From choosing between hire karts and owning your own kart, to finding local tracks and clubs and getting licensed, this guide walks you through the process. With the right approach, karting offers thrills for all ages and skill levels.
The steps to get started
Choose your entry level
Karting has two main options: hire karting and owner karting. Hire karting is a great introduction with minimal commitment. You turn up, drive and enjoy the track in a rental kart. For those serious about racing, owner karting means owning your kart and taking part in more competitive events. You get full control over set-up, but it needs investment in equipment and maintenance.
Find a local track
Many tracks offer arrive-and-drive sessions, so you can try karting with no experience. See our list of every UK and Ireland kart track, and Motorsport UK lists licensed tracks too. It's a great way to test the waters before going further.
Join a karting club
Clubs give you regular practice sessions, races and a supportive community. They can guide you through the basics, give advice on equipment and help you plan your karting journey. Many have options for juniors and adults.
Get your licence
To race competitively you'll need a Motorsport UK karting licence. That means passing the ARKS (Association of Racing Kart Schools) test, with a theory part and a practical driving part. Our racing guide explains the test in detail.
Buy your first kart (optional)
Owning a kart is the next step beyond hire karting. As well as the kart, you'll need safety gear: helmet, suit and gloves. The class you want to race in decides the type of kart and engine you need, so speak to local kart shops or teams first. See choosing the right kart.
Practise, practise, practise
Once you have a kart and licence, go to practice days as often as you can. Improving racecraft, learning track lines and working on fitness all help make a better driver.
Join competitions
When your driver is confident, enter local or national competitions. Many tracks and clubs run their own events. Start with club championships and aim for national series as you progress.
Enjoy the journey
Karting has something for everyone, from casual racers to those aiming for the top. The most important thing is to enjoy it, learn from every session and get involved in the karting community.
For more detail on licensing, visit Motorsport UK's How to Start Karting page.
Your first hire kart session
- Research and learn. Look up local karting tracks and find ones that offer rental karts for beginners. Learn a little about the types of kart and the basics of karting.
- Check the requirements. Check the age and height limits for the track. If your driver is under 18, bring any ID or consent forms needed.
- Choose a time. Find out the opening hours and book a session that works for you.
- Dress sensibly. Wear comfortable clothes with nothing loose that could get caught. Closed-toe shoes are essential, so no sandals.
- Safety gear. Most tracks provide helmets and sometimes race suits. If not, ask what you need to bring.
- Listen to the briefing. The staff will explain how to drive the kart, the safety rules and track etiquette.
- Start slowly. Take time to get comfortable with the controls and the track layout, then build up speed as confidence grows.
- Follow the rules. Respect other drivers, follow overtaking rules and stay aware of what's around you.
- Enjoy it! Karting is about having fun and the thrill of driving.
- Learn and improve. With experience, work on racing lines and technique.
- Consider going regularly. If you love it, many tracks offer memberships, leagues or academies.
Karting questions parents ask
What age can kids start karting?
Children can start racing owner karts from 6 in the Bambino class (6 to 8), then move up to Cadet (8 to 13) and Junior classes from around 11. Hire kart tracks set their own age and height limits, so check with the track first. Our kart classes guide has the full list of classes and ages.
How much does karting cost?
Arrive-and-drive hire karting is the cheapest way in: you pay per session and the track supplies the kart and usually the helmet. Owner karting costs more. From our own experience, a club race weekend typically costs around £375 to £890 as a privateer, or £700 to £2,200+ with a race team. See our privateer or race team breakdown for the full figures.
Should we start in hire karts or owner karts?
Most families start in hire karts to find out whether their child loves it, then move to owner karting to race properly. We explain the pros, cons and costs of each in hire karts or owner karts.
Do you need a licence to go karting?
Not for arrive-and-drive sessions at a hire kart track. To race owner karts in Motorsport UK events, your child needs a karting licence, which means passing the ARKS test. Our guide to starting kart racing explains how.
Where can we go karting near me?
We list all 157 go kart tracks in the UK and Ireland, indoor and outdoor, by county on our kart tracks page. Many offer arrive-and-drive sessions and owner practice days.
How do we keep going once we've started?
Join a local club, race a club championship, and step up to national karting when you're ready. Read club or national karting, our UK karting championships guide, and how to get karting sponsorship to help with the costs.