple. If you have experience driving a passenger vehicle, driving a golf cart is a piece of cake. They’re very user-friendly and have simple controls. Like an automatic vehicle, you push the accelerator to go and the brake to stop. Aside from using reverse to back out of a spot, there’s no need to worry about shifting gears.
In addition, most models aren’t overly powerful. This can help inexperienced drivers avoid losing control or getting into dangerous situations. Despite this, it’s essential to know that serious accidents can and do occur with golf carts. You must drive responsibly and get familiar with the controls before hitting the road. Practice in a safe area and always follow local regulations.
Tips For Golf Cart Driving For Beginners
If you want to be a safe driver, here are some tips for driving a golf cart. While these tips are great for beginners, they’re also a good refresher for anyone behind the wheel. Let’s take a look!
Know the Controls
Before getting behind the wheel, you must know the controls. Many people drive golf carts long before getting their driver’s license. Drivers should learn the basics, such as the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and gear selector. Sit in the driver’s seat and get comfortable before turning the vehicle on.
It’s time to start learning the accelerator’s and brake pedal’s sensitivity. Practice stopping and starting. You should be able to start and stop smoothly without issues. As they say, practice makes perfect. While no one is a perfect driver, you want to have confidence in your skills before operating a golf cart on public roads.
Take Safety Seriously
It doesn’t matter whether you’re driving a Ford F-350 or a golf cart; safety should always be paramount. Driving is a responsibility and one that you shouldn’t take lightly. Make sure your golf cart has the essential safety equipment, including seatbelts. At the same time, you have to use them for them to do you any good.
Again, you should make sure you follow all speed limits. Some golf carts can exceed speed limits in certain situations. You should be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians when driving through parking lots or intersections. Be aware that the tiny stature of a golf cart will make it harder for others to see you.
Stay on Paths
You must stay on the designated paths no matter how long you’ve been driving. These can vary considerably based on the area. Some areas have specific lanes or paths for golf carts, and others do not. Although, many locations prohibit golf carts on sidewalks or bike paths. Make sure you know the difference and only drive where it’s legal.
Staying on paths minimizes the chances of interfering with other golfers, pedestrians, or vehicles. Golf courses and other areas with designated routes often have established traffic patterns to prevent congestion and ensure everyone’s safety.
Keep Your Distance
Keep your distance, whether it’s another golf cart, a vehicle, or pedestrians. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to react should an unexpected situation occur. This helps keep you and those around you as safe as possible.
Take it easy when navigating tight spaces or obstacles. Collisions on a golf cart can be intense, especially at high speeds. Don’t forget to consider objects like branches and curbs. If you’re new to driving, these obstacles are easy to overlook.
Be Aware of Others
As with most driving situations, you must be aware of others. Stay alert whether you’re on the back nine of a golf course, driving around a resort, or on a community golf cart path. It’s an excellent opportunity to practice your defensive driving.
Many golf carts come with mirrors that make it easier to keep your eyes ahead. These also make it easy to know what’s happening around you. Make sure you adjust these before hitting the road. Be aware of any potential blind spots that could pose a problem.
When driving around blind corners or intersections, slow down and approach them cautiously. It’s essential to be proactive and aware of others in case they don’t see you. By being aware of others, you’re helping to create safer driving conditions for everyone.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving can be dangerous, whether you’re behind the wheel of a passenger vehicle or golf cart. No matter how long you’ve been driving, your full attention must be on the road. Doing so can help prevent accidents and keep you and others safe.
Cell phones are easily the biggest distraction for most drivers. Just because it’s a golf cart doesn’t mean you should text, talk, or use your phone. Most states have hands-free laws regarding cell phones for a reason. In most states, these laws also apply to those driving golf carts. Keep your phone out of reach or turned off if it’s a temptation.
Know the Rules
Being ignorant of the rules of the road will not be an excuse for law enforcement. It is the responsibility of anyone who gets behind the wheel of the golf cart to know the rules. Some areas, resorts, or communities have specific regulations regarding golf carts. As a result, you must pay attention to signs and follow their instructions.
Being informed and aware of the rules can allow you to enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable golf cart driving experience. By respecting others, you’re showing responsibility and contributing to the community.
Drive Your Golf Cart Like a Pro
If you’re new to driving, a golf cart is a great place to start, especially in a controlled environment. You can learn many basic principles of stopping, starting, and steering that are useful for driving. It’s a great first step toward getting a driver’s license. Furthermore, you can reduce traffic and pollution by driving your golf cart around town instead of a gas-guzzling car.
Do you drive a golf cart around your community, campground, or other locations?
