Drifting a car means deliberately oversteering so the rear tires lose traction while the driver holds the slide with countersteer and throttle control — starting with slow cone circles is the recommended beginner method.
Learning to drift begins with controlling a slide, not just spinning out. The most reliable way to learn is in a large open area with cones, starting at speeds low enough that mistakes mean a quick steering correction rather than a spin. The core technique — break the rear tires loose, catch the slide with countersteering, and balance the throttle to hold the angle — takes practice to execute smoothly.
What Is Drifting, Really?
Drifting is intentionally oversteering so the rear wheels lose traction, then maintaining the slide through continuous countersteering and modulated throttle. The rear tires spin faster than the car moves forward, and the driver steers into the slide while keeping enough power to sustain the slip. Adding throttle generally increases the drift angle; easing off straightens the car.
How to Start Drifting as a Beginner
The most repeatable beginner drill, described in The Drive’s comprehensive guide to drifting, is to drive a slow circular path around a central cone at roughly 10 mph — about as fast as a brisk jog. In a manual car, stay in first gear. Approach the circle, break the rear end loose using one of the initiation methods below, then immediately countersteer into the slide and feather the throttle to maintain the circle. For a faster setup, approach a tight corner at about 30 mph in second gear at roughly 3000 rpm. Before attempting either drill, turn off traction control and stability control — those systems fight the wheel slip drifting depends on.
| Initiation Method | How It Works | Best Used When |
|---|---|---|
| Power-over / throttle kick | Apply strong throttle in a turn until the rear breaks loose | You have a high-torque RWD car |
| Handbrake / e-brake | Pull the handbrake briefly while turning, then release and apply throttle | Any car, especially front-wheel drive |
| Clutch kick | Press clutch, blip throttle, dump the clutch to shock the rear tires loose | Manual transmission RWD cars |
| Feint / Scandinavian flick | Steer briefly opposite the turn before turning in, shifting weight sideways | Low-speed, tight corners |
| Brake / weight-transfer | Brake or lift off the throttle to shift weight forward, then steer sharply | When you need to unsettle the rear at entry |
Exiting a drift cleanly is as important as entering. Stay on steady power and unwind the steering wheel gradually. Lifting off the throttle too early transfers weight forward, which can suddenly grip the rear tires and snap the car into a spin. The type of wheels and tires significantly affects how easily the rear breaks loose. Check out our tested roundup of the best drift wheels for controlled slides for what experienced drifters recommend.
Key Tips and Common Mistakes
Countersteer timing is everything. Steer in the direction the rear is traveling — or about to travel — to catch the slide, then keep adjusting as grip changes. Focus your eyes far ahead down the intended line; staring at the hood makes it harder to feel the car’s rotation. Common beginner mistakes include lifting off the throttle too early on exit (causing a snap spin), overcorrecting steering, and not keeping enough throttle to sustain rear wheel slip. Trying to drift at high speed before mastering slow cone circles is another frequent error — the skills that control a 10-mph slide are the same ones that handle a 50-mph one. Drifting is a high-risk maneuver. Practice belongs in large open lots, dedicated tracks, or sanctioned drift days — never on public roads. Conditions like rain ease initiation but reduce the margin for error. Finding a local drift event with experienced instructors is the most effective path to progress.
FAQs
Can you drift an automatic car?
Yes, but the handbrake method is the most practical way to initiate a drift in an automatic, since you cannot use a clutch kick. Power-over also works if the car has enough torque.
What type of car is best for learning to drift?
Rear-wheel-drive cars with a manual transmission are the standard choice. Lightweight, modest-power RWD coupes like the Mazda MX-5 or Nissan 350Z are popular beginner platforms.
Do I need a special license to practice drifting?
No special license is required for practicing on private property or at organized track events, but drifting on public roads is illegal in most jurisdictions.
References & Sources
- The Drive. “How to Drift: The Beginner’s Guide to Powersliding.” Covers beginner setup, initiation methods, and key techniques.
- Popular Mechanics. “How to Drift a Car for Beginners.” Details the cone-circle drill, throttle control, and safety considerations.