Golf carts have become a popular mode of transportation on golf courses and other private properties. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, knowing how to drive a golf cart is an important skill.
First, To drive a golf cart, ensure you’re seated comfortably and have your seat belt fastened. Start the engine, release the parking brake, and gently press the accelerator pedal to move forward. Use the steering wheel to control the direction of the cart, and use the brakes to slow down or stop when necessary.
In this article, I will provide step-by-step instructions on driving a golf cart safely and confidently. From starting the engine to controlling the direction of the cart, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!
Requirements and the Regulation before the drive
According to the New rules of NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), Almost all of America’s local judiciary states are permitted to use a golf cart on the road. But before you begin, there is some condition to driving your golf car in the street.
Let’s discuss about those:
- Don’t cross the speed limit. 25 MPH should be the maximum speed when you drive.
- When you drive a golf cart, you need to ensure your safety first. Always wear your seatbelt.
- Always take your driving license with you. Otherwise, you can go to jail.
- A maximum of 4 people can sit in one cart.
Last but not least, there is also an age restriction to drive a golf cart. If you are under 14, you cannot drive a golf cart anymore. You have to be at least 14+ to drive the vehicle, but 18+ is the proper age limit.
Read More: How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Golf Cart?
Understanding the Golf Cart Controls
Before you start driving a golf cart, it’s essential to understand the various controls and their functions. Here’s a brief overview of the most common golf cart controls:
- Accelerator Pedal: This pedal is located on the right side of the cart and controls the vehicle’s speed. Press down on the pedal to move forward and release it to slow down or stop.
- Brake Pedal: The brake pedal is located on the left side of the cart and is used to slow down or stop the vehicle. Press down on the pedal to apply the brakes and release it to let go.
- The Parking Brake: This Brake is on the floor next brake pedal. Press down on the pedal with your foot to engage the parking brake. To release it, lift the pedal with your foot.
- Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is located in front of the driver’s seat and is used to control the direction of the cart. Turn the wheel left or right to steer the cart in the desired direction.
You can operate the vehicle safely and efficiently by understanding these basic golf cart controls.
Check Also: The Best Golf Push Carts For Every Golfer
Step by Step Instruction for How to Drive a Golf Cart:
Step 1: Start Your cart.
Before driving first, you have to start the cart engine. To start a golf cart engine, you have to use a key. After inserting the key then turn it right to start the golf cart engine.
Electrical golf carts do have not much sound as gas-powered ones. So, when you hear the engine sound, that means the cart is ready to drive.
Step 2: Wear a Seat Belt
There is always a risk to drive any car. After the engine start, you have to put the seat belt on. Safety is always first. If you ignore your seat belt, then you can face an accident.
But if your cart max speed is under 20 MPH, you don’t need to wear a seat belt. But we recommend always wearing a seat belt before driving a golf cart.
Step 3: Now Time to Move Forward
After wearing a seat belt, now use some gentle pressure on the accelerator to move the cart. The accelerator should be pressure sensitively. Otherwise, the cart moves very fast, and you can lose control.
And also, remember that the accelerator and brake should be far from each other. Otherwise, if you accidentally press the accelerator and brake at the same time, that can cause an accident.
Step 4: Control the golf cart by Steering
After you start moving, both your hand should be on the steering all the time. Always focus on the road and maintain speed at the same time. If you don’t concentrate, that can cause an accident.
Step 5: Use Horn, Light, and indicator in the proper way
Use the horn when you need it. Always try to avoid Using horns (Schools, Parks, Libraries, churches) Form those places.
At night, Turn on all the lights. Because at night everything will be darker and you also need light to see the road and prevent the accident.
When you try to turn left or turn right and stop the cart. It would be best if you used indicators all the time.
Step 6: Decelerate and braking
When you need to slow the cart, you just release the pressure from the accelerator. Then the cart becomes slow and reduces speed.
For stopping the cart, you need to gently pressure the brake and stop the car immediately. But remember that you should not pressure a lot on the brake.
Step 7: Reverse the Cart if Want
For turning back, there is a reverse setting, and after accelerating the paddle. You have to turn around and see what is happening on your back. Then you reverse the cart. Otherwise, that can cause an accident.
Step 8: Don’t Drive Recklessly
Drive Recklessly can cause an accident. if you are in hurry, you can drive recklessly but your safety is more important than anything. so, always try to be patient and drive slowly and try to avoid driving recklessly
Step 9: Maintain the rules of the road
A golf cart is basically used on golf courses. But if you want to drive the cart on the road, you have to maintain the road rules. You can not exceed your speed of over 25 MPH onto the street. Otherwise, you can be fined by the traffic police, and that can cause an accident.
And always try to maintain the symbol (Stop, Speed limit, Don’t Overtake, No Parking) of the roads. And also have to maintain the traffic rules and always keep your license and other papers with you.
Read More: How to Start a Golf Cart Without a Key
Safety Instruction while Driving a golf cart
After your lesson is done and you are ready to drive a cart Hold on, you must have to read those safety instructions below.
- You have to concentrate everywhere and focus on your driving.
- Check your cart properly. If you feel anything wrong, then try to avoid driving the golf cart.
- Always wear a seat belt properly.
- Avoid dangerous turns and slow down your cart at that moment.
- Speed cause accident. So, always maintain your speed (recommended under 20 mph).
Read More: How Fast is a Golf cart ?
Golf Cart Etiquette
- Follow the rules of the golf course.
- Yield to pedestrians and other golf carts.
- Stay on the designated path or course.
- Avoid driving on the greens or tees.
- Keep noise to a minimum
Maintenance Tips for Your Golf Cart
- Check the battery regularly.
- Keep the tires properly inflated.
- Regularly clean and maintain the golf cart’s exterior and interior
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
(FAQs) About How to Drive a Golf Cart
How Long Can a Full Tank of Gas Last In a Golf Cart?
A full tank of gas in a golf cart can last for about 18-20 miles.
Who Can Use a Golf Cart?
Anyone can drive a golf cart as long as they can operate a manual transmission. Golf carts are typically small and easy to use, making them an excellent option for those not comfortable driving a standard car.
But a person must be at least 14 years old to operate a golf cart.
Why is Driving a Golf Cart Dangerous For Children?
It is dangerous for children to drive in a golf cart because they might not be able to see well, and they might not know how to operate it correctly.
According to a 2008 study, children are responsible for more than a third of golf cart-related injuries. It is far safer for a girl or boy to wait until they reach the age of 16 before operating carts.
If a child is too small to touch the ground with their feet while seated, you should not drive them in one of these carts. They fall out of the golf cart much more quickly and frequently and are more prone to severe injuries.
Do I need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart?
No, you do not need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart on the course.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Most golf carts have a maximum speed of around 15 miles per hour.
Can I bring my golf cart to the course?
It depends on the golf course’s policies. Some golf courses allow personal golf carts, while others require you to use the carts provided by the course.
Can I use a golf cart on the streets?
In most cases, golf carts are not street legal and can only be used on the golf course or private property.
How often should I charge the battery on my golf cart?
Charging the battery after each use is recommended to ensure it stays fully charged and is ready for your next golf round.
Final Word
Every golfer needs a golf car while he/she plays on Golf Courses. And as a golfer, he/she has to know at least the basics about the golf cart. A golf cart is a simple and small vehicle this can be operated by anyone.
In this article, I am trying to clarify how to drive a cart safely and smoothly step by step. But everything depends on you. You have to maintain the rules and focus on your driving. And always ensure your safety before going to driving—best of luck.
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