LeMans Driver Academy

Build Real driving skills

For teens (12-17 years old) who want more than just Go Karting.

Across a 9-week term, drivers are introduced to the fundamentals of kart racing through a combination of coaching, practical drills and track sessions. The program focuses on building confidence, developing core driving skills and helping young racers learn in a fun and supportive environment. Delivered by experienced coaches in a structured training environment.

Driver Academy is a structured after-school program where drivers build real control, confidence and decision-making behind the wheel — whether they’re looking to improve on track or develop skills that carry into real-world driving.

No experience needed. Just a willingness to learn and get better.

start their development

More than Just Go Karting

Driver Academy is designed for teens who want more than just driving laps around the track. Each session is structured to help drivers improve how they drive, not just how fast they go. 

Through coaching, drills and track time, drivers begin to understand how to control the kart, make better decisions and improve consistency.

While many drivers join to get faster, the program also builds skills that extend beyond the track, including awareness, reaction time and confidence behind the wheel.

For some, it’s the first step into racing. For others, it’s a genuinely engaging after-school activity that builds real-world skills.

What Drivers Actually Work On

Every session focuses on skills that directly impact performance and control.

Braking Technique
Understanding braking points, pressure and how to carry speed into corners.

Racing Lines
Learning how to take the most efficient path around the track.

Kart Control
Developing smooth steering, throttle control and overall consistency.

Racecraft & Decision Making
Knowing when to overtake, defend and adapt during races.

Lap Time Consistency
Building the ability to repeat strong laps under pressure.

Drivers don’t just practise these skills — they learn why they matter and how to apply them.

start their racing journey

What a typical session looks like

Each session is designed to maximise improvement while keeping drivers engaged.

A typical session includes:

Driver briefing
An introduction to the focus skill for the session.

Skill drills
Exercises designed to build technique and control.

Track sessions
Drivers apply what they’ve learned immediately.

Race scenarios
Opportunities to practise decision-making in real racing situations.

Drivers receive ongoing feedback throughout the session so they can adjust and improve in real time.

Sessions run in most weather conditions, helping drivers develop confidence in different environments.

Where Drivers Put It Into Practice

Driver Academy sessions take place on our Penrite Track, a fast and technical circuit designed to challenge drivers and develop real racing skills.

The layout combines flowing corners, braking zones and overtaking opportunities, allowing drivers to practise the techniques they learn in a realistic racing environment.

Drivers race in 200cc Sprint Karts, delivering higher speeds and more responsive handling. This creates a driving experience where precision, control and decision-making become essential.

As drivers progress through the program, the track becomes a place where they can:

  • Refine braking points and cornering technique
  • Improve consistency across multiple laps
  • Develop awareness when driving with others
  • Apply racecraft in real scenarios

The Penrite Track provides the step up from beginner driving into a more advanced, performance-focused environment, while still being structured and supervised at all times.

check available sessions

The Next Step in Their Development

Driver Academy sits at the centre of the Le Mans Driver Pathway.

Many drivers begin in Rookie Driver Development before progressing into Driver Academy, and later move into competitive racing through Junior Race League and senior leagues.

Driver Academy is where drivers begin transitioning from learning the basics to developing real racecraft and consistency.

Rookie Driver Development

 (8–11 years)

 Le Mans Driver Academy

(12–17 years)

Junior Race League

(12–17 years)

Senior Leagues

Program Structure

Driver Academy runs as a 9-week term program, designed to deliver consistent and measurable improvement over time.

Drivers attend one session per week, at the same time each week, allowing them to:

  • Build on skills progressively
  • Develop consistency and confidence
  • Track improvement across the full term

Each session introduces new focus areas and drills, with skills building week by week.


Off-Site Experience
As part of the program, one session during the term includes a special off-site excursion, giving drivers a different perspective and broader experience beyond the track.

Session Commitment
When booking into Driver Academy, you are securing a specific weekly session time for the full term.

Due to high demand and limited capacity:

  • Switching session days mid-term is generally not available
  • Your selected session time remains consistent across all 9 weeks

This structure ensures each group progresses together and maintains a consistent coaching environment.

Limited Availability
Driver Academy is one of our most popular junior programs and places are limited each term.

We recommend booking early to secure your preferred session time.

Built for Drivers Who Want to Improve

Driver Academy is ideal for teens who:

• Enjoy karting and want to get better
• Are interested in racing or motorsport
• Want to build confidence and control behind the wheel
• Are looking for an engaging after-school activity

No formal racing experience is required.

Drivers should be comfortable driving a kart, but beginners are welcome.

limited spots available each term

Term 2 Enrolment is Open

Spots are very limited so we recommend booking to avoid missing out!

Please refer to the time slots below. They are run weekly and participants attend one session only. Due to its popularity, it’s very difficult to change days and times, so please be very careful when booking and only select a timeslot you can definitely attend. 

For more information or enquiries, please contact us at (03) 8787 8741 or the Driver Academy team directly at driveracademy@lemansgokarts.com.au

LDA can be booked using AfterPay

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Contact us for more info

No formal racing experience is required.

Driver Academy is designed for a mix of skill levels. Some drivers have previous karting experience, while others are still building confidence. Sessions are structured so drivers can improve at their own pace.

No.

While Driver Academy focuses on improving performance, it is still designed to be accessible. Drivers are introduced to techniques progressively, with coaching and support throughout each session.

If your child is comfortable driving a kart and wants to improve, they will be well suited to the program.

Driver Academy is structured and coached.

Instead of simply driving laps, each session focuses on specific skills, with guidance from instructors and opportunities to practise and improve.

Drivers don’t just get track time — they learn how to drive better.

Each session runs for approximately 60 minutes, including coaching, drills and multiple track sessions.

Driver Academy runs as a structured 9-week program, with each session building on the last.

If you know you’ll miss a session, speak with our team and we’ll do our best to assist where possible. However, sessions are not guaranteed to be transferable.

When you book Driver Academy, you are securing a specific weekly session time for the full term.

Due to high demand and limited availability, changing session days is generally not possible.

Yes. Safety is a core part of Driver Academy.

All sessions begin with a safety briefing and are supervised by trained staff. Drivers operate within controlled conditions, with structured sessions designed to prioritise safe driving while developing skill.

Drivers should wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes.

All helmets and required safety equipment are provided.

Yes.

Driver Academy helps develop awareness, control and decision-making — all of which are valuable skills when learning to drive on the road.

Many parents see it as a great way for teens to build confidence before getting their learner’s permit.

One session during the term includes a special off-site excursion, designed to give drivers additional exposure beyond the track.

Further details are provided upon enrolment.

Yes.

Driver Academy is one of our most popular junior programs and places are limited each term.

We recommend booking early to secure your preferred session time.