Rookie Driver Development

where young racers begin

Rookie Driver Development is a structured after-school Go Karting program designed for young drivers aged 8–11 years who are ready for more than just casual laps around the track.

Across a 6-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.

Sessions take place on our dedicated Rookie Track using electric Rookie Karts, providing the perfect setting for younger drivers to learn safely while still experiencing the excitement of racing.

For many drivers, Rookie Driver Development becomes the first step in their racing journey at Le Mans.

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an after-school activity that builds real skills

Rookie Driver Development offers something different from traditional after-school activities. Rather than simply driving laps, young racers learn skills that help them improve each week.

Parents choose the program because it combines:

Structure
Each session introduces new skills and techniques that help drivers develop their abilities.

Confidence Building
Drivers gain confidence as they learn to control the kart, understand the track and improve their lap times.

Supervised Learning
Every session is run by trained staff who guide drivers through the fundamentals of racing.

Fun and Engagement
Young racers build friendships with other drivers while enjoying the thrill of karting.

The result is a program where kids stay engaged while steadily improving their driving.

Skills Young Drivers develop

Throughout the term, drivers are introduced to the key fundamentals used in kart racing.

Safety & Track Awareness
Drivers learn kart controls, track rules and safe driving behaviour.

Racing Lines
Understanding the fastest way around the track and how to carry speed through corners.

Braking Control
Learning where and how to brake when approaching corners.

Race Starts & Racecraft
Developing confidence when driving alongside other racers.

Lap Time Consistency
Learning how to drive smoothly and consistently across multiple laps.

These skills are introduced through coaching, practical drills and track sessions, allowing drivers to apply what they learn immediately.

start their racing journey

What a typical session looks like

Each Rookie Driver Development session combines instruction with real track time so drivers can practise what they learn.

A typical session includes:

Driver briefing
An introduction to the skill or technique for the session.

Skill drills
Exercises designed to help drivers develop control and technique.

Track sessions
Drivers practise the skill while driving on the Rookie Track.

Practice races
Opportunities for drivers to experience racing with other participants.

Sessions operate in most weather conditions, including wet track training, helping drivers develop confidence in different conditions.

At the end of the term, drivers receive a certificate recognising their participation and progress.

The Racer Industries Circuit

Rookie Driver Development takes place on our 200-metre Rookie Track, designed specifically for younger drivers.

The track features a wide and flowing layout that allows drivers to develop confidence while learning how to handle corners, braking zones and overtaking opportunities.

Drivers race in electric Rookie Karts, which provide smooth acceleration and predictable handling. This makes them ideal for young drivers learning the fundamentals of kart control.

The track is fully floodlit and sessions operate in most weather conditions.

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The First Step Before Driver Academy

Rookie Driver Development is designed for younger drivers who are not yet eligible for Le Mans Driver Academy.

The program introduces the same core racing concepts used in Driver Academy, but in a format designed specifically for drivers aged 8–11.

As drivers grow and develop their skills, many progress into Le Mans Driver Academy, where training continues with faster karts and more advanced coaching.

Rookie Driver Development

 (8–11 years)

 Le Mans Driver Academy

(12–17 years)

Junior Race League

(12–17 years)

Senior Leagues

Program Structure

Rookie Driver Development runs as a 6-week term program.

Drivers attend one session per week, allowing them to steadily build their skills over the duration of the program.

Sessions are held after school across multiple evenings, making it easy for families to fit the program into their weekly schedule.

Places are limited each term and programs frequently sell out.

Is Rookie Driver Development Right for your child?

Rookie Driver Development is ideal for:

• Kids aged 8–11 years old
• Drivers interested in racing or motorsport
• Children looking for an exciting after-school activity
• Young racers wanting to improve their karting skills

No prior karting experience is required.

Beginners and returning drivers are both welcome.

limited spots available each term

Term 2 is sold out!

For more information, enquiries or to join the Term 3 contact list, please contact us at (03) 8787 8741 or the Driver Academy team directly at driveracademy@lemansgokarts.com.au

RDD can be booked using AfterPay. 

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No prior experience is required.

Rookie Driver Development is designed specifically for beginners aged 8–11. Many drivers are stepping into structured karting for the first time, and our sessions are designed to build confidence from the ground up.

Each session runs for approximately 60 minutes.

This includes coaching, skill drills and multiple track sessions so drivers can practise what they learn without feeling overwhelmed.

Group sizes are kept manageable to ensure each driver receives individual attention and plenty of track time.

This allows our team to support each driver while maintaining a safe and structured environment.

Yes. Safety is a core focus of the program.

Drivers race on a dedicated Racer Industries Circuit designed for younger participants, using electric karts that are smooth, controlled and predictable.

The program commences with a safety briefing, and drivers are supervised by trained staff at all times.

That’s completely fine.

Rookie Driver Development is designed for first-time drivers as well as those with some experience. The program introduces skills progressively, so drivers can learn at their own pace.

Because the program runs as a structured term, sessions are designed to build week by week.

If you know you’ll miss a session, speak with our team and we’ll do our best to assist where possible.

Drivers should wear comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes.

All necessary safety equipment and helmets are provided on the day.

Rookie Driver Development is the first step in our junior racing pathway.

As drivers get older and more confident, they can progress into Le Mans Driver Academy (12-17 years old), where they continue developing their skills on larger tracks with faster karts.

The opportunities are endless!

If your child enjoys go karting, racing or active after-school activities, Rookie Driver Development is a great fit.

The program is designed to be both fun and informative, helping kids build confidence while learning new skills.

Yes. Rookie Driver Development is one of our most popular junior programs and often fills quickly each term.

We recommend booking early to secure your preferred session time.