How To Drive A Golf Cart: Expert Guide For 2024

Have you ever daydreamed about riding in a brand-new golf cart and wondered what the benefits are, as well as How To Drive A Golf Cart? Beyond simply the golf course, a golf cart may be a convenient way to get around. Of course, you can ride about your neighborhood or retirement community in a golf cart, move feed around your farm, or navigate the golf course.

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Table of Contents

How to Drive A Golf Cart?

Golf carts are utilized for a number of purposes outside of golf courses, despite their name. According to regulations, the top speed of a golf cart is between 15 and 35 mph. Golf cart drivers must be at least 14 years old.

To operate a golf cart, you do not require a license.
In certain states or counties, a permit may be required in order to operate a golf cart.
Unlicensed drivers can travel on private roads in the majority of states, but not on major thoroughfares for extended periods of time. It’s acceptable to cross a major road junction.
A license is required in order to drive on public roads.

Make Use Of The Key

Similar to the vehicle, which is the older relative of the golf cart, starting it requires a key. Turn the key to the right after inserting it into the key slot. Unlike with an automobile, you most likely won’t hear a loud starter. The key only activates the battery in the majority of golf carts, which run on electricity.

Although the key is in forward motion, you may still perceive a backward setting.
Electricity and fuel are used to power certain golf carts. There will be a recognizable engine sound as these carts start up.

Fasten Your Seatbelt

Even though the golf carts don’t move very quickly, it’s still a good idea to wear a seat belt. Certain carts lack seat belts since they can’t go faster than 14 mph. Ensure that your young passengers understand the importance of staying seated.

Quicken Your Pace

You may start driving faster on the golf cart once everyone has taken a seat. Press down with your foot on the right, narrow pedal. The amount of pressure you apply affects how sensitive the pedal is. To begin, apply little pressure with your foot to gain a feel for the golf cart’s handle. As soon as you know how the cart works, press harder on the pedal.

When starting up, don’t step on the accelerator pedal. Step on the pedal and gradually increase the pressure and pace.

Apply The Brake

Press down on the wider pedal and remove your foot from the acceleration pedal. For cars, this is the same arrangement where the brakes are engaged by pressing the left pedal, which is often the widest pedal. Apply the brakes only when it is absolutely necessary.

To utilize the break normally, ease into it similarly to how you would with an acceleration pedal.

Go In Reverse

Use the accelerator pedal and pull or spin the cart’s switch to reverse direction. The majority of golf carts will not accelerate as quickly when in reverse. Wrapping your right arm over the rear of the passenger seat will cause your torso to rotate. You will be able to view everything behind you from this posture.

Advice & Cautions

Off-road driving is not recommended for golf carts. Keep an eye on your destination. Observe any cart-related course signs. The majority of courses prohibit pushing the cart up to the green.

Observe any cart-related course signs. The majority of courses prohibit pushing the cart up to the green.

Before you hit the course, you might be wondering, “How much does a new golf cart cost?” Well, the answer can vary depending on several factors, including the brand, model, and features you choose. To make an informed decision, check out our comprehensive guide on How Much Does a New Golf Cart Cost? which breaks down the various factors influencing prices and offers tips on finding the best deals.

Useful Recommendations When Driving a Golf Cart

Beyond the basic driving rules, some other recommendations from our experts will ensure you make full use of your golf cart properly.

How To Use The Brakes And Accelerate

You can leave after everyone is securely restrained in the vehicle. Because the buggy has both a brake and an accelerator, you should gently step on the accelerator pedal to get going. Because the buggy is delicate, the driver should avoid exerting too much pressure and losing control too soon. To get a sense of the buggy’s power and acceleration rate, start out slowly and work your way up, much like in a vehicle.

Likewise, take care when applying your brakes to prevent the need for emergency stops. It is important to take additional care on the course to ensure that improper or excessive motions do not harm the pathways, greens, or fairways. It goes without saying that you should never, ever drive on a green!

Reduce Your Speed While Turning

Golf courses are known for having a lot of turns; even going around a bend at 11 mph runs the risk of sending a passenger flying out of the buggy and maybe injuring them. Since the carts lack doors, they slow down to lessen the possibility of accidents while turning a bend.

It is also common for routes to be designed with a single cart in mind, so constantly be on the lookout for other golf buggies that might collide with you. In the event that you spot another golf buggy approaching, move to the side and give them space until they grant you permission to pass.

Driving Late At Night

You might have to drive the buggy back in the dark if you are starting later in the day. You don’t need to fear because the majority of carts have reflective materials, turning signals, brake lights, and headlights. Driving at that hour is not advised, though, and many clubs may forbid golf buggies from being used too late in the day. It’s obviously too late to play golf if it’s too dark to operate the golf buggy!

Purchase Insurance!

Even if you drive very responsibly and take every precaution to protect your passengers and yourself from harm, you cannot always count on other drivers to do similarly. Consequently, it is worthwhile to obtain specialized golf buggy insurance to safeguard not only your financial security but also the health of you and your passengers!

Once you’ve chosen your dream golf cart, it’s important to understand its weight, as it can impact handling, transportation, and even the type of terrain you can safely navigate. For a detailed look at the average weight of golf carts and the factors that contribute to it, be sure to read our informative article How Heavy is a Golf Cart?

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have answered the question of how to drive a golf cart involving understanding its controls, practicing safe maneuvering techniques, and respecting course rules and etiquette. By prioritizing safety, navigation, and courtesy to fellow golfers, drivers can ensure an enjoyable and seamless experience on the course, enhancing both their own game and that of others.