Drifting is one of the most exciting and skillful driving techniques in motorsport. It combines control, style, and speed into an art form where cars slide sideways through corners while maintaining precision. Many new enthusiasts ask: how do you drift? In this complete guide, we’ll break down drifting step by step — from basic beginner techniques to advanced competition methods — while also covering car setup and safety tips.
Want the original pro-level breakdown? See our main article here: How Do You Drift? Pro Techniques Step by Step.
What Is Drifting?
Drifting is the controlled oversteer of a car through a corner, where the rear tires lose traction but the driver maintains control with steering and throttle. Unlike accidental skids, drifting is intentional, repeatable, and judged on angle, speed, and style in competitions like Formula Drift.
Basic Requirements for Drifting
Before attempting to drift, ensure you have the right tools and conditions:
- Car type: Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is best for learning.
- Differential: A limited-slip differential (LSD) or welded diff ensures both rear wheels spin together.
- Tires: Affordable, predictable tires — beginners will burn through them fast.
- Open space: Practice in a safe, legal environment such as a drift track or skid pad.
Step-by-Step: How to Drift for Beginners
1. Handbrake Initiation
The easiest way to start drifting is by using the handbrake. Approach a corner, press the clutch (if manual), pull the handbrake to lock the rear wheels, then countersteer while applying throttle to hold the slide.
2. Power Oversteer
With enough horsepower, you can initiate a drift by flooring the throttle mid-corner. This method relies on raw power and throttle control, often used in higher-horsepower drift cars.
3. Clutch Kick (Manual Cars)
In manual cars, a quick clutch kick can shock the drivetrain and break traction. Press the clutch in mid-corner, rev the engine, and release quickly while countersteering into the slide.
4. Weight Transfer / Scandinavian Flick
Turn sharply away from the corner, then quickly back in. This shifts the car’s weight and momentum, causing the rear to step out. This technique works even in lower-powered cars.
5. Brake Drift
Trail braking into a corner transfers weight forward, reducing rear grip. Combine this with throttle and steering to hold the slide.
Maintaining the Drift
Once the car is sideways, the challenge is maintaining angle and speed. Use these controls:
- Countersteering: Turn the wheel opposite the slide to balance the car.
- Throttle Control: More throttle = more angle, less throttle = straighten out.
- Feathering Inputs: Smooth, consistent movements are key — jerky inputs cause spinouts.
Linking Corners
After mastering single drifts, the next step is linking multiple corners. Use transitions where you let the car’s momentum swing from one slide into the next. This is the foundation of tandem drifting and competition driving.
Car Setup for Drifting
- Coilovers: Stiff, adjustable coilovers (like SLR Drift Spec Coilovers) give precise control of ride height and damping.
- Angle Kit: Extends steering angle, allowing deeper drifts without spinning out.
- LSD or Welded Diff: Essential for consistent power delivery to both rear wheels.
- Handbrake: Hydraulic e-brakes improve drift initiations.
- Tires: Grip balance matters — front tires need strong grip for steering, while rears should be predictable and replaceable.
Advanced Drifting Techniques
- Feint Drift: Aggressively flicking the car before turn-in to exaggerate weight transfer.
- Kansei Drift: Lift-off oversteer used mid-corner to initiate rotation.
- Tandem Drifting: Chasing another car door-to-door, requiring precision and trust.
- Long Drift Entries: High-speed initiations before a corner, seen in pro drifting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much throttle — spins the car out.
- Not enough countersteer — causes understeer and stalls the drift.
- Practicing on public roads — unsafe and illegal. Always drift in designated areas.
FAQs: How to Drift
Do I need a manual car to drift?
No — automatics can drift too, but manuals give more initiation options like clutch kick.
Is drifting bad for my car?
Yes, drifting is hard on tires, drivetrain, and suspension. That’s why dedicated drift cars are common.
How much horsepower do I need to drift?
Not much — even 150–200hp is enough to drift if you use weight transfer techniques. More power just makes it easier to sustain longer drifts.
What’s the best car to learn drifting?
Lightweight, RWD cars like the Nissan 240SX, BMW E36/E46, or Mazda Miata are great for learning.
Conclusion: Learning How to Drift
Drifting is a combination of car setup, technique, and practice. From simple handbrake initiations to advanced tandem battles, every step teaches control and precision. If you want to dive deeper into pro techniques, check out our main guide here: How Do You Drift – Pro Techniques Step by Step.
Ready to upgrade your car for drifting? Explore SLR Drift Spec Coilovers and suspension kits designed for real competition performance.
